Be prepared for how weather affects exterior lighting and electrical systems.
As spring and early summer roll in, businesses face fluctuating weather conditions that can take a toll on their exterior lighting and electrical systems. From heavy rains and thunderstorms to high humidity and strong winds, unpredictable weather can lead to damage, inefficiency, and even safety hazards. Understanding how these conditions impact your systems—and how to protect them—can help ensure your commercial property stays well-lit and operational year-round. If you want to take these preventative steps, contact CMI Lighting for assistance from our expert electricians.
Heavy Rain and Flooding
Spring and early summer often bring periods of heavy rainfall, which can lead to flooding. Excess moisture poses a significant risk to outdoor electrical systems, potentially causing shorts, corrosion, and failures in lighting fixtures, wiring, and electrical panels.
Preventative Measures:
- Ensure all exterior electrical components are properly sealed and weatherproofed.
- Install ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) on outdoor outlets to prevent electrical hazards.
- Regularly inspect outdoor lighting fixtures and connections for signs of water damage.
Thunderstorms and Power Surges
Frequent thunderstorms during the warmer months can lead to sudden power surges and outages. Lightning strikes and grid disruptions can overload electrical circuits, damaging lighting systems and other electrical infrastructure.
Preventative Measures:
- Invest in commercial-grade surge protection devices for your business.
- Consider installing backup generators to maintain operations during outages.
- Schedule routine inspections to check for vulnerabilities in your electrical system.
High Humidity and Corrosion
Warm temperatures combined with high humidity levels create the perfect environment for corrosion and electrical failures. Metal components, including wiring, fixtures, and panels, may deteriorate faster when exposed to excessive moisture in the air.
Preventative Measures:
- Use corrosion-resistant materials for exterior lighting and electrical systems.
- Apply protective coatings to prevent rust and wear on metal components.
- Conduct periodic maintenance to replace corroded parts before they cause system failures.
Strong Winds and Physical Damage
Spring and summer storms often bring high winds, which can knock over pole lights, loosen wiring, and damage electrical enclosures. Wind-driven debris can also impact lighting fixtures, leading to costly repairs or replacements.
Preventative Measures:
- Ensure that all pole lights and signage are securely anchored and checked regularly.
- Trim nearby trees and remove loose objects that could become airborne during storms.
- Inspect fixtures for signs of wear and replace any damaged components promptly.
Temperature Fluctuations and System Efficiency
Spring and early summer can bring fluctuating temperatures that impact the efficiency of outdoor lighting. Heat buildup in enclosed fixtures can shorten the lifespan of bulbs and electrical components.
Preventative Measures:
- Use LED lighting, which operates efficiently in various temperatures and lasts longer.
- Ensure proper ventilation for enclosed fixtures to prevent overheating.
- Schedule seasonal maintenance to adjust and optimize lighting for changing conditions.
Stay Prepared with CMI Lighting
Weather can be unpredictable, but your exterior lighting and electrical systems don’t have to be. At CMI Lighting, we provide expert inspection, maintenance, and upgrade services to keep your business safe and well-lit—no matter the season. Whether it’s surge protection, waterproofing, or system reinforcement, our team has the experience to protect your investment.
Contact CMI Lighting today to schedule a consultation and keep your electrical systems weather-ready!
CHECK OUT COMMERCIAL ELECTRICAL SERVICES FROM CMI LIGHTING
With over 35 years in the industry, CMI has an array of equipment to handle the logistics of any in-house job. We also frequently provide solutions to property managers and upcoming developments. CMI Companies provides services in the Mid-Atlantic Region and proudly serves clients in Northern Virginia, Maryland, Richmond, Southern Virginia, Manassas, Prince William County, Fairfax County, Rockville, and Prince George’s County. Also, check us out on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.