With the fall chill in the air, it’s natural to start planning for the holidays. Many families will express their festive cheer by hanging up lights and decorations. While it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement, it’s important not to neglect safety. Here are five electrical tips to help you stay hazard-free while decorating in the coming months.
1. Inspect All Lights
The first step in your decorating process is to inspect all lights and any other decorations that require an electrical connection. Damaged wires and bulbs increase the risk of electrical fires. Any lights that are chipped, cracked, frayed, or broken should be discarded and replaced.
2. Exercise Caution Around the Tree
One of the leading causes of fires during the holidays is the Christmas tree. Real trees are naturally flammable due to their wood and resin content, and they can catch fire from the electrical components used to decorate them. Even artificial trees loaded with ornaments can ignite and spread fire to other parts of the room. Be mindful of this risk when selecting your tree, lights, and ornaments. Also, position your tree so that it doesn’t make direct contact with walls, outlets, or furniture.
3. Don’t Overload Outlets
Avoid plugging too many devices into a single outlet. Doing so can trigger voltage spikes, power outages, or even fires. Similarly, avoid connecting more than three strands of lights together. To ensure you’re not overloading an outlet, double-check the wattages of your decorations and extension cords. A power strip with surge protection can provide additional outlets safely. Just be sure the power strip is plugged directly into the wall, not into an extension cord or another power strip.
4. Check the UL Listing
When purchasing lights and extension cords, look for the “UL” mark on the packaging. This mark indicates that the product has been scientifically tested and meets national safety standards. A green UL label means the product is rated for indoor use only, and a red UL label indicates that the product has been tested under different weather conditions and is safe for both outdoor and indoor use. Make sure not to use indoor lights outdoors because doing so can lead to serious problems, such as electric shock, as these lights are not built to withstand the elements.
5. Stick to Plastic Hooks or Zip Ties
While staples and nails are commonly used to hang outdoor lights, they can penetrate your home insulation, damage wiring, and cause sparks when metal interacts with the electrical current. It’s much safer to use plastic hooks or zip ties to secure your lights to the house.
By prioritizing safety, you can prevent electrical fires and injuries as you prepare for the holidays. For more information about indoor lighting or electrical safety, reach out to the experts at Wire Works in Lansing, MI.
