
Understanding Colorado’s Hidden Monsoon Season
Many Colorado residents don’t realize that the state experiences its own version of monsoon season. The North American Monsoon brings a seasonal shift in wind patterns that pulls subtropical moisture from the Gulf of California and Gulf of Mexico into Colorado’s skies.
This weather pattern affects different regions at different times:
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- Southwest Colorado sees monsoon activity from mid-June through late September
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- Denver and the Front Range experience the strongest effects from mid-July through August
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- The Four Corners region typically sees peak activity in July and August
These storms bring welcome relief from summer heat and drought conditions. They also create serious electrical safety concerns for homeowners throughout the Denver Metropolitan area.
The Hidden Electrical Dangers of Summer Storms
Lightning Strikes and Power Surges
Colorado ranks among the top states for lightning activity during summer months. Each lightning strike carries up to one billion volts of electricity. When lightning hits power lines or transforms near your home, that energy travels directly into your electrical system.
Your home’s standard electrical panel cannot handle these massive voltage spikes. Without proper protection, lightning-induced power surges destroy:
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- Televisions and entertainment systems
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- Computer equipment and home office electronics
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- Kitchen appliances including refrigerators and microwaves
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- HVAC systems and smart home devices
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- Pool pumps and outdoor equipment
Flash Flooding Risks to Electrical Systems
Monsoon storms drop large amounts of rain in short periods. Flash flooding can occur within minutes, especially in areas near:
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- Dry creek beds and arroyos
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- Low-lying neighborhoods
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- Properties with poor drainage
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- Basement and crawl space locations
Water contact with electrical components creates immediate electrocution hazards. Flooded electrical panels, outlets, and wiring require complete replacement and pose ongoing fire risks.
Wind Damage and Downed Power Lines
Summer storms produce powerful downburst winds exceeding 60 mph. These winds snap tree branches and topple power lines onto homes and properties.
Downed power lines remain energized and deadly for hours after storms pass. Contact with these lines causes:
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- Fatal electrocution
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- House fires
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- Damage to vehicles and outdoor structures
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- Extended power outages affecting entire neighborhoods
Read More: 5 Tips to Save on Your Summer Electric Bill
Pre-Season Electrical System Inspection
Professional Assessment of Your Home’s Electrical Infrastructure
Schedule a comprehensive electrical inspection before monsoon season arrives in mid-July. A licensed electrician will examine:
A licensed electrician will examine your main electrical panel for proper grounding connections, circuit breaker condition, and signs of moisture intrusion. They’ll also assess outdoor components including weather sealing around exterior outlets, overhead service line condition, and meter base weatherproofing. Interior wiring evaluation covers GFCI outlet functionality, aluminum wiring replacement needs, smoke alarm connectivity, and whole-house grounding system integrity.
Professional inspections identify potential failure points before severe weather strikes. This proactive approach prevents costly emergency repairs during peak storm season.
Whole-House Surge Protection Installation
Why Standard Surge Strips Aren’t Enough
Most homeowners rely on power strips with built-in surge protection. These devices only protect individual electronics plugged directly into them. They cannot handle the massive voltage spikes from direct lightning strikes or major power grid fluctuations.
Whole-house surge protection devices install directly at your main electrical panel. These systems:
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- Protect every electrical circuit in your home
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- Handle voltage spikes up to 40,000 amps
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- Respond to surges in less than one nanosecond
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- Include warranty coverage for connected equipment
Two-Layer Protection Strategy
The most effective surge protection uses a two-layer approach:
Layer 1: Main Panel Protection Install a whole-house surge protector at your electrical panel. This device stops large voltage spikes before they enter your home’s wiring system.
Layer 2: Point-of-Use Protection Use quality surge protectors for sensitive electronics like computers, televisions, and smart home devices. These provide additional protection against smaller surges that pass through the main system.
GFCI Outlet Requirements for Flood-Prone Areas
Understanding Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter Technology
GFCI outlets detect electrical current imbalances that occur when electricity contacts water. These outlets shut off power within 1/40th of a second, preventing electrocution.
Current electrical codes require GFCI protection in:
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- All bathroom outlets
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- Kitchen countertop outlets
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- Garage and basement locations
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- Outdoor outlets and lighting
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- Areas within six feet of water sources
Expanding GFCI Protection for Monsoon Season
Consider installing GFCI outlets in additional locations prone to moisture intrusion:
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- Utility rooms with water heaters or washing machines
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- Basement workshops and storage areas
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- Crawl spaces with electrical outlets
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- Outdoor areas used for summer entertaining
GFCI outlets cost between $15-25 each but provide life-saving protection against electrical shock in wet conditions.
Learn more about: Why GFCI Outlets Are Essential – And Where You Need Them
Protecting Outdoor Electrical Components
Weatherproofing Exterior Outlets and Panels
Outdoor electrical components face direct exposure to driving rain and flooding during monsoon storms. Proper weatherproofing includes:
Proper weatherproofing includes installing in-use weatherproof covers that seal around plugs and replacing standard covers with bubble-style or vertical-mount designs. All outdoor outlets need GFCI protection, and covers require annual inspection for cracks or damage. For electrical panel protection, verify main panel weatherproof sealing, install protective covers over meter bases, clear vegetation around panels for easy access, and ensure proper grounding connections remain tight.
Generator Safety During Storm Season
Portable generators provide backup power during extended outages. Improper installation creates serious safety hazards:
Position generators at least 20 feet from windows and doors, never operating them in garages, basements, or enclosed spaces. Use generators only in well-ventilated outdoor areas on level, dry surfaces away from pooling water. For safe electrical connections, use proper transfer switches for permanent installation and never connect generators directly to home outlets. Licensed electricians should install dedicated generator outlets, and you should test generator systems monthly during non-storm periods.
Emergency Electrical Safety Protocols
Immediate Actions During Severe Weather
When monsoon storms approach your area:
Pre-Storm Preparation
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- Unplug sensitive electronics and appliances
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- Charge backup power sources for phones and radios
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- Locate flashlights and battery-powered lighting
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- Know the location of your main electrical shutoff
During Active Storms
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- Avoid using electrical appliances and devices
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- Stay away from windows and avoid touching metal fixtures
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- Don’t use corded phones or electrical devices
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- Wait for storms to completely pass before resuming normal activities
Post-Storm Electrical Assessment
After severe weather passes, inspect your property for electrical damage:
Exterior Inspection
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- Look for downed power lines on your property
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- Check for damaged service lines connecting to your home
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- Examine outdoor outlets and fixtures for water damage
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- Note any burning smells or visible damage to electrical components
Interior Assessment
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- Test GFCI outlets using test and reset buttons
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- Check for flickering lights or partial power loss
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- Listen for unusual sounds from electrical panels
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- Note any outlets or switches that feel warm to the touch
Never attempt to repair electrical damage yourself. Contact a licensed electrician immediately for any storm-related electrical issues.
When to Call ElectriCall for Professional Service
Emergency Electrical Situations
Contact ElectriCall immediately at 720-879-2253 for:
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- Downed power lines on your property
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- Electrical panels exposed to flooding or moisture
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- Burning smells from outlets or electrical components
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- Partial power loss affecting multiple rooms
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- Flickering lights after storms pass
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- Any electrical shock or tingling sensations
Proactive Electrical Upgrades
Schedule electrical system improvements before monsoon season:
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- Whole-house surge protection installation
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- GFCI outlet upgrades throughout your home
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- Electrical panel replacement for older homes
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- Generator installation and transfer switch setup
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- Comprehensive electrical safety inspections
ElectriCall serves residential and commercial customers throughout the Denver Metropolitan area from our Arvada headquarters. Our licensed electricians provide 24/7 emergency service and comprehensive electrical system protection.
Protecting Your Investment and Your Family
Colorado’s monsoon season brings beauty and relief to our summer landscape. These same storms create serious electrical safety risks that require professional attention and proper preparation.
Don’t wait for severe weather to test your home’s electrical system. Contact ElectriCall today at 720-879-2253 to schedule your pre-season electrical inspection and discuss whole-house surge protection options.
Your family’s safety and your home’s electrical system deserve professional protection against Colorado’s unpredictable summer storms. Take action now to ensure your electrical infrastructure can weather any storm that monsoon season brings to the Denver Metropolitan area.