CHARLOTTE – Outdoor electrical outlets are convenient, they let you add lighting, and equipment, and bring the indoors out. Those great outlets should not be directly exposed to the elements! Take a walk around your building, do you have covers? How old are those covers? The extreme temperatures can cause cracking of the outlets and covers, where there is a crack there is potential for moisture. Common knowledge is that people, electricity, and water can be a recipe for disaster causing people to be electrically shocked. Here are a few things that you can check on:

1. Make sure that your exterior outlets are GFI protected. This means that either the outlet or the circuit breaker will have a test button on it. This feature will help prevent electrical shock when a person encounters water and electricity at the same time by interrupting the power to that outlet.
2. Add a bubble cover. These are great for giving the cord room to bend, letting you keep your things plugged in all the time with the plug and outlet being protected from the elements.
3. Check your outlets, if the outlet is chalky, the plastic is breaking down, it is time to replace it with weather-rated outlets.

With the changing of the outlet, you still need a bubble cover for protection from water that can come from rain or sprinklers.  If you have electrical questions or concerns call GB Electrical Services at (980) 500-2378 or visit www.GetTheBestElectric.com.