Good maintenance can keep your electrical system and equipment operating safely for years to come—but neglecting it can quickly lead to accidents, fires or costly downtime.
- Keep all electrical equipment and service areas clean. Clear away dust and cobwebs often, and make sure moisture isn't accumulating.
- Make sure all wiring and cords are protected from human and animal contact or damage from equipment (e.g., cords traveling under a heavy storage cabinet).
- Check to see if all fuses in the service panel are the correct size for their circuits.
- Check outlets and switches for loose connections or broken or missing cover plates.
- When replacing light bulbs, make sure the wattage doesn't exceed the fixture's rating.
- Keep high-intensity light fixtures away from combustible materials. Be sure to turn off and unplug equipment before cleaning or repairing.
- Turn off the power at the service panel when checking outlets, switches and light fixtures.
Download the “Electrical Safety on Your Farm” brochure [PDF]
Download the Farm Electrical Safety Checklist [PDF]