How do I winterize my outdoor electrical in New Brunswick?

Winterizing Outdoor Electrical for New Brunswick's Harsh Winters

New Brunswick's winters — with temperatures dropping to -30°C, heavy snow loads, ice storms, and freeze-thaw cycles — are demanding on outdoor electrical installations. A fall maintenance checklist prevents failures, damage, and safety hazards during the worst months.

Outdoor Outlet Maintenance

1. Inspect all in-use covers (bubble covers)
These hinged or snap-close covers protect outdoor outlets from rain and snow even when a cord is plugged in. Check that:

• The cover closes fully and latches securely


• The gasket/seal isn't cracked, brittle, or missing


• The cover isn't cracked from UV exposure (common after 3–5 NB summers)


• The spring mechanism still holds the cover shut

Replace any damaged covers before winter. Cost: $8–$20 per cover at Kent or Home Hardware.

2. Test GFCI protection
Press the TEST button on every outdoor GFCI outlet. The power should cut off immediately. Press RESET to restore. If the TEST button doesn't trip the outlet, or RESET won't stay engaged, the GFCI has failed and needs replacement before winter.

Why this matters in winter: melting snow, ice, and moisture are constantly present around outdoor outlets. A functioning GFCI is your primary shock protection.

3. Unplug seasonal items
Remove and store:

• Landscape lighting transformers (or leave powered for security lighting)


• Fountain and pond pumps


• Outdoor speakers and entertainment equipment


• Extension cords (never leave extension cords plugged in outdoors over winter)

4. Check for water entry
Look for signs of water inside outdoor outlet boxes: corrosion on contacts, water stains, or green oxidation on copper. If water has entered, have the box resealed or replaced. In coastal NB areas (Saint John, Shediac, Bathurst), salt spray accelerates corrosion — flush exposed outlet boxes with a damp cloth to remove salt residue before winter.

Exterior Lighting

1. Replace burnt-out bulbs before snow arrives
Once snow is deep, accessing exterior fixtures on ladders becomes dangerous. Do a full bulb check in October or November.

2. Check fixture seals
Outdoor light fixtures have gaskets or seals between the lens/globe and the housing. Cracked seals let moisture in, which fogs the lens and corrodes the socket. Replace damaged seals or the entire fixture if seals aren't available.

3. Verify photocell operation
Dusk-to-dawn lights should turn on at dusk and off at dawn. If a photocell isn't working, the light either stays on 24/7 (wasting electricity) or doesn't turn on at all (security risk during NB's 16-hour winter nights). Replace the photocell ($10–$20) or the fixture.

4. Clear snow from fixtures
After storms, knock snow off wall-mounted fixtures, soffit lights, and any fixture where snow accumulation blocks light output or adds weight stress to the mounting.

Christmas and Holiday Lighting Safety

Holiday lighting is a major part of NB winter, but it's also a leading cause of seasonal electrical fires:

• Use outdoor-rated lights only — indoor lights aren't weatherproofed and can short in rain or snow
• Check every string for frayed insulation, broken sockets, and cracked plugs before hanging
• Don't exceed 3 strings end-to-end on a single circuit (manufacturer's recommendation for most strings)
• Use a GFCI-protected outdoor outlet for all holiday lights
• Use a timer — don't leave lights on 24/7. Timer-controlled lights reduce fire risk and save electricity ($10–$30/month for large displays)
• Don't staple or nail through light cords — use insulated light clips ($5–$10 per pack)
• Remove lights by March — UV degradation over spring and summer makes lights unsafe for reuse if left up year-round

Heated Items

Block heater outlets:
Many NB driveways have outdoor outlets specifically for block heaters. Before winter:

• Test the outlet with a lamp or tester to confirm power


• Check that the outlet cover closes properly


• Use a heavy-duty outdoor extension cord rated for the block heater's amperage (typically 15A). Lightweight indoor extension cords overheat and are a fire hazard.


• Block heaters draw 400–1,000 watts — don't share the outlet with other high-draw devices

Heat tape (heat cable) for pipes and gutters:
Self-regulating heat tape prevents ice dams and frozen pipes. Before winter:

• Inspect the cable for damage, cuts, or bare wire


• Test by plugging in on a cold day — the cable should feel warm to the touch within 30 minutes


• Ensure the cable is plugged into a GFCI-protected outlet


• Check the thermostat sensor if your heat tape has one

Heat tape installation on gutters and roofs should be done by a qualified installer. Electrical connection of hardwired heat cable requires a licensed electrician and may need a TSANB permit.

Generator Preparation

If you have a portable or standby generator:

• Test run for 15–30 minutes under load in October


• Check oil and coolant (standby generators)


• Stabilize stored gasoline with fuel stabilizer (portable generators)


• Verify the transfer switch operates — have your electrician test the automatic transfer switch annually ($100–$200 service call)


• Clear snow access — keep the area around a standby generator shovelled so it can ventilate properly

Fall Electrical Inspection Checklist

Have a TSANB-licensed electrician do a fall check if:

• Your home is more than 25 years old


• You've noticed any outdoor outlets, lights, or fixtures that aren't working properly


• You're planning to install holiday lighting on a large scale


• You have a generator that hasn't been tested in over a year


• You've had any water or ice damage to your exterior electrical in previous winters

A fall maintenance call typically costs $100–$200 and can prevent far more expensive emergency repairs in January.

---

Find a Electrical Contractor

New Brunswick Electrical connects you with experienced contractors through the https://newbrunswickconstructionnetwork.com:

• A+ Solar Solutions ✓
• A&S Electric Ltd. ✓
• Blue Energy Ltd ✓

View all electrical contractors →