What salt air does
Salt settles on outdoor fittings and draws in moisture. Over time it corrodes terminals, screws and contacts. The first sign is often a safety switch that trips after rain, an outdoor light that dies early, or a power point cover that cracks and lets water in.
Choose properly rated outdoor fittings
Outdoor power points and lights carry an IP rating that tells you how well they keep out dust and water. For exposed coastal spots, we use fittings rated for the conditions, with covers that close properly when something is plugged in.
Materials matter
Cheap fittings with plain steel screws rust quickly near the sea. Marine-grade stainless steel, quality plastics and sealed fittings last much longer. It costs a little more once, instead of replacing lights every couple of years.
Check the meter box
Meter boxes on the sea side of the house cop the worst of it. If the door is rusting or the seals are gone, have the inside checked.
Simple maintenance
- Rinse outdoor light fittings with fresh water now and then (power off, and don't spray into fittings).
- Replace cracked covers and faded, brittle fittings before they let water in.
- If a safety switch trips after storms, get the outdoor circuits checked.
Need an electrician in Wollongong, the Illawarra or Shoalhaven? Get a free, fixed-price quote or call Jade on 0402 273 820.
