Winterizing Outdoor Outlets and Electrical Fixtures

Outdoor electrical fixtures and outlets take on more stress in winter than most homeowners expect. Moisture intrusion, freeze-thaw cycling around junction boxes, and de-icing salt exposure near ground-level fixtures all take a toll over a season.

A short pre-winter checklist

• Confirm outdoor outlet covers close and seal properly. A cover that won't latch lets moisture in.
• Test outdoor GFCI outlets using the built-in test/reset buttons.
• Look for cracked or yellowed outdoor fixture housings, which are more prone to water intrusion once temperatures drop.
• Clear any exterior junction boxes of debris that could trap moisture against the box.

Why it's worth doing before, not after

Water intrusion issues in outdoor electrical components are far easier, and cheaper, to catch in the fall than to diagnose after a winter of freeze-thaw cycling has made the problem worse. Outdoor circuits should also carry GFCI protection year-round. Our repair team can inspect and correct these before the cold sets in.