Fall is a popular time for home maintenance and improvement projects. From installing outdoor lighting to cleaning up the yard, homeowners often spend more time working around the exterior of their homes as the seasons change.

Before starting a fall project, take a few minutes to think about electrical safety.

Use Extension Cords Appropriately

Extension cords can be useful for temporary projects, but they aren't a substitute for permanent wiring.

Choose a cord that's appropriately rated for the equipment you're using, and don't connect multiple extension cords together to reach an outlet.

Keep cords away from water, heat, sharp edges, and areas where they could become damaged.

Be Careful With Outdoor Power Equipment

Lawn equipment, pressure washers, leaf blowers, and other outdoor tools can create electrical hazards when used improperly.

Keep electrical equipment and connections away from standing water and wet conditions. If you're using a corded tool outdoors, make sure the outlet has appropriate GFCI protection.

Look Up Before Using a Ladder

Fall often means cleaning gutters, trimming trees, hanging decorations, and making exterior repairs.

Before using a ladder, look overhead for electrical lines and other hazards. Keep ladders, tools, and equipment away from overhead power lines.

If you're unsure whether a project can be completed safely around electrical equipment, don't take the risk.

Inspect Outdoor Outlets

Before using an outdoor outlet, check for signs of damage, moisture, corrosion, or discoloration.

An outdoor outlet that doesn't work properly may have a tripped GFCI or another electrical problem. Don't use an outlet that appears damaged.

Don't Overload Circuits

Fall projects can involve multiple power tools, lights, heaters, and other equipment.

Avoid plugging too many high-demand devices into the same circuit. If breakers repeatedly trip while you're working, don't simply keep resetting them.

Repeated breaker trips may indicate an overloaded circuit or another electrical problem.

Prepare Before Installing Seasonal Lighting

If you're installing outdoor or decorative lighting, inspect cords and connections before use. Don't use lights with damaged insulation, exposed wiring, broken plugs, or other visible damage.

Use products rated for the environment where they'll be installed and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Know When a Project Needs an Electrician

Some home projects are simple DIY tasks. Electrical work is different.

If a project requires new wiring, a new circuit, electrical panel modifications, permanent outdoor electrical connections, or other changes to your home's electrical system, have the work performed by a qualified professional.

Thomas Edison Electric provides electrical services throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania, including circuit breakers, dedicated circuits, lighting, and other residential electrical work.