Spooky Season Shocks: 5 of the Scariest Things We See as Electricians
It’s spooky season and while ghosts and skeletons are making a fright, the electrical hazards we see this season are even spookier. As electricians, we see some truly frightening setups hiding behind walls, ceilings, and outdoor displays.
Whether you’re getting ready for Halloween decorations or planning your holiday lighting, here are five of the most hair-raising electrical horrors we come across and how to make sure they don’t happen to you.
👻 1. Using Indoor Lights Outdoors
We love a good holiday light display, but using indoor lights or extension cords outside is a true horror story waiting to happen. Rain and moisture can turn those pumpkin string lights into a serious shock or fire hazard.
Pro Tip: Always use lighting and cords rated for outdoor use (CSA or UL approved). And if you’re not sure your outdoor outlets are weatherproof or GFCI protected — call a licensed electrician in Vancouver to check before the next storm rolls in.
⚡ 2. Overloaded Circuits
We get it - between space heaters, orange string lights, and ghost animatronics, October’s a busy month for outlets. But plugging too many things into one circuit can overheat wires, trip breakers, and, in the worst cases, start fires.
If your breaker keeps tripping, it’s not being dramatic - it’s trying to protect you. That’s your cue to redistribute the load or get your panel checked.
🧟♂️ 3. DIY Wiring Gone Wrong
Every electrician has a story about the “creative” DIY fix gone sideways - mystery wires behind drywall, tape instead of proper connectors, unlabeled breakers… we’ve seen it all.
Even small wiring mistakes can cause big problems later on, especially in commercial spaces or job sites where multiple trades are working. If you’re ever unsure, don’t risk it — call a licensed pro in Vancouver. It’ll save time, money, and maybe your eyebrows.
👀 4. Ignoring Flickering Lights
No, it’s not a ghost - it’s scarier.
All joking aside, flickering lights are often a sign of loose connections, overloaded circuits, or aging wiring. Left unchecked, they can lead to electrical arcing - one of the top causes of electrical fires.
If you notice lights dimming or flickering when major appliances turn on, that’s your cue to get an inspection before it becomes a real fright.
🕸️ 5. Outdated Panels & Wiring
We’ve opened panels that look like something straight out of a horror movie - melted breakers, aluminum wiring, or panels so old they should be in a museum.
Old electrical systems might still “work,” but they’re often unsafe and not built for today’s power demands. Upgrading your panel or wiring can prevent outages and fire risks - and give you peace of mind for years to come.
Don’t Get Spooked - Get Safe
Electrical problems might sound scary, but with the right team, they don’t have to be. Whether you’re hanging Halloween lights, planning your holiday display, or managing a busy job site, we can help make sure your electrical setup is safe and up to code with no judgement!
Contact Kraken Electric for inspections, lighting installs, and safe holiday wiring. Because the only thing that should be shocking about this season is your costume.