Freezing temps, heat mats, extension cords, and..Er, rats. :-(.

[DobieLover]

what are GFI outlets?

GFI, or more accurately, GFCI stands for Ground Fault Interrupted Circuit. It is a special receptacle that will trip if it senses trouble in the circuit. It can be wired to protect all devices "down stream" of the circuit as well. If a GFCI receptacle is tripping, it's either doing so because of an issue in the circuit or in the device itself.

I’m not sure what electrical conduit is

Electrical conduit is just that. A conduit through which electrical wires/cables are run. They come in metal and PVC. There are benders for the metal conduit and the PVC can be purchased with elbows and adapter to get the wires into and out of the electric boxes. Once dry fitted, all the PVC is cemented together to form a water-proof tube through which all the wires are protected.

If you are not comfortable or familiar with doing electrical work, you certainly want to hire a licensed electrician.

If you are a good DIYer and understand the basics of the NEC (National Electric Code) or the code specific for your area, you can do the work yourself and have it inspected by a licensed electric inspector.

 

[aart]

GFI, or more accurately, GFCI stands for Ground Fault Interrupted Circuit. It is a special receptacle that will trip if it senses trouble in the circuit. It can be wired to protect all devices "down stream" of the circuit as well. If a GFCI receptacle is tripping, it's either doing so because of an issue in the circuit or in the device itself.

Even better is an AFCI (arc fault circuit interrupter).

 

[DobieLover]

Even better is an AFCI (arc fault circuit interrupter).

Yes, but they are expensive, to the tune of $48 for one single pole 20A. Our code required me to use AFCI/GFCI combination circuit breakers on all the bedroom and LR circuits when I re-wired my house. And those wretched tamper resistant receptacles.

 

[Folly's place]

My coop and chickens are expensive, not to mention the barns and the house, and everyone in it!
Too many fires are electrical fires, mostly preventable.
Codes have gotten stricter, and it's a good thing!!!
Mary

 

[Bocktobery 10]

Most, but not all, dying rodents will return to their tunnels and die there, unavailable to most other predators. Rats will also spread diseases that we can all get, and kill chickens. They are NOT only going to eat some feed!!!
Hire/ consult a licensed electrician!! It's too important to mess this all up, and if you watch an expert, you will learn how to do it in the future.
Our farm insurance company cared too...
Mary

Does the risk of getting a rat disease drop if all the rats are dead? Or does the dander and droppings they left behind preposterous potential problems months after? There’s 0ne section (soffit) where they’ve taken refuge... I’m really concerned about rat diseases, namely Hantavirus.

EDIT...I suppose I’m asking, how does one safely clean up the mess they left? I’ve got a respirator, but I’m not sure if one would need goggles as well? I’d think using a shop vacuum to suck it all up would be a good way of making one very sick.

 

[Bocktobery 10]

Just to note, an experienced electrician did do the electric in my shed/barn/coop when we had it built. He knew it was to become a chicken house at that time, so I’m assuming hopefully he did put in those precautions.

 

[Folly's place]

I've found disposable Hasmat type suits at Home Depot for $10, and the ones I have protect against pesticides, so are good. At least wear gloves and a N95 face mask to protect yourself!
Some disease organisms live short, and some longer, and I have no idea about Hantavirus, not a problem (that I'm aware of) here in Michigan.
Leptospirosis lives at least for a while in damp or wet conditions, as in puddles and ponds and lakes. Yuck!
Mary