Outdoor outlets can be a lifesaver when you are entertaining, displaying holiday lights, or even doing home improvement projects. However, those same outlets are a disaster waiting to happen. Did you know that outdoor outlets can become damaged over time? And that those damaged outlets can cause you or your family to be electrocuted?

They can also start a fire unexpectedly! Here are 4 safety tips for using your outdoor outlets safely:

Inspect them regularly

Looking at your outdoor outlets regularly will allow you to notice deterioration and other damage before it becomes too late. If you see any wires sticking out, missing pieces, sparks, or anything else that doesn’t seem normal, it is time to stop using the outlet and call an electrician.

Make sure you have weatherproofed outlets installed

Not any type of outlet can be installed outside and if you are not sure if yours are suitable for any type of weather, you should have them replaced immediately. According to the national codes, any outlet that is placed outside must have a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter, or a GCFI. This feature will instantly interrupt the electricity flow if anything comes into contact with water. You should be familiar with a GCFI, because you should also have them in any of the rooms in your home where there is water.

Utilize proper extension cords

You might think that you can take an indoor extension cord and use it to plug in your holiday lights outside, but that would be like waiting for disaster to hit! We recommend only using outdoor extension cords with your outdoor outlets, because they have more insulation to protect them from the sun, moisture, and even the fluctuating temperatures. You should be able to tell the difference between the two cords, because those designed for indoor use have two prongs, while outdoor extension cords have three prongs.

Cover your outlets

All your outdoor outlets should have metal or plastic covers to keep them dry and away from the elements. You should also make sure that all the wires are tucked beneath the cover, so that they do not get wet either.

We don’t want you to stop using your outdoor outlets, but we do want to make sure that you are safe when you do. If you are unsure about any part of your outdoor outlets, give a professional electrician a call so they can inspect them and let you know if they are safe to use.