At Kish & Sons Electric, we know Wisconsin’s spring storm season all too well. With thunderstorms, high winds, and lightning rolling through, it’s essential to take steps to protect your home’s electrical system. From power surges to lightning strikes, these storms can cause significant damage to your electrical infrastructure. Fortunately, with the right precautions, you can minimize the risks and ensure your home stays safe and powered through any storm.
Common Electrical Issues Caused by Spring Storms
Spring storms can lead to a variety of electrical problems. Some of the most common issues we see include:
- Power Surges: Power surges occur when there’s a sudden increase in electrical voltage, often caused by lightning strikes or downed power lines. These surges can fry sensitive electronics, damage appliances, and even lead to wiring damage within your home.
- Lightning Damage: Lightning strikes are one of the most dangerous electrical threats to homes in our area. A direct hit can cause severe damage to your electrical system, including melted wires, blown circuits, and even fire hazards.
- Downed Power Lines: High winds and storms can bring down power lines, causing interruptions in your electricity supply. If a line falls near your home, it can create dangerous electrical hazards, including electrocution risks and potential fires.
How to Prepare Your Electrical System for Spring Storms
Taking preventive measures now can save you from costly repairs later. Here are a few steps to prepare your home’s electrical system for the storm season:
- Install Whole-House Surge Protection: A surge protector at your electrical panel helps guard against power surges caused by storms, lightning, or issues with the utility company. Whole-house surge protection ensures your appliances, electronics, and wiring stay safe, even during a heavy storm.
- Check Your Electrical Panel: Ensure your electrical panel is in good working condition and free from rust or moisture. During storms, excess moisture or rust can lead to short circuits or fires. If your panel is outdated, it might be time to upgrade to a newer model that can better handle modern electrical loads.
- Secure Your Outdoor Wiring: High winds and rain can disrupt outdoor power sources. Make sure all outdoor wiring, such as for landscaping lights or security cameras, is securely fastened and weatherproof. This will prevent water from causing short circuits and reduce the chances of an electrical hazard.
- Install Lightning Rods: Lightning rods help direct the electrical charge safely into the ground, reducing the risk of a lightning strike causing damage to your electrical system. If your home doesn’t have lightning rods, consider installing them before the storm season hits.
- Upgrade Your Circuit Breakers: Old or faulty circuit breakers may not trip properly during a surge or power fluctuation. Make sure your circuit breakers are up-to-date and working as they should. This small investment can prevent major electrical damage to your home.
- Inspect Your Generator: If you rely on a generator to keep things running during outages, now’s the time to make sure it’s in proper working order. Test your generator, inspect fuel lines, and make sure it’s correctly connected to your home’s system. Never operate a generator inside the house or garage.
- Avoid DIY Electrical Work: If you notice signs of damage to your wiring, outlets, or electrical system, call a professional. At Kish & Sons Electric, we’re always ready to assist with electrical inspections, upgrades, and repairs. Don’t risk your safety by attempting to fix electrical issues on your own.
Why Call Kish & Sons Electric?
Our team has been serving Wisconsin homeowners for years, offering expert advice and reliable electrical services. We understand the specific challenges that our state’s weather can bring, and we’re here to help you safeguard your home’s electrical system.
If you’d like to learn more about how to protect your home from spring storm damage, or if you need an inspection or upgrade, give us a call today. We’ll ensure your electrical system is ready for whatever the season brings.
Wisconsin’s spring storm season can be unpredictable, but with proper preparation, you can minimize the risk to your home’s electrical system. At Kish & Sons Electric, we’re here to help you stay safe and prepared for whatever nature throws your way. Contact Kish & Sons, your friend in the business, today to schedule an inspection, and let us help protect your home from the electrical dangers of spring storms.