With the warm weather here, most people and families start spending a lot more time outside. Whether it be at a BBQ, at your backyard swimming pool, or if you are out doing yard work, it is important to remember that electricity is all around you– not just inside your humble abode. With this in mind, electrical safety should be a main priority to protect yourself and others. Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind when you’re outside this spring and summer.
Swimming Pools & Electrical Safety
In past years, swimming pool safety, specifically relating to electricity, has been of high concern after tragic incidents. Over the past 15 years, there have been over 60 deaths and over 50 people seriously injured from electrical shocks in swimming pools. To protect yourself and your family take the following precautions:
Get Safety Inspections
- Make sure your pool or hot tub is summer ready and have an electrician inspect your pool or spa. This will ensure that your equipment is up to date with the National Electrical Code and local codes.
- Make sure to follow up and get any repairs if needed.
Safe Electrical Spacing and Distance
- Make sure that all electrical wires and junction boxes are at least 5 feet away from water.
- In the case of an emergency, it is important to know where the electrical switches and circuit breakers are located.
Keep Electronics Away From The Pool
- Keep all cord-connected electronic devices away from the pool area. Battery operated devices are the better option.
Plan for Emergencies!
- Many people assume that these types of tragic events will not happen to them. However, planning for an emergency may be the difference between life and death. Create a plan that outlines the whole course of action that should be taken in the case that someone is suffering from an electric shock.
Check the Weather
- In most cases, thunderstorms also have lightning. Lightning and water is a dangerous combination, which means that you should always keep an eye on the weather and make sure that you are not swimming or near the water when the bad weather strikes.
What Elements Make Me At Risk?
There are a few things to watch out for in and around your swimming pool. Here are a few things to consider:
- Lights under the water
- Pool equipment, such as pumps, vacuums, or filters.
- Power cords or extension cords
- Electrical outlets
- Electrical switches
- Radios or stereos
- Power Lines over your head
Electrical Safety For Cords and Power Tools
If you are going to spending any time outdoors, it is important that you are aware of the risks. With this in mind, it is important to make sure you have the following outdoor electrical equipment checked annually:
- Electrical Outlets
It is essential that all of your outdoor electrical outlets have a weatherproof outlet cover, and that the cover is closed when the outlet is not being used. And, make sure that the electrical outlet is getting power by a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). These types of circuits will shut off as soon as there is leak or a short circuit. Lastly, for those of you that need to use an outdoor electrical outlet during wet weather, use a “weatherproof while in use” cover, which will keep the outlet covered when a cord is plugged into it.
- Electric Garden tools
Try to avoid using power tools with cords in wet areas or when it is damp outside. Also, make sure you check the tools for damage in the cords themselves. For example, there may be a cracked or exposed wire that you are unaware of that can lead to shock or even fire. The Consumer Protection Safety Commission estimates that over 3,000 residential fires are caused by extension cords every year.
Contact Future Connections Electrical Inc.
Make sure your home and yard are safe this season and contact your local Raleigh electricians at Future Connections Inc. to inspect your electrical outlets. Call today for your free quote!