6 Essential Electrical Safety Tips for Christmas
While we tend to think of the holidays as a time of joy, that’s not the case for some families. The scary truth is that house fires are more frequent around the holidays and tend to have more tragic outcomes. Many of these fires stem from improper use of electrical decor and equipment.
Protecting yourself and others during this time of year requires minimal effort. Here are six essential electrical safety tips to ensure your holiday season is a safe and happy experience.
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Replace Damaged Lights
It’s normal for a string of lights to stop working because one bulb is burnt out; this issue is caused by the type of circuit used. However, if the bulb doesn’t seem to be the issue, it’s time to get rid of the damaged strand of lights.
The experts at Safe and Sound Electric (visit this site for more info on the best Norwalk CT electrician) recommend checking over your wires as soon as you start sorting through your seasonal decor. You’re looking for bare wires, loose connections, and damage or debris on the light sockets. They also recommend swapping out old incandescent bulbs for LED bulbs, especially for the tree.
Use Outdoor-Friendly Equipment
It’s crucial to practice proper safety measures to prevent falls when hanging outdoor Christmas lights. However, that’s not the only safety concern to keep in mind when holding a friendly decor competition with the neighbors.
Ensure that any extension cords you’re using are specifically made for outdoor use. It’s also worth checking these cords over to look for exposed wires and other damage. Confirm that your home’s exterior has GFCI outlets. These outlets are designed for operating electrical systems in wet environments, like bathrooms and outdoors.
A GFCI will shut down if a surge or spark occurs, preventing an electrical fire from starting in the outlet or walls. Modern homes are mandated to have them, but some older homes do not. Fortunately, they’re easy for a skilled electrician to install.
Unplug Before Bed
As charming as falling asleep with lights glowing on the tree may be, it’s best to unplug them before you head to bed. In fact, 51% of all residential fire deaths occur during the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. while everyone is asleep.
You should also consider unplugging your lights before you leave your home or using a timer. Keeping your lights plugged into a power bar can also help prevent issues caused by power surges.
Only Purchase High-Quality Electrical Decor
The main benefit of living in the digital era is that you can purchase products from around the globe. This access allows you to save money and get around supply chain and inventory issues. However, it also grants you access to products from countries and suppliers that don’t have the same level of safety requirements.
When you purchase electrical decor, shop with well-known suppliers and trusted brands. Be mindful of misspelled or poorly translated words on the packaging, as this may indicate a counterfeit product that wasn’t approved for distribution. The product should also have a stamp from a recognized approval agency on the packaging and an approval tag adhered to the wire — it’s that big unsightly tag you’ve probably cut off in the past.
Don’t Overload Outlets
Using a power bar is meant to prevent power surges; it’s not an excuse to plug everything into one outlet. Instead, map out your decor and use separate outlets whenever possible.
Be mindful of signs that your outlet is overloaded. If you feel warmth emanating from the outlet, that’s a serious problem, and you should unplug everything and call an electrician right away. Other signs include blown circuits or fuses and flickering lights.
Check Your Fire Alarms
Finally, check your fire alarms before every holiday season. Between the electric decor, extra cooking, home heating, and parties where people get a little irresponsible, it’s a risky time of year. Functional fire alarms could be the difference between a Christmas miracle and a tragedy.
Be safe, be proactive, and enjoy the holiday season.
