Severe weather may not be an everyday concern for Los Angeles residents, but when heavy rains, high winds, heatwaves, or unexpected storms strike, your home’s electrical system can be vulnerable. Power surges, outages, flooding, and even electrical fires are just a few of the risks. The good news is that a little preparation goes a long way.
Whether you’re a homeowner or business owner in the LA area, here’s how you can safeguard your electrical system and stay powered up when the weather takes a turn for the worse.
1. Schedule a Professional Electrical Inspection
The first step to severe weather readiness is knowing the current state of your electrical system. A licensed electrician can inspect your panel, wiring, outlets, and grounding to ensure everything is up to code and functioning safely.
At Phase Electric, we often find that older homes and buildings in Los Angeles still operate with outdated or overloaded panels – especially in neighborhoods where upgrades haven’t kept pace with modern energy demands. A professional inspection helps you identify and fix weak points before they become major hazards.
2. Install Surge Protection
When lightning strikes or high winds knock down power lines, the resulting power surges can fry your electronics and appliances in an instant. Whole-house surge protectors offer an added layer of defense by blocking excess voltage before it reaches your devices.
While plug-in surge protectors are useful, they’re no match for a professionally installed, panel-mounted surge protection system. This is especially important in areas where voltage fluctuations can occur during brownouts or grid instability – something Southern California has seen during wildfire season and extreme heat events.
3. Consider a Backup Generator
A standby generator can be a game-changer during power outages. Whether you’re running a business or just want to keep your refrigerator, medical devices, and lights running at home, a generator ensures peace of mind.
Generators come in all sizes, from portable units to whole-home standby systems that activate automatically when the power goes out. For Southern California homeowners, natural gas-powered systems are often a practical and cleaner-burning choice. A licensed electrician can help determine the right generator size and ensure safe, code-compliant installation.
4. Secure Outdoor Electrical Equipment
Exterior outlets, lighting, and wiring are particularly vulnerable to moisture and wind damage. Water exposure can cause short circuits or even electrical fires if the equipment isn’t properly rated or sealed.
Here’s what you can do:
- Make sure all outdoor outlets are equipped with weatherproof covers.
- Use GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets to reduce the risk of shock or fire.
- Secure outdoor fixtures and inspect them regularly for signs of corrosion or wear.
Los Angeles homes with pool or landscape lighting systems should be especially cautious – these systems must be waterproof and up to current safety standards to withstand heavy rain or flooding.
5. Trim Nearby Trees and Clear Debris
High winds can knock tree limbs into power lines or even your service drop (the line that connects your home to the grid). This can cause outages or sparks that lead to fires.
To reduce this risk:
- Keep trees and shrubs trimmed away from power lines and electrical panels.
- Secure or remove items in your yard that could blow into electrical equipment during a storm.
While this is more of a general safety tip, it’s a crucial part of protecting your electrical infrastructure, especially in neighborhoods with large, mature trees or hillside properties prone to wind gusts.
6. Know How to Shut Off Power in an Emergency
Every homeowner should know how to shut off the main power supply in case of flooding, fire, or other emergencies. Water and electricity don’t mix, and attempting to use outlets or appliances in a flooded area can be deadly.
Locate your main electrical panel and learn how to switch off the main breaker. If you’re unsure, ask your electrician during your next inspection to walk you through the process safely.
7. Update Your Electrical Panel if Needed
Modern electrical panels are designed to handle today’s energy needs and include built-in safety mechanisms like AFCIs (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters). If your home still has a panel from the 1970s or earlier – or if you’ve added new appliances, a home EV charger, or solar panels – it may be time for an upgrade.
Severe weather can push older systems to the brink. Upgrading to a newer panel ensures your home can safely manage power fluctuations and surge protection without overloading circuits.
Why Hire Phase Electric?
Severe weather may not be a daily concern in Los Angeles, but preparation is key. From surge protection to panel upgrades and emergency planning, a proactive approach can help you avoid costly damage and dangerous situations.
At Phase Electric, we specialize in residential and commercial electrical solutions tailored to Southern California’s unique environment. Contact us today for an inspection or to learn more about weather-proofing your electrical system.
