As a homeowner, you might want to show off your holiday spirit by putting up holiday lighting at your home. While this can be a fun way to get the family together, you’ll need to ensure your home and loved one’s safety. Today we reveal some helpful safety tips you should follow to ensure your holiday lighting goes off without a hitch.
Outdoor vs. Indoor Ratings
One of the most important things to keep in mind is that all holiday decorations and lighting will have a rating for their approved usage. There are items specifically rated for outdoor use and items for indoor use. Decorations should only be used for their rated purpose. You should never use indoor-rated items outside as they won’t be able to withstand excessive moisture.
Attaching Multiple Light Strains
Commonly, homeowners must plug multiple light strands into a single cord to stretch around their home, a process that is also known as “daisy chaining” lights. This can be convenient when it comes to powering lights, but it can also compromise safety in some instances. Each light strand box should come with information on how many light strands can plug into each other. Do not exceed that limit. For incandescent lights, the typical limit is three. Newer LED lights can have a limit of six or more.
Fire Extinguisher and Detectors
To ensure the utmost safety for your home and family, you should use a few safety devices year-round, especially during the holidays. Smoke detectors should be on each level of your home and outside each bedroom. A fire extinguisher should remain within reach at all times. Fire extinguishers are categorized into different types depending on the type of fire they’re intended to extinguish. When it comes to electrical fires, look for a Type C extinguisher. You can even invest in a fire extinguisher with a Type ABC rating to ensure it can put out fire on all types of materials. Keep an extinguisher in the kitchen, near fireplaces, in the garage, and at a central location for easier access.
Avoid Heat Sources
Indoor holiday light can be a great way to get everyone in the holiday spirit. However, safety must be paramount. Be mindful of where all your heat sources are when decorating indoors and avoid placing any decorations or lights near them. For example, don’t place decorations on or next to your radiators or baseboard heaters as they can easily overheat and become a real fire hazard.
Use GFCI Outdoor Circuits
When using outdoor decorations, you should only power them with outdoor outlets. Do not run an extension cord from an inside outlet to power outdoor items. Furthermore, all outdoor outlets should be GFCI outlets. These particular outlets are specifically designed to handle environments with excess moisture. If you don’t have any GFCI exterior outlets, then contact a licensed electrician to install some for you. Older homes commonly lack an adequate number of exterior outlets, but the installation process is typically straightforward.
Avoid Overloading Circuits
Holiday lighting can take up a lot of electricity, especially if you decide to go all out. If you live in an older home, you may find that you don’t have enough amperage to power all your needs. This is most notable when your lights flicker or your circuits trip when you have too many items plugged in. If your home has fewer than 100 amps of power going to it, you might consider a panel upgrade to accommodate 200 amps of power.
Be Mindful When Replacing Damaged Lights
Damaged light bulbs happen when it comes to decorations. Whenever you notice that a light has blown out, you will need to unplug the power going to the decoration. Do not try to replace a blown-out light bulb when the device is still plugged in. Doing so comes with the risk of shock or electrocution.
Turn Off Lights When Not in Use
Another necessary safety tip to keep in mind is that you don’t want to leave your lights on when you’re not home. Electrical fires can start quickly, and if you’re not home, you cannot respond. Turn off and unplug your decorations before you leave. Smart home integration can simplify the task. With smart home integration, you can manage your decorations with voice control or the touch of your finger on your smartphone screen.
Use Extension Cords Correctly
Extension cords can be an exceedingly useful tool when it comes to getting power to your holiday decorations. Holiday decorations are notorious for having short power cords, making extension cords all but essential for many people. When using an extension cord, be sure to choose one that is of the appropriate length. Never leave a long extension cord coiled up as it can easily overheat and lead to an electrical fire.
Furthermore, every extension cord will have a maximum amperage rating. Check the amperage draw for the decoration you plan on plugging into it. The decoration should never exceed the maximum amperage rating of the extension cord, which can cause the extension cord to be overloaded and catch fire.
Securely Fasten Cords
Regardless of whether it’s an extension cord or a power cord for your lights or decorations, it should be properly fastened in place. You never want cords to be loose where the wind can move them around. When fastening cords be mindful not to do so too tightly. For example, if you’re using an electrical staple, it should only be hammered in far enough to adequately secure the cord without touching its insulation. If you pound the staple in too far, it can cut into the cord’s insulation and expose the bare wires. This can cause electrocution and even fires.
Inspect All Power Cords Before Use
As you’re pulling out all your holiday decorations, inspect the power cord on each one. The same goes for all the extension cords that you plan on using. If you notice any signs of a problem, like cracking, peeling, bare wires, or so forth, contact an electrician to repair the cord or replace the whole decoration. Never use a decoration, light, or extension cord with a defective cord as this could spell a disaster.
Use an Appropriate Ladder
For most homeowners, outdoor decorations aren’t complete without applying lights around your roof. When using your ladder, stay at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines. Opt for using a wooden or fiberglass ladder as they don’t conduct electricity. This adds an extra layer of safety in the event that you hit the power line with your ladder.
Reliable Outdoor Lighting Service
Fuller Electric offers reliable outdoor lighting services for the Federal Way, WA community. We can help with all your whole home rewiring, commercial, panel repair, ceiling exhaust fans, kitchen remodeling, lighting, generators, EV charging, manufactured home, and hot tub installation needs. Simply call our office today to book your next appointment for residential electrical services.
