A Homeowner''s Guide to Outdoor Electrical Safety
Ready for summer? Make sure your outdoor fixtures and electronics, like porch lights and outlets, are safe and ready with this Potts
From outdoor lighting and security systems to pools, spas, and garden tools, we rely on electricity to enhance our time spent outdoors. However, outdoor electrical systems come with their own set of safety risks, especially when exposed to the elements.
Follow these guidelines before, during and after operating a power tool outdoors: Read the tool's instructions, especially all safety warnings, before use. Plug the cord into a three-prong outlet on a three-conductor circuit. This provides the added safety of the neutral-to-ground connection provided by the third wire.
Without this level of protection, water can easily seep into the outlet and cause short circuits or electrical fires. Over time, outlet covers can become cracked or broken, so be sure to inspect them regularly. If you notice any signs of damage or wear, replace them immediately.
Don't shoot at or otherwise damage insulators on utility poles. This is extremely dangerous and against the law. Insulators keep electricity from traveling down the pole. If an insulator is broken off or damaged, anyone coming in contact with the pole could be injured or killed.
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