Before the July Fourth holiday barbecues begin, make electrical safety around pools, spas and hot tubs part of your plans.
Summer pool parties can create electrical hazards when string lights, extension cords and appliances come close to water. Southern California Edison encourages customers to take steps to prevent serious injuries and stay safe this summer.
Electrical Safety Tips:
- Make sure electrical outlets, pool lights, circuits, pumps and heaters within 20 feet of water have ground fault circuit interrupters. Test them monthly.
- Clearly label power switches so they can be shut off quickly in an emergency.
- Use battery-operated appliances and devices near pools when possible.
- Avoid touching electrical equipment or wires when you are wet.
- Stay at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines, especially when using long-handled tools.
- If you feel tingling while in the pool, get out immediately without touching metal ladders or rails. Touching metal may increase the risk of shock.
- If someone gets shocked, shut off power and use a nonconductive rescue tool like a fiberglass Shepard’s hook. Do not enter the water.
- Contact a licensed electrician to identify hazards and help pool-area equipment be installed safely while meeting local codes and the National Electrical Code.
If power lines are within 10 feet of your pool or if you are deciding where to place a pool, contact SCE’s local Planning department or your local inspection agency before work begins.
Find more electrical safety tips at sce.com/staysafe.
Communications around electrical safety are funded by ratepayers.
