Seasonal decorations, including lights, trees and wreaths can create the holiday spirit in and around our home. Are you planning on creating a colorful light display this year? Is it going to be big and flashy or small and simple? Regardless of your vision there are things you need to keep in mind to make sure it’s all safe because being unprepared can be hazardous. Most homeowners don’t think too much about electrical safety, but to professional electricians, nothing is more important! Keep your family and your home safe this holiday season with the following tips.
Understanding Christmas Light Strands
Most of electrical safety has to do with the product used.
1. Use protected lighting. To keep lighting as safe as possible, use GFCI (ground fault interrupter) outlets. These outlets protect against overloading on the outlet. This ensures safety by cutting power to an outlet when there is a change in the electrical flow. Do not use strands that are frayed or have cracks in them.
2. Don’t use sharp tools when hanging holiday lights. If you can avoid using sharp tools it’s a safer. Try not to use nails or staples to secure lights. Accidents are called accidents for a reason. You may think it’s no big deal but piercing a strand of lights can become a serious electrical issue that can result in burns or an electrical fire. There are clips and hooks for the purpose of hanging lights.
3. Keep lighting neat and tidy. Try not to create a mess of wiring that can become a tripping hazard. Planning out your lighting can avoid this hazard. Follow a plan and keep everything neat to ensure safety.
4. Don’t hang lights near sources of heat. This includes appliances. The light from incandescent bulbs can be enough to melt wires and create a fire threat. Avoid hanging lights close to appliances or any source of electricity to make sure your lighting is totally safe.
5. Use LED lights. LED (Light Emitting Diode) use less power. This is almost always a good thing when you’re dealing with electricity. These saves money on energy costs which is a good thing with the amount of time you’ll have lights plugged in. On top of saving money, they produce a lot less heat.
Hanging Holiday Lights Ladder Safety
Hanging lights can become more dangerous if you’re doing it above eye-level. There are tips to stay safe.
• Don’t use a damaged ladder. Maybe you have been using the same ladder for years, but you have to make sure it’s in tip top shape to stay safe.
• Secure the ladder. Always make sure the ladder has total contact on all four points and use the braces for added security.
• Three points of contact. Only move one limb at a time. Using a ladder becomes more hazardous with swift, excessive movements, resulting in falls.
• Shoes. Wear shoes that are clean and slip-resistant.
Electrical Services in Delray Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter & Boca Raton & Palm Beach County Florida
Taking the right precautions inside and outside your home will prevent hazards and allow you to enjoy the holidays with your family and friends. Do you have questions about holiday lighting? Give Simon Electric a call! We can ensure your electrical system is ready to handle your electrical demands this holiday season!
