Light Up Your Summer - Safely
Summer in Perth is the season for outdoor living — long evenings, BBQs with friends, and festive lights twinkling across patios and gardens. But with all the extra power use and outdoor setups, it’s also the time of year when electrical safety matters most.
Before you plug in your Christmas lights, run your pool pump, or power up your outdoor kitchen, take a few minutes to make sure your electrical systems are safe, weatherproof, and ready to handle the load.
Here’s your guide to lighting up your summer — safely.
1. Check Your Outdoor Power Points & Lighting
Outdoor outlets and fittings take a beating from the elements. Rain, dust, and heat can all cause wear and tear over time.
Make sure your outdoor power points are weatherproof and fitted with proper covers.
Avoid using indoor power boards or cords outdoors — only use equipment rated for external use.
If your outdoor lighting flickers or trips your switchboard, it could be a sign that moisture has entered the circuit — time to call a licensed electrician for a quick check.
A small inspection now can prevent shocks, shorts, or outages later.
2. Inspect Your Christmas Lights & Decorations
If you’re decorating your home for the holidays, don’t just grab last year’s lights and plug them in.
Take a few minutes to:
Check for frayed cords, cracked bulbs, or exposed wiring.
Use LED lights — they run cooler, use less energy, and are far safer than traditional incandescent bulbs.
Always use outdoor-rated lights for external displays and connect them to outlets protected by an RCD (safety switch).
And remember — turn off your lights before going to bed or leaving the house. It’s good for safety and your power bill.
3. Keep Pool & Garden Power Safe
Many Perth homes run pool pumps, outdoor fridges, spas, and garden lighting throughout summer. These systems often share outdoor circuits that work overtime during the hot months.
To stay safe:
Ensure your pool and garden power circuits are protected by functioning RCDs.
Keep cords and plugs away from water and damp areas.
Have an electrician inspect your setup if you’ve recently added outdoor features like lighting, pumps, or a new patio space.
A simple pre-summer inspection can prevent costly issues and reduce the risk of electric shock.
4. Be Smart With Extension Leads & Power Boards
It’s tempting to run an extra cord or two for lights, speakers, or tools — but overloaded power boards can quickly overheat.
Here’s how to stay safe:
Don’t daisy-chain multiple power boards together.
Keep cords elevated and clear of wet ground.
Unwind extension leads fully to prevent overheating.
If you constantly find yourself short on outlets, consider having a few extra weatherproof sockets installed — it’s a simple upgrade that makes a big difference.
At Response Electricians, we’re here to help you enjoy a bright, safe, and stress-free summer. Whether you need outdoor outlets upgraded, festive lighting installed, or a quick safety inspection, our licensed electricians have you covered.
📅 Stay ahead of the summer rush:
Fill our the form below to book your outdoor electrical check or speak with our team to find a time that works for you.
