Spring Electrical Safety Tips
March 22, 2024
Spring Electrical Safety Tips
Spring is just around the corner, and as the temperatures continue to rise, most of us will be spending more time outside. Spring is the start of the outdoor busy season. Between gardening, or doing yard work, you want to make sure you are being safe when using electricity.
Keep cords and wires dry:
You want to make sure you keep the pools, garden hoses, and sprinklers away from any electrical appliance or equipment.
Be aware of power lines:
Trimming trees is a typical spring activity. Make sure when you are up on a ladder trimming trees or doing any roof work, to make sure there aren’t any wires that are low nearby.
Inspect power tools and any electric lawn tools for damages:
If you are inspecting your tools for the first use of the spring, there are a few things you should keep a look out for. Any frayed wires, normal wear and tear, or loose connections should be fixed before use. If you can’t get them fixed right away, make sure you store them in a dry place to avoid any more damages.
Digging?
If you are planning on digging for a new garden, flower bed, or whatever the project is, make sure you call 811. There may be underground wires and if you call 811
they will come out and mark any underground wires or pipes so you can safely finish your project.
Mowing on wet grass?
If you use an electric mower, it is best to make sure you are not mowing the lawn after a rainstorm. Water and electric don’t mix. Make sure if your mower uses an extension cord, that is rated correctly to use. Check this website
for the best outdoor extension cords of 2024.
Storage
Clean and store your tools correctly when you aren’t using them. Keep them unplugged and stored in a dry place to ensure longevity of the tool.
So, whether you are doing yard work, maintenance, or just enjoying the nice weather, spring is a great time to be outside. If you follow these safety tips, you will be ready to have a safe and productive spring season. Just take precautions when using electrical equipment or working near the power lines.
If there is a spring electrical project that you can’t do yourself, give us a call
or request a service
online today!
Commercial electricians perform detailed evaluations of energy use across systems to identify saving opportunities.
Every time a circuit breaker trips in your home, it’s doing something incredibly important—protecting you and your electrical system from danger. But have you ever wondered where these little safety devices came from, or how we protected homes before they existed? Here’s a quick look at the evolution of electrical breakers, and why they’re one of the most important inventions in modern electrical safety. ⚙️ Before Breakers: The Age of Fuses (Late 1800s – Early 1900s) Before circuit breakers became common, homes used fuses to prevent electrical overloads. A fuse contains a thin wire that melts when too much current flows through it, stopping the circuit. The problem? Once a fuse blows, it has to be replaced—every single time. Fuses worked, but they were: Inconvenient Easy to install incorrectly Prone to over-fusing (dangerously replacing with a higher-rated fuse) ⚡ Enter the Breaker: Early 20th Century Innovation The concept of the resettable circuit breaker emerged in the early 1900s, offering a reusable, more reliable solution. The first patent for a circuit breaker came in 1924 by Hugo Stotz (working with Siemens), whose design used a bimetallic strip to detect overcurrent. Breakers gained popularity throughout the 1930s–50s, especially in industrial and commercial buildings. Why they caught on: Could be reset instead of replaced More precise at detecting electrical faults Better suited for growing electrical demands 🏠 Breakers in the Modern Home (1960s–Present) By the 1960s and 70s, circuit breakers became the standard in new residential construction across the U.S. and many parts of the world, replacing fuse boxes entirely. Modern home panels include: Standard breakers – for basic overcurrent protection GFCI breakers – to protect against shock (especially near water) AFCI breakers – to prevent electrical fires from arc faults Dual-function breakers – offering both GFCI and AFCI protection These advanced breakers are required by modern electrical codes in many areas, and they’ve drastically reduced electrical fires and injuries. 🔌 Why Breakers Matter More Than Ever Today’s homes use far more electricity than they did 50 years ago. With more appliances, electronics, EV chargers, and smart tech, the demand on your electrical panel is greater than ever. Circuit breakers are the unsung heroes, silently monitoring every circuit to: Prevent overloads Stop short circuits Protect people and property 🧑🔧 Should You Upgrade Your Breaker Panel? If your home still has an old fuse box or outdated breaker panel, it might be time for an upgrade—especially if you’re: Experiencing frequent tripped breakers (check out our blog about troubleshooting electrical circuit tripping ) Adding new appliances or renovations Living in a home over 30–40 years old Find you need to upgrade your panel? Give us a call and we can give you a free estimate to upgrade your electrical panel
Noticing your lights flickering lately? Whether it's just a quick blink or a persistent issue, flickering lights aren't something to ignore. While some causes are harmless, others can be a sign of a much bigger electrical problem lurking behind your walls. We believe in addressing electrical issues early—before they turn into safety hazards. Here’s what flickering lights could mean, and when it’s time to call in a professional: ⚠️ Loose or Faulty Bulbs Let’s start simple. Sometimes, flickering is just a matter of: A loose bulb in the socket An incompatible bulb, especially with dimmer switches A bad connection between the bulb and socket contacts 🛠️ Try turning the bulb off, tightening it, or replacing it with a fresh one. If the problem stops—great! If not, keep reading. ⚡Overloaded Circuits Do your lights dim or flicker when you run the microwave, HVAC system, or vacuum cleaner? This could mean: A circuit is overloaded and struggling to supply enough power Your electrical panel may be undersized or outdated for your current energy needs ⚡ Solution: An electrician can evaluate your system and recommend upgrades, such as a panel replacement or circuit expansion. 🔌Faulty Switches or Loose Wiring Flickering in a single fixture—especially when touched or adjusted—may point to: A loose connection in the light switch Frayed or deteriorating wires behind the wall A faulty fixture that’s wearing out 🔥 Loose wires can generate heat and even lead to electrical fires—don’t delay an inspection if this sounds familiar. 🏡 Whole-House Flickering Lights flickering throughout your home? This could signal: Issues with your electrical panel or main service line A failing main breaker Problems with the utility company’s supply line This is a more serious issue that requires a licensed electrician’s immediate attention. ⚠️ Never ignore widespread flickering—it’s often a sign of a potentially dangerous voltage problem. 🌩️Power Grid Fluctuations or Storm Impact Sometimes flickering comes from outside your home. Storms, power line damage, or utility equipment issues can all cause fluctuations in your service. We have a blog about how to set your house up for stormy weather. Check it out here ! While these may resolve on their own, frequent or prolonged issues should still be evaluated to protect sensitive electronics and ensure safety. 🧑🔧 When to Call a Pro If flickering lights happen often, are unpredictable, or are accompanied by: Burning smells Buzzing from outlets or panels Warm switches or outlets Tripping breakers 👉 It’s time to call a licensed electrician.
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