Powering Safety in the Hottest Season
As temperatures rise in Washington State, so do the risks to your home’s electrical system. Whether it’s added strain from air conditioners, unpredictable summer storms, or the surge of backyard activities, summer introduces a wave of hazards that can compromise safety—and peace of mind.
At McCarthy Electric and Technologies, LLC, we believe that safety starts with knowledge and is secured through reliable, licensed service. With over 25 years of electrical expertise serving Lynnwood, Lake Stevens, Everett, and beyond, we’re proud to be your community-rooted partner in protection. Our mission? Help you stay safe, prepared, and powered up all summer long.
Here are the top summer electrical safety tips every homeowner and business in Snohomish and King Counties should follow.
Prevent Overloaded Circuits and Summer Blackouts
With the uptick in appliance usage—from fans and dehumidifiers to pool equipment and EV chargers—your home’s circuits could be pushed beyond their capacity. This not only increases the risk of circuit breaker trips but could also lead to overheating and fire hazards.
What You Should Do:
- Distribute the load: Avoid plugging multiple high-energy appliances into a single outlet.
- Upgrade old panels: If your home is 25+ years old, consider a professional panel upgrade.
- Schedule a load analysis: A licensed electrician can determine if your system is summer-ready.
- Use dedicated circuits: AC units, fridges, and EV chargers should have their own lines.
Expert Tip: Our panel upgrade services include formal EV load calculations, ensuring your system meets the latest code and capacity demands.
Weatherproof Your Outdoor Electrical System
Outdoor lighting, patio fans, and sprinkler timers are summertime staples—but they’re also prime sources of risk if not weatherproofed. Exposure to rain, irrigation systems, or even morning dew can lead to dangerous shock hazards or equipment failures.
Safety Measures:
- GFCI Outlets: Install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters on all exterior and wet-area outlets.
- Weatherproof Covers: Use “in-use” covers to protect devices from the elements.
- Outdoor-Rated Cords: Only use extension cords rated for outdoor use, and never run them through doors or windows.
- Visual Inspection: Regularly check for frayed cords or rusted outlets and call a professional if needed.
Did You Know? Homes built before the 1990s often lack GFCIs in critical zones. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), GFCIs have reduced the risk of electrocution by over 80% since their introduction.
Pool, Spa, and Hot Tub Safety: Water + Electricity = High Risk
Few things beat a summer dip, but pools and spas come with hidden electrical dangers. Faulty wiring or lack of bonding and grounding can lead to deadly shock risks in water—often without visible warning signs.
Protect Your Loved Ones:
- Get an Inspection: Schedule an electrical safety inspection for your pool, hot tub, or spa system.
- Proper Bonding: Ensure all metallic equipment (like ladders, rails, lights) is correctly bonded to prevent stray voltage.
- Install Emergency Shut-Offs: Every pool area should have a clearly marked and easily accessible shut-off switch.
- Keep devices 10 feet away: This applies to speakers, TVs, lights, or any corded equipment.
McCarthy’s Specialty: We have specialized experience wiring and inspecting pool, spa, and septic systems—ensuring code compliance and user safety every time.
Surge Protection for Summer Storms and Appliance Spikes
Sudden summer thunderstorms in the Pacific Northwest can knock out power and send dangerous surges through your home’s wiring. Even internally, the cycling of large appliances like ACs or pumps can gradually damage your electronics over time.
Don’t Let a Surge Wipe You Out:
- Install Whole-Home Surge Protectors: This is your best defense against both external and internal surges.
- Use Surge-Protected Power Strips: Especially for expensive electronics like computers, TVs, and home offices.
- Unplug During Storms: Manually unplug high-value electronics if lightning storms are forecasted.
- Check Your Insurance: Many homeowners’ policies don’t cover surge damage unless you have proper mitigation.
Pro Tip: A licensed electrician near you can quickly assess whether your home needs a panel-mounted surge device or individual circuit protection.
Safe Use of Generators and EV Chargers
Backup power and electric vehicles are more common than ever—but improper installation or usage can pose serious risks, from electrocution to fire.
Generator Safety:
- Never use indoors: Even in your garage, carbon monoxide from generators is fatal.
- Install a Transfer Switch: Prevents dangerous backfeeding that can injure utility workers or damage your home’s circuits.
- Keep Dry and Ventilated: Always run the unit on a dry surface, far from doors and windows.
EV Charging Tips:
- Skip Extension Cords: These are not rated for EV loads and can overheat quickly.
- Professional Installation Only: A Level 2 charger requires its own circuit, correct voltage, and often a panel upgrade.
- Permitting Matters: Unpermitted installations can void your EV warranty and lead to insurance issues.
McCarthy Electric is Tesla-certified, and our EV charger installations are built to protect both your investment and your home.
Conclusion: Be Proactive, Not Reactive
Summer should be a time of joy, not jeopardy. But whether it’s an overloaded panel, a forgotten surge protector, or an outdated spa circuit, it only takes one overlooked detail to create a dangerous situation. By staying proactive and working with a licensed electrician, you’re investing in more than just your property—you’re safeguarding your peace of mind.
At McCarthy Electric and Technologies, we take safety personally. Our team is always ready to assess, advise, and implement the right solutions for your home or business. From emergency repairs to long-term upgrades, we’re your trusted electrical partner—season after season.
Ready to Protect Your Home This Summer?
Don’t wait until something shorts out. Book a free estimate with McCarthy Electric and Technologies, LLC today and let a licensed electrician near you assess your summer-readiness.
FAQs
Do I really need a professional to install a pool or hot tub?
Yes. Improper grounding and bonding around water installations can lead to fatal shock risks. Only a licensed electrician should handle this type of work to ensure safety and code compliance.
How can I know if my surge protector is still effective?
Look for warning lights or “protected” indicators on your surge strips. For whole-home protectors, it’s best to schedule a routine inspection every few years.
Can I use my outdoor outlets during rain if they’re covered?
Only if they’re GFCI-protected and have “in-use” weatherproof covers. However, it’s always safest to avoid outdoor electricity use during active storms or heavy rain.