This season you may be putting up lights on a roofline blanketed in snow. Or perhaps the thought of combining electricity with icy gutters and freezing rain has given you pause. One is apt to question if an outdoor outlet can take the strain when the holidays are upon us.
You would not be alone in such queries, they are the sort of thing any homeowner should consider. We at Palomino Valley Electric of Reno, NV, are in touch with our customers each winter who are after a show-stopping display but do not want to put family or home in harm’s way. Should you have any misgivings about your outdoor wiring, give us a ring at (775)-406-7117.
The kind of weather Reno puts out in winter, with its ice, snow and temperature extremes, can make a straightforward lighting job something of a hazard if one is not attentive. Some forethought will ensure the display glows for the duration of the season and your home remains secure.
The Rules Are Different in the Snow
It is no secret that water and electricity are a poor combination; melt water has a way of insinuating itself into outlets and connections. Then there is the matter of ice when it gets cold, which can put a strain on light strings and shatter a plastic housing to lay bare the wiring. Any moisture on a cord that is worn or a connection in disrepair and you have a short circuit or shock on your hands in no time.
We see plenty of holiday lighting mishaps that are less a case of carelessness and more of not being aware of what the elements are doing. Knowing the risks is how to stay clear of them.
Selecting Appropriate Cords and Lights
Make certain your gear is up to the task before you get on the ladder; some light strings are not suited to a climate like ours.
In choosing your outdoor lighting we recommend:
- An “outdoor” or “indoor/outdoor” designation on the tag or box
- LED bulbs over the incandescent type of olden days, they use less power and do not run as hot
- Extension cords of the heavy-duty variety for outside work
- No frays, cracks or wire showing on the connectors
- A UL or ETL mark for safety
- Covers to keep the weather off plug connections
Do not be cheap with a damaged string of lights, replace it. The risk of an electrical fire is not worth the savings.
Your Outdoor Outlets Deserve Protection
A GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) is what you need on an exterior outlet. It will cut the power on a fault without delay, and you want that when there is moisture around.
Older properties are not always so equipped on every side of the house, so it is well to verify before the season starts. Another error we come across is piling too many light strings on one outlet. Put the load on several circuits to balance things out and you will not be left with a tripped breaker on a cold night.
Winter Installation Requires Caution
There is no sense in hurrying to hang lights on an icy ladder or a snowy roof, that is the surest way to an injury.
Here is what to bear in mind:
- If it is snowing or raining, let it be and wait for a day that is dry and clear
- Nails and staples have their place but for shingles and gutters a good plastic clip is better
- Make sure extension cords are not running through a window or doorway where they can be pinched
- On a slick surface an extra set of hands on the ladder is in order
- Cords should be kept from standing water and off the ground
- Unplug to do any mending or adjusting
Elevate your connections as well. You do not want a plug in a snowbank, it is only a matter of time before the melting snow makes a mess of it.
Some Seasonal Habits to Adopt
After the lights are in place, a timer is a good idea so they are not on day and night. When a hard storm has passed, go over the connections to see if ice has built up or anything has worked loose. And if you are heading out of town for the holidays, switch everything off at the source.
Leave It to a Pro
For outdated wiring, new outdoor outlets or breakers that will not stop tripping, the prudent course is to engage a licensed and insured electrician.
Reno homeowners have placed their trust in Palomino Valley Electric for 200 plus Google reviews to the tune of 4.8 stars, and we stand behind our work with a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. We are here 24/7. For a free estimate or to put in for service call (775)-406-7117.