Preparing your home for winter weather includes doing things like adding insulation to the attic, sealing doorways and cleaning the gutters. One thing that could get overlooked, though, is your home’s exterior wiring.
Electrical wiring and snow in Alexandria, VA don’t mix! Neglecting to prep your outdoor electrical system for winter could result in permanent damage or possibly cause a fire. Continue reading to learn how you or an electrician can prepare your electrical infrastructure for winter weather.
Rated for outdoor use
Preparing your outdoor electrical wiring for winter starts with ensuring that it’s rated for outdoor use. Outdoor cables are able to withstand the elements, while indoor cables are not. Using indoor cables and wires outside can result in electrical shocks, burns or house fires.
Do a quick check to ensure all of your cables are meant to be used outdoors. If not, head to the hardware store and buy some more! The most commonly used nonmetallic outdoor cable is a UF cable—look for these when shopping for your outdoor cords.
GFCI receptacles
Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) receptacles are a must for outdoor wiring. These devices detect excess current and cut the electricity flow in an emergency. GFCI receptacles are essential all year long, but especially in the winter when electrical wiring and snow in Alexandria, VA is a concern. In fact, the National Electrical Code requires at least one GFCI receptacle at the front of your house and one at the back.
If your home doesn’t already have at least two GFCI receptacles, just call the team at Walsh Electric. We can send someone out to update your electrical wiring to ensure your safety and keep your home up to code.
Winter safety tips
Installing GFCI receptacles and only using outdoor wiring can do wonders to keep you safe from the effects of electrical wiring and ice in Alexandria, VA. However, there are a few more tips you should know about.
Never run wires through puddles, snow or doorways, or underneath outdoor furniture. Doing so is both a fire and a tripping hazard. Additionally, be sure to roll and store any unused cords to avoid accidents.
When hanging holiday lights inside or outside, avoid plugging multiple strands into one another. Overloading strands can cause electrical sparks, which may result in a fire. Additionally, you run the risk of tripping the circuit breaker.
We offer 24/7 emergency service!
We know electrical problems don’t just happen Monday through Friday during standard business hours. That’s why we’re available 24/7 for emergency services! We’re capable of making both residential and commercial emergency repairs, day or night. Regardless of the problem, you can rest easy knowing we’ll show up in a hurry to set it straight.
Whether you need emergency repairs or someone to help you protect your electrical wiring this winter, hire our team at Walsh Electric. We’re experts when it comes to electrical wiring and ice in Alexandria, VA, and we offer a wide range of residential services. Call us today to see what we can do for you and your home!
