Spring Electrical Safety Checks Every Homeowner Should Do

Most of us get caught up in the thrill of cleaning out closets, airing out our houses, and planting new flowers during spring and early summer. One crucial duty many homeowners neglect, though, is inspecting their electrical systems. Our homes tend to get livelier with more daylight and warmer weather—air conditioners operating on moderate afternoons, and tools humming in the garage. 

Now is the ideal moment to pay your electrical system a bit more attention. Spring is not only for deep cleaning your windows; it's also for ensuring your wiring and appliances are safe, efficient, and ready for the following months.

Let's discuss the necessary electrical safety checks that every homeowner should consider before the summer begins.

Inspect Outdoor Electrical Fixtures and Outlets

Chances are, you’re going to spend way more time outside as the weather warms. Your sound system, patio fans, electric grills, and outside lights will probably see increased usage. Winter weather, however, may be brutal on exterior outlets and fixtures. Serious problems can result from water damage, trash buildup, or cracks in weatherproof covers. 

Physically checking every outlet and outdoor fixture for indications of wear, moisture exposure, or burn marks is essential. If anything appears to be wrong, even a slight rust, it may be time for a replacement or repair.

Test Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)

GFCI outlets are outlets equipped with a "test” and "reset" button. Usually, you will find them in garages, kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas where water can combine with electricity. Literally saving lives, they are meant to instantly shut off electricity should they find an imbalance. The catch is they don’t last forever. The spring season is an ideal time to inspect every GFCI outlet in your home. Simply hit "test," check for power loss, and then hit "reset." If it does not function as intended, that outlet needs to be replaced.

A U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission report claims that more than 47% of home electrocutions might be avoided with adequate GFCI protection. It's not a little problem; it's a lifesaver and one of the simplest inspections you can perform.

Examine Your Electrical Panel and Circuit Breakers

The breaker box is the core of your home's electrical system; it merits more than a passing look once or twice a year. You want to search for items like loose connections, corrosion, or rust. Turn everything off and contact a professional immediately if the panel feels hot to the touch or smells of metal or burning.

How frequently your breakers trip is another something to consider. Many homes plug in new devices, appliances, or lawn equipment during spring. Your panel can be old or overworked if your breakers are tripping more than usual.

Many older houses lacked panels built for current electrical loads. You can have a perfectly working house, but one that is under continual behind-the-scenes stress. Spring is the ideal time to plan an inspection to prevent a summer collapse if your home is over 20 years old.

Check Extension Cords and Power Strips

Not all cords are made equal, though, and even the finest ones deteriorate with time. Look for frayed wires, exposed copper, or damaged insulation. Another warning sign is cords becoming warm after use.  Please note that extension cords are intended for temporary use only. Rethink your arrangement if you have one running behind the couch 365 days a year. Spring is an excellent opportunity to evaluate whether you should add extra outlets rather than depending on temporary solutions.

Replace Damaged Light Switches or Flickering Fixtures

Many of us have entered a room and turned on a switch to feel it warm under our fingers or hear a sizzle. That’s not only bothersome; it could be harmful. Any switch that is not operating correctly should be examined immediately. The same is true with flickering lights. While it is easy to blame a loose bulb, it might also indicate defective wiring or an overloaded circuit.

Incompatible switches may be the cause of your issue if your LED lights buzz or flicker when dimmed. Upgrading both the fixture and the dimmer switch in spring will help to ensure they cooperate as intended.

Schedule a Professional Home Electrical Inspection

Even if everything seems fine on the surface, that does not mean your electrical system is in peak condition. A professional inspection delves further than what most homeowners can personally verify. Using specialized equipment, licensed, expert electricians like JPS can verify the integrity of circuit connections, the quality of grounding, and the resistance of wires. They can also help you determine whether your house is set up to support your current lifestyle and technology use.

Imagine it like a doctor's checkup. Of course, you could be okay, but wouldn't you rather find something early than have a big problem later? Particularly in spring, when energy consumption starts to rise, an annual inspection provides year-round peace of mind.

Conclusion

Spring is the season of new beginnings—and what better way to welcome that than by ensuring your home's electrical system is safe, efficient, and ready to go? These actions are far from difficult, but they considerably affect whether it's checking outside outlets, GFCI testing, or planning that overdue panel inspection. Until it fails, we consume electricity daily without much thought. Giving your house the attention it needs now helps to protect your family, your house, and your peace of mind all year long.

For professional help or to schedule a spring safety check, visit JPS Electric Co., Inc. today. Let their family take care of yours.