Snowstorms and Outdoor Electrical 101
There are many benefits to having outdoor electrical lighting all year round. In the warmer months, you can stay out late and enjoy the warm weather with inviting lighting. In the winter, you get to see a beautiful warm glow across your property, even with the sun going down earlier.
If you live in an area with bad winter storms, you can still enjoy your outdoor lights! You just have to make sure there are no electrical hazards or damages. Here, we go over some outdoor electrical basics and tips so you can enjoy your winter lighting safely, even in bad weather.
Types of Outdoor Lighting
First, let's go over the types of lighting used for outdoor fixtures. The two types of lightbulbs most commonly used for outdoor lighting are halogen bulbs and LED bulbs.
Halogen Bulbs
A halogen bulb is an incandescent lamp that uses halogen gas to create light. These bulbs are moderately high-efficient, have a good quality of warm light, and have a long-lasting light life. They also tend to generate warmth from their bulbs, slowly allowing snow or ice to melt off the fixture.
LED (Light Emitting Diode)
LED bulbs use a light-emitting diode to create light. These bulbs use a "solid-state" technology, meaning that the light-generating materials are within a solid encasing. Because of this solid-state technology, these lights have a very long life and are much less susceptible to breaking from shaking or shock. These bulbs are one of the most energy-efficient on the market and emit a cool white light.
Tips for Snowstorms and Outdoor Electrical
- Survey Fixtures. If you know bad weather or a snowstorm is headed your way, go to all your fixtures and make sure they are in good working condition. If you notice a problem, try fixing it before the storm rolls in to avoid dealing with any bigger issues.
- Adjust Your Lighting Schedule. As the weather starts to cool and the days become shorter, you will want to adjust your lighting schedule so that your lights come on at the right time of night and turn off at the right time in the morning.
- Clear Off Fixtures. If you get hit with a storm and notice your lights appear dimmer, you will probably need to clear them off. Cleaning them is particularly necessary if you have LED lights because there is no warmth to melt away the snow.
- Look for Exposed or Damaged Wires. After a storm, walk around your property and look for any exposed or damaged wires. When the ground freezes and melts, it can sometimes push up buried wires. Check any exposed wires for damage before reburying them.
- Check for Moisture. One of the most significant rules for electricity is that it does not mix with water. High-quality light fixtures should withstand some moisture. If you don't have those, you will want to closely inspect each one for moisture to ensure that it won't cause an outage or further damage.
Maintaining your outdoor light fixtures will lengthen their lifespan and keep your property bright and beautiful. Be sure you are prepared for a snowstorm because those outdoor lights can be handy during and after a storm. If you have any further questions, or if you have any electrical needs, schedule and appointment with Custom Electrical Services today!
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