As the summer kicks off, it is essential to prioritize electrical safety. People spend so much time outdoors during the summer – which means more time in and around water.
Mixing electricity and water can be very dangerous without proper safety measures.
Nothing matters more than the safety of your clients and their families. As the weather gets warmer, be aware of electrical hazards on your property. Below is a list of electrical safety tips to make this summer much more enjoyable.
Electrical Safety Tips for Outdoors
Summer is almost synonymous to the beach or pool. Everyone wants to bask in the sun and play outside. Awareness of electrical hazards around water helps prevent injury or death.
-
Power lines
Go around the neighborhood and find out where the telephone poles and electrical lines are located. Always assume that wires are “live and dangerous,” and people should never touch them.
Stand at least 10 feet away from power lines. Do not touch them with any part of your body or any other object.
Never throw shoes or clothing onto power lines. Do not try to retrieve an object that is hanging from a power line.
Play with Kites, model aircraft, and other airborne toys in wide-open spaces. The same applies to drones. This way, they won’t interfere with power lines or get stuck between them.
Do not attempt to retrieve balloons or other airborne objects that may be stuck on power lines.
If you see a power line down, don’t attempt to go near it. Report the issue to your local utility company immediately.
Some power lines are installed underground. If you are landscaping outside your property, call 811 before you dig.
-
Electrical substations
Do not enter an electric substation for any reason whatsoever. High-voltage equipment contained in this area can kill you. Call 911 or your local utility company if a person or pet enters this area. Do not try to rescue them by yourself.
-
Trees and poles
Do not climb, post signs, hang banners, or tie ribbons or balloons on utility poles. This can put utility workers in danger when they come to work those poles.
Never climb trees that are close to power lines – even if the wires are not touching the tree. Your weight can cause a branch to touch the line and cause injury. If trees on your property are too close to power lines, trim or remove them.
-
The pier
If you are operating a boat rental business, check your sailboats on the dock. Make sure masts that go up 30 feet above do not come into contact with power lines. Stay at least 10 feet away to prevent lethal electrical hazards.
-
Lightning
Thunder and lightning are pretty common during spring and summer. During bad weather, unplug electrical appliances to avoid surge damage from a lightning strike.
Make sure tree branches are trimmed, so they do not hit power lines during high winds or thunderstorms.
Electrical Safety Tips for Within the Property
Water and electricity are a deadly combination. It is vital to keep them away from each other as far as possible.
Whenever possible, use battery-operated electrical devices instead of electrical outlets.
-
Pools
If you have a swimming pool, spa, or hot tub on your premises, regular inspections are a must. Licensed electricians can evaluate safety based on the National Electrical Code.
-
Electronics
Outdoor pools are great for hanging out with friends and family but keep gadgets away from poolside. Electronics such as stereos and mp3 players should be at least 10 feet away from any water source. These include pools, sprinkler systems, bathtubs, outdoor showers, and sinks.
- Keep electrical toys and tools at least 10 feet away from wet surfaces.
- Do not touch any electrical toy, appliance, or tool if you are wet or standing on water.
- Extension cords
- Keep electrical cords away from pools.
If you need to plug an electrical appliance outdoors, make sure that you are using the right extension cord. This has to bear the mark of a nationally recognized testing laboratory plus an outdoor rating.
Inspection all extension cords before using. Damaged wires are a safety risk, especially when used outdoors.
Do not connect multiple extension cords to make them longer. Check the amperage rating at all times. Never use extension cords for a long period or as a permanent outlet. If you need an additional power source, hire an electrician to install new outlets.
-
Grounded outlets
Make sure that major appliances such as washers, dryers, refrigerators, and air conditioners are plugged into grounded outlets. Do not plug them into extension cords!
Make sure electrical connections to your pools and hot tubs are fully grounded.
-
GFCI outlets
Summer is the best time to check your outdoor outlets. Make sure to equip them with a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI).
Modern building codes now require GFCI outlets in areas where water can get near the outlet. GFCI outlets feature a safety reset button that shuts the power if the circuit is compromised by water. This protects people from electrocutions and electrical shock injuries.
Install GFCI outlets in all wet areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, pool rooms, garages, and basements.
-
Receptacles and breakers
Install weatherproof boxes and protective covers on all outdoor outlets near swimming pools.
Make sure you know how to safely turn off a circuit breaker in the event of an emergency.
Replace fuses, circuit breakers, GFCI outlets, receptacles, and switches that have been submerged in water.
When to Call Your Trusted Orange County Handyman for Help
Is your electrical panel outdated? Maybe you want to install LED lighting around your pool? Prestige Property Services is here to help! We’ll keep your circuits and outlets in good shape, so you don’t have to worry about electrical safety.
