The holidays are over, the New Year has rung in, and now comes the task everyone dreads: taking down the decorations.
While untangling string lights and deflating snowmen might be just another chore on your to-do list, it presents a unique opportunity. You are already outside, up on the ladder, and handling your home’s exterior power sources. This is the perfect moment to perform a critical outdoor electrical safety check.
Winter weather in Vermont takes a toll on your home’s exterior, and your electrical outlets are on the front lines. Here is exactly what you should look for as you disconnect for the season.
The Hidden Damage of Winter Moisture and Outdoor Electrical Safety
Your outdoor outlets have likely spent the last two months working overtime, powering lights, inflatables, and timers. During that time, they’ve been exposed to snow, ice, and fluctuating temperatures.
The freeze-thaw cycle is particularly hard on plastic components. Water can seep behind faceplates or into the mechanism of the outlet itself. When that water freezes, it expands, causing cracks that might be invisible from a distance. Once the seal is broken, your electrical system is vulnerable to corrosion and short circuits.
The 30-Second GFCI Check
Most outdoor outlets are (or should be) Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs). These are designed to cut power instantly if they detect a dangerous change in current, like water bridging the connection.
As you unplug your lights, take thirty seconds to check these three things:
- Check for Physical Cracks: Look closely at the plastic cover and the outlet face itself. Even a hairline crack can let moisture in.
- Inspect the Weather Seal: Is the foam gasket behind the cover crumbling? Is the “bubble cover” closing tightly, or is the hinge loose?
- The Button Test: Press the “TEST” button in the center of the outlet. It should click and cut power. Then press “RESET.” If it doesn’t click or if it won’t reset, the internal mechanism has failed, and it is no longer providing safety protection.
Why “It Still Works” Isn’t Good Enough
We often hear homeowners say, “The plastic is cracked, but the plug still works.”
This is a dangerous mindset. A functioning plug with a compromised casing is a fire hazard waiting for the next heavy rain or snowmelt. If the GFCI mechanism inside is damaged by moisture, it won’t trip when it needs to—potentially leading to shocks or electrical fires.
How Brook Field Service Can Help
If you find damage during your post-holiday takedown, don’t ignore it. Outdoor electrical repairs require weatherproof parts and specialized knowledge to ensure they are up to code.
At Brook Field Service, we don’t just fix generators; we are fully licensed electricians ready to secure your home’s perimeter. We can help you with:
- GFCI Replacements: Swapping out old, worn outlets for modern, weather-resistant (WR) rated units.
- Cover Upgrades: Installing heavy-duty “in-use” covers that protect your plugs even when things are plugged in.
- Circuit Troubleshooting: If your holiday display was constantly tripping the breaker this year, we can inspect your panel and circuit load to prevent issues next season.
Start the New Year Safe
Resolutions are usually about self-improvement, but home improvement counts too. As you pack away the lights for another year, make sure you aren’t leaving dangerous electrical issues exposed to the elements.
Found a crack? Breaker won’t reset? Contact Brook Field Service today to schedule a quick exterior safety check.
