Late spring and summer storms test every connection between the utility, your panel, and the loads inside the building. The goal is not paranoia — it is a calm, repeatable checklist that reduces downtime and surprise failures when wind, ice, or flooding stress the grid.
Start at the service entrance
Look for corrosion on weatherheads, SEC cable supports, and grounding electrode conductors. If the meter enclosure or disconnect looks weathered, schedule a licensed inspection before peak storm season — moisture ingress often shows up as discoloration first.
Generators & transfer equipment
Portable generator inlet kits and transfer switches must be installed to code with correct conductor sizing and bonding. If you are unsure whether your backup path is interlocked correctly, stop and call a professional — backfeeding a utility line is never acceptable.
Whole-home surge strategy
Layered protection at the service and at sensitive subpanels is the practical approach for modern electronics. Pair surge devices with a panel tune-up so breakers trip predictably when they should.
