Do your lights have a tendency to flicker with the trade winds? You may be asking yourself if the electrical system in your house is up to the task of the wetter months to come, or when it is time to let a pro handle a minor electrical matter.
We at Electric Service of Maui have made it our business to see that homeowners throughout Maui County have safe and dependable electrical systems, and we have been doing so since 2008. Any queries you have on the wiring, panel or outlets in your home can be put to us at (808) 633-1827.
One does not have to contend with snow here as they would on the mainland, but fall in Hawaii has its way of presenting electrical concerns to a Maui homeowner. The season’s heavier rains and winds, coupled with a greater reliance on indoor energy, are hard on an electrical system. A bit of forethought will stave off trouble down the road.
To that end, here are some safety tips to consider this fall.
Be Wary of Rain and Moisture
There is more of it in the islands come fall and, being what water and electricity are, it is a hazardous combination. Should moisture get into your panel, fixtures or outlets, the safety risks are considerable.
Make a point of inspecting the following:
- Weatherproof covers on outdoor outlets must close properly
- Outlets in the garage, kitchen or bathroom where there is water should be GFCI type
- See if there is any corrosion or moisture about exterior fixtures
- Do not let landscaping encroach on outdoor electrical equipment
- Hands should be dry before one handles any electrical device or panel
In the event of water intrusion at an electrical component, discontinue use of the circuit and put in a call to a licensed electrician.
Put Your GFCI and Surge Protection to the Test
A ground fault circuit interrupter will put you out of harm’s way from a shock by cutting power at the first sign of trouble. Now is as good a time as any to test them. Hit the “test” button and make sure the outlet goes dead, then “reset.” A lack of proper response is an indication you need a new one.
Then there is the matter of surge protection. Voltage spikes from utility fluctuations or a storm are a fact of life in a Maui home; whole-home surge protection is the best defence for your electronics and appliances. If you are making do with plug-in strips, you might want to discuss the options with a professional.
Get Ready for an Outage
The stronger winds and rain of fall can cause them. It helps to be prepared.
Some things to do:
- Put flashlights and batteries where they are handy
- Be familiar with your electrical panel and the safe way to reset a breaker
- Have a generator serviced and inspected well in advance
- Under no circumstances run a portable generator in an enclosed area or indoors
- When a storm is on, unplug anything sensitive to avoid a surge
With a generator in good order you can carry on without power. Professional service will ensure it is there for you.
Take Stock of Your Electrical Panel
It is the heart of the system. In the darker and cooler evenings of fall you are running more appliances and lighting and an old or overtaxed panel will show it.
Pay heed to these warning signs:
- Frequent tripping of breakers
- A warm panel
- Lights dimming or flickering upon turning on an appliance
- Any burning odour or buzzing from the vicinity of the panel
If you see these, do not put off having a licensed electrician look it over or you could be in for more serious issues.
Lighting and Fixtures Deserve a Look
You will be using your indoor and outdoor lighting more with the shorter days. Make sure the outdoor fixtures are in good repair and weather-proof, and put in new bulbs as needed. For those wanting to put in some new lighting for the sake of comfort or safety, fall is a practical time to make plans.
When to Enlist a Pro
You can do some of the checking yourself, but matters of wiring, the panel or ongoing electrical difficulties require someone with training. Our electricians are insured and fully licensed and work to industry safety standards. We are an A+ rated company with the Better Business Bureau and hold Hawaii License #C-34629.
From Hana to Kihei and Lahaina, we are of service to the homes and businesses of Maui County. For a free estimate or to have your system put through its paces before the season picks up, we are available 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday.
(808) 633-1827 is the number for Electric Service of Maui.