A muggy week in the summer and your outlets are not behaving? Breakers that trip with more frequency of late? A musty scent you put down to an outlet or switch? For those of us in Acadiana, it is likely our humidity to blame.

We at Comeaux Electrical Services have been putting right these very problems for homeowners and businesses in Lafayette since 1989. Should you be concerned over what moisture is doing to your electrical system, give us a ring at (337) 252-2901. We are a family run, licensed and insured firm; our people have in excess of 40 years between them in the electrical trade.

There is no denying the beauty of the climate here in Louisiana, yet the ever present moisture in the air is hard on your components. In most cases one can put a stop to these issues before they get out of hand. We have set out below the kind of trouble our humidity is wont to cause and how to handle it.

The Hardships Humidity Puts on an Electrical System

Water and electricity are not good companions, and humid air is full of water. Left to its own devices, the moisture will find its way into your wiring, panels, connections and outlets. It hastens corrosion and degrades insulation, opening up channels for current where there should be none.

It is a quiet, year round affliction, nothing like a passing storm. One might think an electrical issue has come from nowhere in this part of the country but in fact the moisture has been at work for months.

Electrical Problems of the Humid Type

In the course of our work in homes and businesses in the Acadiana area we come across the following:

• Outlets and connections that have corroded. The metal contacts in an outlet or junction box will rust from the dampness in the air, leading to a poor connection and perhaps some flickering or buzzing, or it may just fail.
• GFCI outlets on the fritz. These are made to cut off at the first sign of moisture so you will see them trip time and again in the kitchen, bathroom, garage or outside.
• Your breaker tripping. This is the breaker doing what it is supposed to do to shield the circuit when moisture has provided an unwanted path for current.
• Corrosion in the panel. The main panel is no exception; humid air can rust the bus bars, breakers and other parts within, a matter of some safety import.
• Insulation on wires in disrepair. Years of exposure and the insulation will wear down, leaving conductors bare and inviting shorts or shock.
• An outlet or switch with a musty odor. That could mean there is moisture sequestered in the box or wall.

All too often these are dismissed as long as the lights go on and the outlet is functional. Yet if you let them be, small matters can develop into a fire or shock hazard.

Some Ways to Shield Your Home

One cannot dictate the weather in Louisiana but there are ways to mitigate the effect of humidity. Try a few of these:

• Put the exhaust fans in the kitchen and bath to work.
• A dehumidifier in the basement, utility room or garage is a good idea.
• See that any outdoor outlet is under a weatherproof cover.
• Put in GFCI protection wherever there is moisture.
• Every couple of years or so have a pro look over your wiring and panel.

If you detect anything amiss, an odd smell or warmth from an outlet, or spot some rust, leave it alone and contact a professional.

Make the Call

You can check some things on your own but do not try to be a handyman with moisture in your electrical system. When breakers are a regular nuisance or you have odors and corroded parts to contend with, a licensed electrician is needed to make the proper diagnosis and repairs.

Comeaux Electrical Services does residential and commercial work alike. We will give you a free estimate so you know what you are up to before we start. Our pricing is straightforward, no surprises or hidden costs. We are open 7:00am to 3:00pm Monday to Sunday and have 24/7 emergency service for after hours. Hearth can provide financing, pre-qualification takes less than two minutes.

Do not let a minor problem escalate because of the humidity. Get in touch with Comeaux Electrical Services at (337) 252-2901. We are a BBB Accredited Business, A+ rated and have been recognized by Angi of late, and we are here to ensure your home is safe and in working order.