7 Common Springtime Electrical Issues

6 July, 2020 Hi-Lite Electric Inc.

If you know absolutely anything about electrical work (or if you are an electrical contractor), you know that spring can be one of the trickiest times of the year for electrical issues. As the snow melts and the weather gets warmer, there are many issues that you may face. However, we’re here to help!

Below are 7 common springtime electrical issues we can help you navigate this year.

1. High winds and rain

Strong winds, heavy rain, and thunderstorms are common in the spring. While the strength of the winds may not necessarily cause a direct problem to your home or business, they have the potential of toppling trees onto power lines, resulting in outages. These sudden changes in the power supply can cause power surges that cause costly damages to the electrical system in your home or business; they can even cause a fire! Talk to a professional and ask them how you can protect your home (and wallet) from this kind of damage. It is better to be safe than sorry!

2. Lightning strikes

Who doesn’t love spring storms? That is until they cause damage that can be a headache to repair.

As with wind, lightning storms in springtime can cause power surges. A lightning strike near a power pole or substation can cause a fluctuation to a building as it enters and causes quite a bit of damage. If you run into this issue, a professional will be able to replace damaged components and easily make repairs to your home or business space.

3. Keep pests out

Pests (like rats, mice, or squirrels) can cause problems to your electrical system, especially in spring, as they become more active during this time.

In the spring, animals are looking for places to build nests for their new babies. However, as they look for new homes, they can cause an issue in your current one. For instance, they can get into your walls or attic and chew on wiring. This can cause flickering lights, outages, and increase the threat of fire. Try to keep your home or business secure from pests, and call a professional if you think you require new wiring or assistance relocating your unwanted furry friends.

4. Smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector

Another thing to be aware of in the spring is your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Spring is the perfect time to test them out and make sure they are up and running, especially since the elements described above could result in fire. Your detectors should have a “test” button. If the alarm sounds, you’re good to go. If not, replace the batteries immediately and test again. If you can’t get your detectors to work, it is possible that there is corrosion on the battery terminal, or it is time for an upgrade. It’s best to talk to a professional, as they can recommend the best solution for your needs and help you with the installation.

5. Clean filters, ducts, and vents

Springtime is the best time of year to inspect and clean the filters, ducts, and vents in your home to get them ready for the hot months. Check and clean the dryer vent and other exhaust vents to the exterior and interior of your home or business.

While you can clean some vents yourself (like the bathroom vent), it’s best to call a professional to service bigger items, like your air conditioner, to make sure it is done right and ready for use. Neglecting this maintenance or doing it improperly can result in fire. It can also decrease the longevity of your product, cost you more money in the long run, and cost you a lot of money if it breaks (like your air conditioner). Before conducting any work, remember to refer to the user guide for specific regular maintenance guidelines.

6. Inspect your fire extinguisher

Another way to avoid common electrical issues in the spring is to inspect your fire extinguisher(s). Conducting this inspection doesn’t require much work. Ensure that your fire extinguisher is easy to access, determine whether the gauge on your extinguisher shows adequate pressure, and ensure that it has no visible signs of wear and tear that could affect its use. You also need to check the expiration date of your fire extinguisher and replace it if needed.

If you do not own a fire extinguisher, spring is the perfect time to make sure your home and business are protected from fire. Call a professional if you have questions as to where you can purchase an extinguisher for your home or business.

7. Have your electrical system inspected

To avoid springtime electrical issues, the best thing you can do is call a professional to help you test your electrical system. Never conduct an inspection on your own, as it is very dangerous to do so! However, to determine whether you need an inspection (if you have a tight budget), here are a few simple things you can do:

• Check all of the outlets in your home or business.
• Check if they are warm to the touch, discoloured, making noise, or that plugs fit snugly into outlets.
• When in doubt, have an electrician troubleshoot any problems.

Now that you know the 7 main electrical issues you experience during the spring months, you know what to look for and how to identify potential issues. If you require assistance, call us today and talk to one of our professionals at Hi-Lite Electric Inc. We are happy to help you with any of your electrical questions or needs!