Graff Electric is encouraging central South Dakota farmers to follow SDSU Extension barn fire safety guidance as heat lamps and tank heaters come on for winter.
Wolsey, SD (PRUnderground) November 10th, 2026
As temperatures drop across central South Dakota and farms switch on heat lamps, tank heaters and barn heaters for the winter, Graff Electric is encouraging producers to check their barn wiring and cords before the coldest weeks arrive.
Graff Electric, which provides electrical services in wolsey sd and across central South Dakota for homes, businesses and farms, said winter is when barns and outbuildings carry their heaviest electrical loads of the year.
According to South Dakota State University Extension, the increased use of heaters in cooler weather is a top fire hazard in barns, followed by electrical distribution and lighting equipment.
SDSU Extension, citing the National Fire Protection Association’s barn fire safety checklist, advises keeping heaters and heat lamps a safe distance from anything flammable, making sure wiring is to code and free from damage, and not using extension cords within the barn.
The extension service also recommends regularly inspecting the cords on livestock water tank heaters for wear, keeping animals from reaching cords, and using wire guards on floating heaters in plastic tanks, noting that a tank running dry can start a fire.
“Most barn fires we hear about start with something that was meant to be temporary,” said Jaylon Graff, owner of Graff Electric. “An extension cord run out to a tank heater, a heat lamp hung with twine. Those setups tend to stay up for years. If you need power out there every winter, it’s worth getting a proper circuit put in.”
For livestock operations, permanent outlets and protected circuits installed through farm wiring in wolsey sd can replace long extension cord runs to heaters, waterers and lighting.
Older outbuildings may also need attention before heavier winter loads are added. The company said electrical wiring wolsey sd projects can replace damaged or outdated wiring that has been exposed to moisture, dust and rodents.
When breakers trip repeatedly or a building does not have enough capacity for heaters and equipment, an electrical panel upgrade in wolsey sd can provide room for additional dedicated circuits.
Problems found during a pre-winter walk-through, such as scorched outlets, cracked cord insulation or flickering lights, should be addressed through electrical repair in wolsey sd before they lead to a larger failure, the company said.
“Walk your barn the same way you’d check your equipment before calving or lambing,” Graff said. “Look at every cord and every heater. It doesn’t take long, and it’s a lot easier now than in the middle of a January storm.”
Graff Electric offers complimentary estimates and can be reached at (605) 353-5366.
About Graff Electric
Graff Electric is an insured electrical contractor based in Wolsey, South Dakota, providing residential, commercial and farm electrical work, including wiring and rewiring, panel upgrades, repairs, lighting and storm response. The company serves Wolsey, Huron, Highmore, Miller, Aberdeen, Mitchell and surrounding central South Dakota communities.
Media contact: Jaylon Graff, Graff Electric, (605) 353-5366, jaylongraff@graffelectricsd.com
