Outdoor lighting can enhance the look of your home’s exterior while providing illumination that allows you to enjoy your yard after the sun sets. Yet, installing lights outside can be a bit more complicated – and slightly more dangerous – than changing the light bulb inside your home. To help you stay safe, here are a few safety tips for your outdoor lighting.

Keep These Safety Tips in Mind for Your Outdoor Lighting

1. Use Outdoor-Rated Equipment

When installing outdoor fixtures, light bulbs, or even using extension cords, it’s important that you only use equipment rated for that purpose. For example, the porch light is not typically exposed to strong weather. However, it will get damp and experience both hot and cold temperatures. For this reason, it should still be rated for outdoor use. Purchasing the correct equipment maximizes the life span of these items and can keep your family safe.

2. Avoid Flammable Materials

Many light bulbs and other pieces of equipment generate heat with use. This can lead to a fire hazard if they’re placed near flammable materials, such as wood or dry grass. For example, if your backyard has a tiki hut with dried palms as a roof, you should avoid placing heat-generating bulbs too close to the ceiling.  

3. Rely on GFCI Outlets

GFCI outlets – or Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter outlets – should be installed in every room of the house and outside because these are legally required in any location where electricity may come into contact with water and where you might plug something in while grounded. These outlets are designed to keep your family safe, as they prevent shocks and electrocutions, and they protect your appliances or electrical devices.

Outdoor lighting installation isn’t always easy. That’s why the experts at Michael Lawrence Electric, based in Pico Rivera, CA, offer advanced solutions and quality service. With more than 15 years of experience, their team of fully trained, licensed, and insured electricians can offer the equipment and resources necessary to get the job done – all at a competitive price. To learn more about how they can help you, call a representative today at (213) 591-0829. Or, visit their website for more information.