As the trusted team of residential electrical service experts serving Lansdale and the surrounding areas, Wes Carver Electric understands the importance of electrical safety during the holidays. Before you eat, drink, and be merry, make sure you take the proper precautions and safety procedures for you, your family, and your home. Check out this infographic for a few tips you should follow during the holiday season, then continue reading for a more in-depth look into how you can keep you, your family, and your home safe all through the New Year.
1. Check Your Lights
Before you put lights up on your tree or outside, make sure they are functioning correctly. Plug them in and inspect each bulb, ensuring all of the lights turn on. If not, replace the broken bulbs. Look out for frayed wires or cracked cords. It’s best to dispose of damaged lights as they can short and result in a fire.
2. Keep Indoor Lights Where They Belong—Indoors!
If you’re planning on hanging lights outside, they should be specifically designed for the outdoors. Retailers will have lights on their shelves that can handle inclement weather outdoors, while standard indoor lights are susceptible to damage by snow, sleet, or rain and pose an electrical hazard if outside (See #5).
3. Inspect the Extension Cords
Check that your extension cords aren’t overheating. If the cable is hot to the touch, unplug it. Ensure that any connector pieces are elevated off the ground with a brick or rock. If not, snow, rain, or dirt can find its way into the plug and pose a hazard.
4. Don’t Overload
If you’re planning to go big with the lights this year, remember to not overload the circuit. Your lights’ wattage and your home’s watt capacity will determine how many light strings you can connect together. If you’re unsure, keep it to 3 strands or less. When it comes to energy-saving LEDs, The U.S. Department of Energy states it’s safe to connect up to 25 strands end to end.
5. GFI Protect All Outdoor Wiring
For your outdoor lights and other wiring, GFI protection is a must. A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFI) is a special electrical outlet used in kitchens, bathrooms, and anywhere outside. A GFI outlet will trip — similar to a circuit breaker — and instantly stop the flow of electricity, preventing you from getting shocked.
6. Pack It All Up
When the holidays are over, pack up your lights in sealed containers. This packaging will prevent water damage and prevent rodents from chewing on the cords.
For more information about our first-rate lighting installation company in Bucks County, PA, contact Wes Carver Electric today!