Electrical Safety for Outdoor Living
Although the shorter nights are coming, that doesn’t stop homeowners from firing up the outdoor kitchen and enjoying good food with warm company. The beauty of living in the south is escaping cold weather! If your client plans on using their outdoor kitchen in the winter months, chances are they are using their outdoor lighting more often as well. As a licensed contractor, it’s your duty to ensure safety warnings to homeowners after installing their dream outdoor kitchen. Mentioning electrical safety for outdoor living is a good topic of discussion, which is why our experts have listed basic safety tips to offer your future clients.
Avoid Using Indoor Fixtures
Using indoor lighting fixtures in an outside setting could potentially cause a hazard which could otherwise be easily be avoided. When fixtures that are not outdoor rated get exposed to weather elements, such as rain or ice, it poses a threat to cause a short in the wire or other damage. And yes, these include a string of Christmas lights.
Plug Appliances in Cautiously
If for some reason your client unplugs any appliance in their outdoor kitchen, it’s important to stress caution when plugging the component back into the outlet. Electrical appliances use a good deal of power, increasing the risk of overloading it.
Use Extension Cords Wisely
It’s recommended to not use extension cords as a permanent fixture of an outdoor living space and to have a professional electrician wire appliances correctly. Using extension cords for string lights or holiday lighting is safe, however stress to not plug in two extension cords together as this could easily cause overheating and a fire.
Research Light Bulbs
LED lighting is becoming more popular as they use less energy and and creates much less heat. Although they use less energy, that does not mean they have the ability to stay on all hours of the day as this could also cause overheating and a fire, particularly in dry weather. Follow instructions on the packaging to be sure not to use a bulb that has a higher watt than recommended, as these can quickly overheat and damage outdoor living areas wiring permanently.
Interested in wholesale pricing on stainless steel kitchen features?
Learn how you can become a preferred dealer with All Pro Stainless and take advantage of exceptional wholesale value.
