Common Electrical Problems Florida’s Humidity Causes
Outlets misbehaving in the heat and stickiness of summer? Breakers tripping with some regularity you have not seen before? One has to ask why an electrical problem will put in an appearance when the air in Florida is thick enough to wade in.
You are not the only one to put up with it. Since 1982 we at Ridge Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical have put our expertise to work for homeowners and commercial clients in Panama City and throughout Northwest Florida. We would be happy to have our licensed, insured people come by and see what is going on; pick up the phone at (850) 929-8858. In the meantime, here is an explanation of why humidity and electricity are such an ill-matched pair in Bay County.
Why the Two Do Not Mix
Moisture and electricity were never meant to be. Yet in Northwest Florida it is just part of living. Whether you are in Millville or Bay View Heights, out by the beach in Panama City or Cape San Blas, there is a lot of water vapor in the air for most of the year.
It can get into the most unlikely spots, making its way inside an outlet box or along the wiring to rest on metal parts. Before long you have corrosion and short circuits to contend with, not to mention safety concerns. The trouble is these things develop insidiously and you might not be aware of them until a breaker trips or something else gives out.
Wiring and Connection Corrosion
We encounter our share of corrosion. The kind of connection copper wiring and metal terminals make with humid air is one that gets eaten away. And a corroded connection is no good for carrying current.
Telltale signs your system is being affected include:
- A switch or outlet with some warmth
- Lights that flicker on and off
- Outlets of an intermittent nature
- Some discoloration about the plates
- An appliance cutting out without rhyme or reason
- The odd metallic or burning scent from a fixture
Any of the above should be cause to have a pro examine the wiring.
Overloaded Circuits and Tripping Breakers
Your electrical system is put through its paces in a Florida summer with the pool pump, dehumidifier and air conditioner all pulling hard on it. Add in moisture on top of connections that are already under duress and the breakers will trip.
An occasional trip is nothing to worry about, but if it is happening with some frequency it is a sign of an overloaded circuit, old wiring past its prime or a moisture issue.
GFCI Outlets
For good reason you will have ground fault circuit interrupters in the garage, outdoors, the kitchen and bath. They are there to cut power at the first hint of a fault or moisture. In this climate they have plenty of protecting to do. Should your GFCIs be tripping repeatedly though, it is a warning not to be dismissed that moisture is where it ought not be.
The Risks Outdoors
There is an added element for those in Bonifay or down to Santa Rosa Beach. The salt in the air hastens the corrosion of panels, outlets and fixtures when mixed with the humidity. Proper sealing and weather-resistant covers are advisable, provided they are given a once over now and then. Trouble tends to show up at:
- Uncovered exterior outlets
- Porch and landscape lights
- Pool and spa gear
- Well pumps
- Outside wall mounted panels
Some Protection for Your Home
You can mitigate the risk of humidity playing havoc with your electrics. Dehumidify and cool the home as you should. See that outdoor outlets are sealed and covered. Then have an electrician make a routine inspection; he will find loose connections and corrosion before they fail. Our NATE-certified technicians are well versed in what the Panama City climate does and are on hand seven days a week, 24/7. As we do HVAC and plumbing in addition to electrical, we can put the whole matter of how humidity impacts the home in perspective.
Ridge is Here to Help
A minor electrical matter can become a major one if left to it. For free estimates and to have a team of licensed, insured professionals put your mind at ease, call Ridge Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical. We are proud of our service to all of Northwest Florida and Panama City. Give us a ring at (850) 929-8858 any hour of the day.
