How to Get Your Lawn to Stop Trying to Kill You: Hidden Dangers in Outdoor Electrical

Having a beautiful green lawn is one of the joys of homeownership. However, maintaining a lawn comes with its fair share of hazards, especially when dealing with outdoor electrical issues. With some vigilance and preventative care, you can keep your lawn lush without risking electrocution or fire.

Know the Risks

Outdoor electrical dangers often go unnoticed, but pose serious risks. Common hazards include:

• Damaged cords - Lawn mowers, trimmers, and other tools can easily damage extension cords. Exposed wires increase the chance of shock or fire. Inspect cords before each use and replace damaged ones immediately.

• Underground wires - Buried wires servicing landscape lighting or other outdoor fixtures can become damaged over time. If you dig without knowing their location, you risk electrocution and damage to the wiring. Always call 811 before any digging to get underground wires marked.

• Faulty GFCIs - Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) prevent electrocution by shutting off power in the event of a short. Outlets around moist areas outdoors should always be GFCI protected. Test them monthly and replace any that fail to work properly.

• Frayed connections - Time and weather can degrade connections to outdoor lighting and electrical fixtures. Inspect connections periodically and repair any frayed or exposed wiring, which presents a serious shock risk.

Inspect Frequently

Regular inspections and maintenance help reveal problems before they become serious.

• Walk your property at least seasonally to look for any damaged electrical components. Check cords, connections, lighting fixtures, and outlets.

• Hire an electrician to periodically inspect wiring servicing ponds, fountains, landscape lighting, and any other outdoor electrical installations. They may detect issues you would miss.

• Keep vegetation cleared around any electrical panels, conduits, or fixtures. Overgrown plants could conceal damage and present a fire hazard.

• When mowing or trimming, be vigilant for any cords or buried wiring in the area. Stop immediately if you snag anything to prevent greater damage.

Use Caution During Yardwork

Exercising caution with outdoor power equipment can prevent many electrical hazards:

• Never use power tools in wet conditions or on wet grass - it dramatically increases the chance of electrocution.

• When possible, run corded equipment using outlets protected by GFCIs to prevent shocks.

• Use cord covers or duct tape to prevent damage from lawn mowers or trimmers. Bury cords crossing walkways or driveways.

• If you strike a buried electrical line while digging or trenching, stop immediately and call your utility company to assess damage.

• When working around ponds or sprinkler systems, turn off power at the source to prevent shocks in wet areas.

Know When to Call a Professional

Some outdoor electrical issues require expertise to address safely. Contact a licensed electrician for:

• Installing new circuits or fixtures like pond pumps or landscape lighting. Only those with training should work directly with electrical wiring.

• Diagnosing and replacing any damaged buried wiring. Attempting DIY repairs risks electrocution and further damage.

• Upgrading older circuits and outlets to add modern GFCI protection. Professionals can determine what areas need improved safety.

• Periodic inspections of all outdoor electrical systems. Their specialized tools and knowledge help detect lurking problems.

With proper precautions, you can keep your lawn lush and beautiful without the electrical system that powers it becoming hazardous. Pay attention, make fixes promptly, and call in the experts when needed. Following these tips will let you and your family safely enjoy the yard for years to come.