Spring Cleaning For Your Home's Electrical

With another Minnesota winter in the books, and as we begin the yearly ritual known as "Spring Cleaning," it is important to do a little spring maintenance on your home's outdoor electrical system to ensure it is running efficiently and safely as we look to make the most of our spring and summer outdoors.
We understand how easy it is to put off small maintenance items like checking your outdoor outlets and covers, changing burnt out lamps, replacing old extension cords, and all the other items that take away from this precious time of year, but Ben Franklin coined the timeless phrase back in 1736: "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." (He probably knew how busy our lives would be today and that we may tend to neglect our electrical services.)

​Not having the time should not be the excuse.

Just like doing routine maintenance on your car prolongs its life and ensure it operates safely and efficiently, your home's electrical is no different. Every year we are called out to countless homes because of an electrical emergency that could have been avoided if caught earlier when it was only a minor issue.
The most common emergency problems we see that create major damage and cost people the most in terms of both headaches and money could be avoided by routine maintenance of the electrical system, such as tightening or replacing minor parts as they wear down.

Some startling statistics regarding electrocutions across the country:

Data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission shows that, on average, there are more than 400 electrocutions in the United States each year.

• Electrocutions from wiring hazards, including damaged or exposed wiring and household wiring, together totaled approximately 20%.
• Ladders contacting power lines caused 9% of electrocutions; in another 5% of deaths, victims had contacted high voltage power lines.
• Power tools were responsible for another 9% of electrocution deaths.
• Landscaping, gardening, and farming equipment cause 7% of electrocutions each year.

Our team of professional electricians are always ready to make sure you, your family, and your home are ready for a safe summer. An outdoor Electrical Home Safety & Performance Assessment will provide peace of mind that everything is in good condition and you won't have any dangerous or costly surprises.

Call today to schedule you Outdoor Safety & Performance Assessment

Quick tips for safer summer:

• Inspect all Cords: Before using seasonal equipment (tools, lights, fountain pumps...) thoroughly check the cords to make sure they are free of cracks, frays, or corrosion. If you find that they have any issues, replace them immediately. 
• Inspect and Test Outdoor Electrical Outlets: All exterior outlets should be GFCI protected , and it is important to check the GFCI feature to ensure it is working properly. Spring is also a great time to make sure the covers are in good condition and properly protect the outlet .
• Inspect and Clean Exterior Lights: Take time to check your outdoor light fixtures for signs of damage from the winter. Also, make sure that the light fixtures are free of any nests (birds or bees) as they tend to create a fire hazard.
• Always Call 811 Before Digging: Looking to plant a garden, tree, pond, or any other reason to get the shovel out this spring? Don't forget to call 811 for a free evaluation to ensure the area is free of buried electrical or gas that could create an expensive, if not deadly, issue if found by mistake with a shovel.

If you have any questions about outdoor (or indoor) electrical safety, please reach out or drop a comment. Also, don't forget to share this to make sure to remind your family and friends to check their home's electrical safety features.