Electrical Checks: Prepare Your Home For Winter
While it may seem strange to think about preparing your home for winter when the sun is still shining outside, it is essential that you take necessary steps while the weather is still mild and the evenings are still light. If you wait until winter to prepare for winter - it will be too late! One area of your home which you need to check before the colder weather arrives in the electrical system. Below is a guide to 4 things you can do to make sure your residential electrical system is ready for the coming winter.
Check the power lines
The first thing you should do is check that the overhead power lines which link your home to the electrical grid are in an OK condition. As well as looking at the wires themselves, you should also make a note of any nearby trees which may have grown close to the lines during the summer. Tree branches can be brought down during a winter storm and could damage your power supply. Ask a professional to remove or trim any branches which are close to the power lines.
Check the electrical panel
You will also need to take a look at the electrical panel in your home. The electrical panel contains switches which control the flow of electricity through your home and fuses which will help to keep you safe in the event of a power surge. You should check that all of the switches and fuses have the correct labels. In the event of an electrical emergency, it may be necessary to locate a fuse or switch quickly.
Check the wiring on electrical items you have not used for a while
Finally, if you are getting an electrical item out from summer storage, you should take the time to check that the wiring is in excellent condition before using it.
Check the number items you have plugged into extension leads
During the darker and colder months, it is likely that you will want to use more appliances, such as electric heaters, lamps, and TVs which will help to keep it warm, bright and entertaining. However, the demand for power sockets may mean you have to rely on extension power leads. While these leads can be a useful way of adding additional sockets, they are also prone to overloading. You should be careful not to overload power leads by using every socket simultaneously.
If you would like more information, please contact an electrical contractor today.