If you are reading this, you probably remember February 2021 all too well. Winter Storm Uri left Arlington, Fort Worth, Dallas, and the entire North Texas region shivering in the dark. The anxiety returns each winter, and it is completely rational to wonder: Will the grid hold? Can I protect my family this time?
As a master electrician who calls Arlington home, I want to assure you: while you cannot control the ERCOT grid, you can take real, effective steps to protect your home and loved ones. Comprehensive winter storm electrical preparation focuses on inspecting key system components, prioritizing critical circuits, choosing backup power wisely, and following safety protocols so you are not left helpless when the next freeze hits.
Critical Electrical Components to Inspect Before Winter
The foundation of winter storm electrical preparation is knowing your system’s current state. Even newer Arlington homes can have hidden vulnerabilities that surface only under extreme cold or power fluctuations. A professional inspection is your first, most essential step.
Electrical Panel Condition and Capacity
Your electrical panel is the brain of your home’s power system. If it is outdated, overloaded, or has corroded connections, you are at higher risk for circuit failures or worse, electrical fires. Look for:
- Signs of rust, moisture, or scorching inside the panel.
- Breakers that feel loose or do not reset properly.
- Outdated brands (like Federal Pacific or Zinsco) known for safety issues.
If your panel is rated below 200 amps or you have added new major appliances, it may not handle necessary winter loads. A licensed electrician can confirm if you are code compliant and winter ready.
Circuit and Outlet Functionality
- Circuit Breaker Test: Flip every breaker off and on to ensure it resets smoothly. Repeated tripping signals a serious wiring problem or overloaded circuit that must be addressed.
- GFCI Outlets: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets prevent shocks in wet areas (bathrooms, kitchens, garages). Press the “test” and “reset” buttons to verify they work. This is non-negotiable if you use portable heaters or sump pumps in these areas.
Grounding System and Service Entrance
- Grounding System Integrity: Proper electrical grounding protects your home from voltage surges and stabilizes power during grid fluctuations. Have an electrician check your grounding system’s integrity, especially if your home is older.
- Service Entrance and Weatherhead: Inspect where power enters your home for frayed, sagging wires, rust, or damage at the weatherhead (the cap that keeps weather out). Damage here is a prime cause of outages and dangerous arcing.
Preparing Your Circuits for Power Fluctuations
Winter weather does not just shut off power; it causes surges, brownouts, and intermittent failures that can damage appliances.
Load Distribution and Prioritization
Do you know which circuits power your furnace, medical devices, or refrigerator?
- Label these critical circuits clearly on your panel map.
- If you use a generator, circuit prioritization ensures essentials stay on while non critical loads (e.g., the garage freezer) can be safely disconnected.
Surge Protection and Dedicated Circuits
- Surge Protection: Surges from grid fluctuations or generator use can fry sensitive electronics and HVAC controls. Install whole house surge protection at the panel. It provides broad coverage beyond just plug in strips.
- Dedicated Circuits: Major, safety critical appliances like furnaces, sump pumps, and medical equipment should have their own dedicated circuits to prevent nuisance tripping and overloads during high demand storm conditions.
Heating System Circuits
Many Texas homes use gas furnaces, but these still rely on electricity for blowers and ignition. Know which breaker controls your heat and ensure it is clearly labeled. This is the circuit you will prioritize for any backup power.
Backup Power Options: Choosing What Makes Sense
Backup power is the heart of winter storm electrical preparation.
1. Portable Generators
Portable generators are versatile but require careful safety setup:
- Safety First: Never run generators indoors or in garages. Carbon monoxide is deadly. Place them outdoors, at least 20 feet from windows and doors.
- Connection: Only connect appliances directly with heavy duty, outdoor rated extension cords of the correct gauge, unless you have a professional installed transfer switch.
2. Transfer Switch Installation (Critical for Safety)
A transfer switch is the only safe way to connect a generator to your home’s main wiring.
- It allows you to safely power selected circuits without backfeeding the grid, a fatal risk for utility workers.
- It must be installed by a licensed electrician to comply with the National Electrical Code (NEC) and Texas regulations.
3. Battery Backup Systems
Home battery systems (like Tesla Powerwall) provide silent, maintenance free backup for critical loads (medical equipment, internet, sump pumps). While initial cost is higher, they offer a seamless transition and are highly reliable for essential circuits.
Making the Choice
- Targeted Protection (Most DFW Homes): Prioritizing critical circuits (heat, fridge, medical) with a portable generator or battery is often the most cost effective solution.
- Whole House Backup: Whole house generators provide automatic power restoration to your entire home but have significant installation and maintenance costs.
Safety Protocols: Never Do Practices
Many winter storm injuries and fires happen after the power goes out due to improper alternative heat and power use.
| Safety Protocol | Never Do Practices |
| Space Heater Safety | Plug directly into wall outlets, never extension cords or power strips. Keep them at least three feet from flammable materials. |
| Generator Placement | Place outdoors, 20 feet from openings. Install and test carbon monoxide detectors in your home. |
| Extension Cords | Use only heavy duty, outdoor rated cords. Avoid running cords under rugs or in doorways where they can be pinched. |
| Electrical Integrity | Never bypass circuit breakers or fuses. Do not try to “backfeed” your home by plugging a generator into a wall outlet (illegal and highly dangerous). |
When to Call a Professional vs. DIY
Knowing your limit ensures safety and code compliance.
| What Homeowners Can Inspect | What Requires a Licensed Electrician |
| Visual checks for panel rust or scorch marks (do not remove the cover) | Panel upgrades or replacement |
| Testing GFCI outlets and breakers | Installing transfer switches or backup power systems |
| Labeling circuits | Repairing damaged wiring, service entrance, or grounding systems |
Red Flags That Need Immediate Professional Attention
- Burnt smells or visible arcing at the panel.
- Repeated breaker tripping with no clear cause.
- Outlets or switches that feel hot to the touch.
Cost Effective Prioritization
If your budget is tight, focus on these essential safety and readiness upgrades first:
- Ensuring your panel and main service are safe and up to code.
- Protecting and labeling circuits for heat, refrigeration, and medical needs.
- Installing whole house surge protection for essential electronics.
Azael Electrical And Lighting Design offers comprehensive winter readiness inspections for Arlington and DFW area homeowners. We will help you create a prioritized action plan so you invest wisely in what matters most.