Enjoying a Shock-Free Summer

7016309225 • July 17, 2024

Essential Electrical Safety Tips

As the days grow longer and the temperatures rise, summer brings with it a myriad of outdoor activities, vacations, and fun-filled adventures. Amidst all the excitement, it's easy to overlook potential electrical hazards that can arise during this season. From outdoor festivities to home maintenance tasks, understanding and practicing summer electrical safety is crucial for keeping yourself and your loved ones safe. So, before you dive headfirst into summer fun, let's explore some essential electrical safety tips to ensure a shock-free season.


Outdoor Entertainment Safety


From backyard barbecues to poolside parties, outdoor entertainment is a staple of summer. However, it's essential to use electrical devices and appliances outdoors safely:


- Water and Electricity Don't Mix: Keep electrical cords, outlets, and appliances away from water sources to prevent electric shocks and potential electrocution.


- Invest in Outdoor-Rated Equipment: Use only outdoor-rated extension cords, surge protectors, and electrical appliances designed specifically for outdoor use.


- Watch Out for Overhead Power Lines: When setting up outdoor activities, be mindful of nearby power lines, and ensure that any structures, such as tents or umbrellas, are far away to avoid accidental contact.


Pool and Water Safety


Pools and water-related activities are synonymous with summer fun, but they also present unique electrical hazards:


- Install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs):Ensure that all outdoor electrical outlets near pools or water features are equipped with GFCIs to prevent electric shocks.


- Regular Inspections: Routinely inspect pool and hot tub equipment for signs of wear, damage, or corrosion. Promptly address any issues to prevent electrical accidents.


- Keep Electrical Devices Away from Water: Never use electrical devices or appliances near pools or water sources, and always keep them at a safe distance.


Outdoor Lighting


Summer evenings are perfect for outdoor gatherings and late-night stargazing, but proper lighting is essential for safety:


- Use Outdoor-Rated Lighting Fixtures: Install outdoor lighting fixtures that are specifically designed for exterior use to ensure safety and durability.


- Avoid Overloading Outlets: When setting up outdoor lighting, distribute the load across multiple outlets and avoid overloading circuits to prevent overheating and potential fires.


- Turn Off Unnecessary Lighting: When not in use, turn off outdoor lighting to conserve energy and reduce the risk of electrical hazards.


Storm Preparedness


Summer storms can bring heavy rain, strong winds, and lightning strikes, posing significant electrical risks:


- Stay Informed: Monitor weather forecasts and stay informed about incoming storms to take proactive measures.


- Unplug Electrical Devices: During severe weather, unplug electrical devices and appliances to prevent damage from power surges caused by lightning strikes or power outages.


- Invest in Surge Protectors: Install surge protectors to safeguard sensitive electronic equipment from power surges during storms.


- Think about purchasing a standby generator. Click here to read our post about generators.


Home Maintenance


Summer is an ideal time for home maintenance tasks, but it's essential to approach electrical projects with caution:


- Leave it to the Professionals: For complex electrical tasks or repairs, always hire a qualified electrician to ensure safety and compliance with electrical codes. Call us for your electrical repairs!


- Inspect Outdoor Wiring: Check outdoor wiring, such as extension cords and holiday lights, for signs of damage or wear. Replace any frayed or damaged cords promptly.


- Keep Flammable Materials Away: When using electrical equipment outdoors, keep flammable materials, such as gasoline or propane, at a safe distance to prevent fires.


Summer is a time for making memories and enjoying the great outdoors, but it's essential to prioritize electrical safety to prevent accidents and injuries. By following these essential tips, you can ensure a summer season that is not only fun and enjoyable but also safe and free from electrical hazards. So, as you embark on your summer adventures, remember to stay vigilant, stay informed, and stay safe.

Enjoying a Shock-Free Summer
By 7016309225 August 18, 2025
Storm season is no joke—high winds, lightning, heavy rain, and power outages can do serious damage to your home’s electrical system. But with a little preparation and help from the pros, you can protect your home, your appliances, and your family’s safety. Here’s how to get your electrical system storm-ready: Install Whole-Home Surge Protection Lightning strikes and power fluctuations during storms can send dangerous surges through your electrical system. These spikes can damage: TVs and computers Refrigerators and HVAC systems Smart home devices 🔌 A whole-home surge protector installed at your electrical panel adds a crucial layer of defense, reducing the risk of expensive damage. Secure and Inspect Your Outdoor Electrical Components Storms bring wind and water—two things you don’t want messing with your electrical setup. Be sure to: Check that your outdoor outlets are GFCI-protected and weather-sealed Inspect exterior wiring, conduits, and boxes for damage or wear Secure loose electrical fixtures, lights, and wiring to prevent them from becoming storm debris 💧 Water + electricity = danger. Keeping everything sealed and elevated helps prevent shorts and shock risks. Consider a Backup Generator When the power goes out, a backup generator can keep the essentials running—lights, refrigerator, medical equipment, even your Wi-Fi. There are two main types: Portable generators – good for short outages, but must be operated outside with proper ventilation. Whole-home standby generators – kick on automatically and power large portions of your home. We install stand by generators! Read this blog about investing in a standby generator. ⚠️ Generators must be installed with proper transfer switches to prevent backfeeding into the grid—a serious safety hazard. Know Your Electrical Panel Your breaker panel is the heart of your home’s electrical system. In a storm: Know how to safely shut off power if needed Ensure all breakers are clearly labeled Have the panel inspected if it’s older or frequently tripping 🛠️ A storm is not the time to discover you’ve got an outdated or undersized panel. Schedule a Professional Electrical Inspection Before the storm season ramps up, have a licensed electrician inspect your: Panel and grounding system Surge protection setup Outdoor connections and GFCIs Backup power sources A proactive check-up can prevent dangerous surprises during severe weather. Stay Safe, Stay Powered 🌧️ Storms are unpredictable—but your electrical system doesn’t have to be. At KrisLee Electric, we help homeowners prepare for whatever Mother Nature throws their way. 📅 Book your storm prep inspection today and protect what matters most.
By 7016309225 July 17, 2025
Summer is a season of sunshine, outdoor fun, and increased energy usage. From backyard barbecues to pool parties, your electrical system works overtime this time of year. That’s why electrical safety should be a top priority as temperatures—and power demands—start to rise. Here are our Top 5 Summer Electrical Safety Tips to help keep your home safe and powered all season long: Keep Outdoor Outlets and Cords Dry Summer often means more outdoor activity—and more outdoor power use. Whether you're plugging in lights, tools, or entertainment equipment, make sure: Outlets are GFCI-protected Cords and plugs are rated for outdoor use Everything stays dry and away from puddles or sprinkler spray 🔌 Tip: Invest in weatherproof outlet covers to stay protected even when outlets are in use. Don’t Overload Circuits or Extension Cords Plugging in fans, AC units, and more devices can quickly overload a single outlet or power strip. This can cause overheating, tripped breakers, or even fires. 🔥 Tip: Spread out your electrical load, and never daisy-chain extension cords. Watch for Heat-Related Electrical Warning Signs When temps go up, so does stress on your system. Be on the lookout for: Flickering lights Warm or discolored outlets Frequent breaker trips Unusual buzzing or smells from electrical panels If you notice any of these, it’s time to call a licensed electrician. Pool and Hot Tub Safety First Water and electricity are a dangerous mix. If you have a pool, spa, or hot tub: Make sure all wiring is up to code Equipment is installed by a professional Outdoor breakers and switches are GFCI protected 💧 Tip: Schedule an annual electrical inspection for your pool or hot tub setup—especially if it’s older. Prepare for Summer Storms and Power Surges 🌩️ Summer storms can knock out power or cause damaging surges. Protect your home by: Installing whole-home surge protection Using surge protectors on sensitive electronics Having a backup generator if you live in an area prone to outages Check out our blog that explains what a power surge is and how you can prevent one in your home.
By 7016309225 June 17, 2025
Summer is here—and so are rising temps, longer days, and heavier use of electricity around the home and workplace. Whether it’s cranking up the AC, plugging in outdoor lights, or running tools and equipment for seasonal projects, June is the perfect time to make sure your electrical system is ready for the summer load. At KrisLee Electric, we want to help you stay cool, safe, and energy-efficient all season long. Here are a few things to keep in mind this month: Test and Tune Your AC System Before summer heat hits full force, make sure your air conditioner is wired properly and running on a dedicated circuit. An overloaded circuit can trip breakers—or worse, cause damage or fire hazards. Check Outdoor Outlets and Lighting Using outdoor equipment, string lights, or pool accessories? Make sure all exterior outlets are: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protected Covered with weatherproof enclosures Free from wear, damage, or corrosion Don't Overload Extension Cords With more activities moving outdoors—grills, fans, lawn tools, you name it—resist the temptation to daisy-chain extension cords. They’re meant for temporary use and can become serious fire hazards when overloaded. Plan for Summer Projects the Smart Way Thinking of installing a hot tub, EV charger, or outdoor kitchen? Don’t wait until you're halfway through—involve an electrician early to ensure everything’s up to code and safely installed. Schedule an Electrical Safety Check June is a great time for a mid-year inspection—especially if your home is older or you’ve recently added appliances or technology. Need a Hand? We’re Just a Call Away! From routine maintenance to full system upgrades, our licensed electricians are here to help you power through summer—safely and efficiently. 📅 Book your June service today and beat the summer rush!
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