Stay Safe When Using Electricity Outdoors

The season of spending more time outdoors is here with summer quickly approaching. Do you find yourself needing electricity when you are outdoors? From hanging up string lights on your back porch, using power tools, or power washing your home, there are a lot of scenarios where you may want to use electricity outdoors. At Catalyst Electric, we want to help you keep your safety top of mind and today, we have some safety tips for when you are using electricity outdoors.


 Short Term 

If you are only looking to power something for a couple hours or even a couple days, extension cords will do the trick. However, you should always make sure that you are using extension cords that are designed specifically for the outdoors. You may be thinking that if it's temporary it doesn't matter. However, outdoor extension cords are designed to withstand moisture, sudden temperature changes, and being stepped on. Keep in mind that extension cords should only be used for temporary use. They are not a permanent solution. Also, make sure that you always put away your extension cords after use. They should not be left out in the elements because over an extended period of time the cords can break down and be suspectable to fire or shock.

Extra Safety Tips for Extention Cord Use 

  • Not all extension cords are the same. Make sure that you are using an extension cord that is rated for the number of wattages you plan to use. As a general rule of thumb, the thicker the wire the more wattage the cord can handle. (This is not always the case and you should make sure before using)  
  • When using extension cords outside, always plug them into a GFCI outlet. These outlets are typically found in bathrooms, kitchens, and garages. You can tell it is a GFCI outlet by the test/reset button. This type of outlet protects you and your family from electric shock in case the extension cord comes into contact with moisture. 
  • ALWAYS unplug your cord and store it when you are not using it, 

Long Term 


For things like lighting, and lawn tools that you are going to use on a regular basis, you need to come up with a permanent solution for your outdoor electric. If you currently have an outbuilding that is not equipped with electricity, you may want to consider adding power to the outbuilding. For lighting on your deck, you may want to add a couple outlets to the outside of your house. To add an outlet and ensure that it is both safe and up to code, you should hire an experienced electrician at the Lake of the Ozarks. These types of projects are typically not suitable for the average handyman. When you hire the best electricians at the Lake of the Ozarks to install outdoor electricity, you can have peace of mind that is done correctly and up to code.



We hope that you find these safety tips helpful and you'll keep them in mind this summer. If you're looking for a more permanent method to use electricity outdoors, our electrical contracting company at the Lake of the Ozarks can help! We can assist with adding a couple outlets outdoors, installing outdoor lighting, and more! Give us a call and we can provide you with a quote!



Quality Work With Integrity

 Catalyst Electric: Best electrician service at the Lake of the Ozarks  


1106 Runabout Drive
Osage Beach, Mo 65065
(573) 552-8488 -Phone
(573) 552-8248 -Fax

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Location: Osage Beach, MO 65065, USA

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