Test every GFCI outlet
Press the test button and then the reset button on every GFCI outlet in your kitchen, bathroom, and garage.
What to know before you get started.
We want you to know what to look for at your panel and outlets. Use this list to stay ahead of the weather in Moscow, Pullman, and across the Palouse.
The short list for every month or two
You should walk through your home and shop to test basic safety devices. These simple checks help you catch failing parts before they cause a fire or a shock.
Look at your electrical panel
Glance at the panel for any rust streaks, buzzing sounds, or signs of heat. Never open the cover or touch the wires inside.
Check smoke and CO alarms
Press the test button on every alarm to check the battery and the connection to your home wiring.
Feel your switch plates
Touch the plastic plates on your light switches and outlets. Call us if they feel warm or look discolored.
Fall, before the first hard freeze
Prepare your outdoor wiring before the Palouse freeze-thaw cycle begins. You need your heat tape and heaters to work when the temperature drops below zero.
Inspect your heat tape
Check the cords and outdoor outlets that power heat tape on your water lines. We can replace cracked outlets or damaged wiring.
Plug heaters into walls
Plug your space heater directly into a wall outlet. Never use a power strip or extension cord for a heater.
Run your standby generator
Start your generator and run it under a load as your manual describes. This tells you it will work during a winter storm.
Close outdoor outlet covers
Check that all exterior outlet covers close tightly. This keeps moisture from freezing inside the outlet and tripping your breakers.
Winter
Cold snaps put heavy pressure on older panels and baseboard heaters. You should watch how your home handles the extra load when every heater is running.
Watch for tripping breakers
Notice if a breaker trips when you run your dryer and baseboard heaters at the same time. This often means your circuit is overloaded.
Check your extension cords
Use extension cords only for temporary power. Move them if they run through doorways or hang from nails.
Clear space around heaters
Keep furniture and curtains away from baseboard heaters. This prevents fire hazards and lets heat move through your room.
Spring
Wet weather tests your GFCI protection and outdoor fixtures. The rising Palouse River and heavy rains can cause trouble for your sump pump and exterior lights.
Test your sump pump
Check that your sump pump is on a GFCI outlet that resets properly. Unplug the pump and plug it back in to hear it cycle.
Check for outdoor trips
Look for outdoor outlets that trip during rainstorms. Moisture inside the box usually means you need a new weather-rated cover.
Inspect exterior light fixtures
Look at the lights on your porch or barn for ice damage. Heavy snow can pull fixtures away from the siding.
Summer and harvest
Dust and heat are the main enemies of your electrical system during harvest. Keep your shop and well pump running while you work in Latah or Whitman County.
Keep the shop panel clear
Keep the area around your electrical panel clear of dust and debris. Have us look at the breakers if they feel hot to the touch.
Listen to your well pump
Listen for your well pump short-cycling on Clearwater Power or Inland Power lines. Frequent starting can damage the pump motor and the circuit.
Adjust timers and photocells
Check your yard light timers and photocells as the days get longer. Dust on a sensor can make your lights stay on all day.
Questions about home electrical maintenance checklist
How often should I test my GFCI outlets?
Once a month. Press the test button to trip the outlet, then press reset to bring the power back.
Are power strips safe for space heaters?
No, you must never plug a space heater into a power strip or an extension cord. These devices cannot handle the power a heater draws and can melt or start a fire.
What should I check before winter hits the Palouse?
Check your heat tape cords and the weather covers on your outdoor outlets. You should also run your generator to confirm it starts before the first snow falls.
My breaker trips when the heater and dryer run together. Is that normal?
No, a tripping breaker means the circuit is carrying more power than it can safely handle. You should call us to look at your panel or add a dedicated circuit.
When does a checklist item turn into a repair call?
Call us if a breaker will not reset, an outlet feels hot, or you smell burning plastic. You should also reach out if a GFCI outlet fails its monthly test.
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Service: Home Electrical Maintenance Checklist
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