Outdoor Electrical Safety Tips - Buzz Electrical
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  • Outdoor Electrical Safety Tips

    SCHEDULE SERVICE

  • Outdoor Electrical Safety Tips

    May 17, 2019

    outdoor electrical safety tips

    May is National Electrical Safety Month, so we are focusing on electrical safety tips around the home in each of our weekly blog updates. You might think you already know the rules for electrical safety, but it’s important to make sure to educate your whole family about using electronics wisely.

    At Buzz Electrical, we want to empower our customers to use electrical appliances as safely as possible. Here are some outdoor electrical safety tips to keep in mind before you take care of yard work, play on the lawn, or jump in the pool.

    General Outdoor Electrical Safety Tips

    • Only use extension cords labeled for outdoor use. They are labeled that way because they were designed to withstand outdoor wear and tear.
    • Don’t run extension cords through windows or doors, even temporarily.
    • Don’t climb trees or fly kites and drones near power lines. Always stay at least 10 feet away from power lines.
    • Don’t touch transformer boxes, and don’t let kids play near them.
    • Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets are now required for outdoor use by National Electric Code. These outlets cut off power at the source if they detect a disruption in the flow of electricity and protect homeowners from electrocution. If your outdoor outlets are old school, upgrade them to GFCIs.
    • Use weatherproof covers on your outlets to protect them when they aren’t in use.

    Yard Work Electrical Safety

    • Inspect electrical tools for damage before every use. Repair or replace them when necessary.
    • Use safety googles, dust masks, gloves, and other protective gear as necessary when operating tools in the yard or garage.
    • Turn electrical tools completely off and lock them in a safety position when moving them around your yard or garage.
    • Never leave electrical tools unattended, especially if you have children in your home.
    • Store electrical tools indoors so they won’t be damaged by storms or heat.

    Swimming Pool Electrical Safety

    • Keep all electronics at least 10 feet away from the edge of the pool. This includes radios, yard tools, cooking equipment, phone chargers, and anything else connected to an outlet.
    • Never handle electronics while you are wet from the pool.
    • Don’t swim before, during, or immediately after a thunderstorm.
    • Have any pool lights regularly inspected by a licensed electrician to ensure your pool is safe for swimmers.
    • Create an emergency plan in case the water becomes electrically charged or someone is electrocuted while in the pool. Make sure everyone in your family is aware of the plan and knows to stay away from the water and how to call for help.

    Have fun in the sun safely this summer.

    School days are almost over and summer break is on the way. Before you and your family play outside, make sure to go over these outdoor electrical safety tips. For extra help explaining electricity to your kids, check out these awesome books. If you need to repair any outlets, switches, or fixtures around your home to improve your electrical safety, give us a call today!

    Family-owned and operated Buzz Electrical is Fayetteville’s leading electrical company! If you need any electrical upgrades or repairs in your Arkansas home, we are here to help. Give us a call at (479) 267-2899.