Top 5 Closing the Cottage Tips: Electrical Safety When Winterizing The Vacation or Summer Home
Travis Hannah
Life Safety Circuits are <10% of the EC package, yet do >95% of the heavy lifting in an Emergency! Downtime is not an option.
Labor Day has come and gone again, the children are back in school, and closing the summer home from the elements is back in the minds of the owners. Whether its a Cottage, Vacation Home, Summer Home, Lakehouse or Cabin, it's your place to escape and recharge the batteries.
So protecting the family investment in a second home is worth getting it right. Winterizing your vacation or summer home is crucial to protect it from the harsh elements during the winter months.
While many aspects of winterization focus on plumbing, insulation, and security, electrical safety is often overlooked. Neglecting electrical factors can lead to costly damage or even fires.
Factoid: 2021 FEMA national estimates for residential building electrical malfunction fires and losses show that there?were: 24,200 fires, 295 deaths, 900 injuries and $1,201,500,000 in dollar loss.
1. A Shockingly Good Inspection
Before you say goodbye to the cottage for the winter, it's helps to conduct a thorough electrical inspection. Start by turning off the power at the main electrical panel. Then, inspect all wiring, outlets, and switches for signs of wear, damage, or exposed wires.
Many legacy summer homes may have outlets and wiring that need replacement. If the power is left on during the off-season (wet and cold) to support equipment then outside exposed connections will see more potential wet conditions and be prone to shorts.
Electrical Code Consideration: According to NEC and CEC, all outdoor electrical outlets should be weatherproof and have ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) to prevent electrical shocks in wet conditions.
2. Unplug and Power Down
Reduce the risk of electrical fires or damage, unplug all non-essential electrical appliances and devices.
This includes items like toasters, coffee makers, microwaves, A/C units, and TV's and Computers. Not only will this save on your energy bills, but it will also minimize the risk of electrical faults.
Explainer: How Can A Toaster Cause A Fire? The most common cause of toaster fires is when crumbs accumulate in the toaster and ignite. Another cause of toaster fires is when the heating element malfunctions. Over time, heating elements can become damaged or worn out, which can cause them to spark and ignite. If you notice any signs of damage to your toaster, such as frayed cords or loose connections, it’s best to replace them.
Electrical Code Consideration: NEC and CEC recommend using surge protectors for sensitive electronic devices to safeguard them from power surges or fluctuations.
3. Farewell to the Water Heater
If you plan to leave your Cabin unattended for the season, it's advisable to turn off the water heater completely, and drain if not supplying supplementary winter space heating.
Heat Tracing the systems that are critical during the off-season, and draining part of the water systems can also provide protection, if not providing supplementary heating, or completely draining. This not only saves energy but also eliminates the risk of water leaks and electrical issues.
Electrical Code Consideration: NEC and CEC recommend that electrical water heaters be equipped with proper overcurrent protection and temperature controls to ensure safe operation.
领英推荐
4. Dealing with the Great Outdoors
Ensure that all outdoor electrical outlets and fixtures are weatherproof and well-sealed. Remove leaves, debris, and any combustible materials from around electrical components, as they can become fire hazards.
Electrical Code Consideration: NEC and CEC require the use of outdoor-rated electrical boxes, covers, and conduit to protect against moisture and physical damage. Additionally, all outdoor wiring should be properly grounded.
5. Smart Security Lighting
Smart security lighting is an excellent choice for winterizing your cottage. These systems can be programmed to simulate occupancy, deterring potential intruders.
Utilizing LED lighting can improve the energy efficiency and lifetime of the lighting, since it will need to stay active for the seasonal duration. Additionally, they provide added safety by illuminating pathways and entrances, reducing the risk of accidents.
Electrical Code Consideration: When installing outdoor lighting, NEC and CEC require compliance with specific installation and wiring methods to ensure safety and prevent damage to the fixtures.
Putting the Cottage To Sleep Final Thoughts:
Closing the Vacation Home for the winter involves more than just locking the doors and windows. Electrical safety measures safeguard your property and ensure a smooth return in the spring, and summer, when life is good.
Following these Top 5 Closing Tips and adhering to the electrical code considerations outlined in the NEC and CEC, you can rest easy knowing your investment is protected for the continuing enjoyment of you, family and friends.
References