In the Myrtle Beach area, we know that extreme weather isn't just a possibility—it's a yearly reality. From summer thunderstorms that roll in suddenly to the occasional major coastal storm, your home's electrical system can take a serious beating.
Here at Wired SC, we've been helping our neighbors across Horry, Brunswick, and Georgetown Counties keep their lights on and their homes safe for over two decades. Preparing your electrical system before a storm hits is the best way to safeguard your property and your family. We want to share some pro-tips for fortifying your home against the elements.
Inspecting and Protecting Your Outdoor Electrical Components
Your outdoor electrical wiring and fixtures are on the front lines against heavy rain, high winds, and flying debris. Taking a proactive approach here can prevent major headaches later.
Check for Damaged Wires and Loose Connections
Look for Wear: High winds can stress overhead service lines, and tree limbs can rub against exterior wiring, causing fraying or damage that might not be immediately obvious.
Inspect the Service Mast: Walk around your home and look for any wires that appear cracked, frayed, or sagging. Pay special attention to the service mast (the pipe bringing power into your home). If any part of it looks damaged or loose, it's a critical safety issue that needs immediate professional attention.
Evaluate Outdoor Fixtures and Outlets
Secure Fixtures: Ensure that all outdoor light fixtures are securely mounted and that their protective seals are intact to prevent water intrusion.
Test GFCIs: Check your GFCI (Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets. These are essential for outdoor safety and must be functioning correctly.
How to Test: Press the "Test" button—the "Reset" button should pop out. If it doesn't, the outlet needs to be replaced. A faulty GFCI outlet is a hazard, especially in wet conditions.
Fortifying Your Indoor Electrical Panel and Appliances
Even inside your home, the electrical system is vulnerable to weather-related issues, mainly from power surges caused by lightning strikes or utility problems following an outage.
Install a Whole-House Surge Protector
Comprehensive Defense: One of the most valuable investments you can make for weather readiness is a whole-house surge protector.
Protection at the Source: While small plug-in strips offer limited protection, a whole-house unit is installed directly at your main service panel by a licensed electrician.
Save Money and Headaches: It defends all connected appliances and electronics against devastating power surges from lightning or utility grid fluctuations, potentially saving you thousands in damage after a bad storm.
Know Your Main Breaker's Location and How to Use It
Safety First: In the event of flooding or a tree falling on your service line, you may need to shut off all power to your home quickly.
Educate the Household: You and every responsible adult in your home should know the location of your main electrical panel and how to safely turn off the main breaker. This is a crucial safety step to prevent electrocution or electrical fire during a weather emergency. If you are ever unsure, remember to contact a professional for guidance.
Plan for Extended Power Outages
Backup Solutions: While we work hard to get power back up, sometimes Mother Nature wins for a few days. If you're considering a backup power solution, now is the time to plan.
Professional Installation: Whether it's a transfer switch installation for a portable generator or a professionally installed whole-house standby generator, we can help you choose the right system to keep essential circuits running safely when the grid goes down. We handle the complete, safe, and licensed installation from start to finish.
Electrical safety during extreme weather is our top priority for the communities we serve. By taking these steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of damage and keep your family safe. If you need assistance with inspections, surge protection, or backup power solutions, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at (843) 938-2657. We’re your trusted local experts, ready to help you prepare for whatever the weather brings.