With the holidays quickly approaching many people will begin bringing out their holiday displays. During the holiday season, especially Halloween and Christmas, the seasonal decor often demands more from your home electrical system. When it comes to the wiring there are a few problems you will want to look for to ensure your household’s safety. Simon Electric will share some major wiring problems that can lead to house fires, especially during the holidays due to the increased electrical demands.
Exposed Electrical Wiring
As your home’s electrical system may be sound, what about the electrical items you plan on using? Whether you plan to use space heaters or put up an elaborate holiday display, it is important to inspect each item’s wiring. Sometimes the plug end may have separated and now the wiring is exposed. Extension cord wiring may be exposed due to separation or the outer layer has been damaged. You will want to inspect each item’s cord and electrical wiring. Never use them if the wiring is exposed. This will include interior and exterior electrical features.
Frayed or Melted Electrical Wiring
Frayed wiring describes the electrical cord’s outer protective layer that has been damaged and the internal wires are exposed. Rodents are notorious for chewing and fraying electrical cords. The plastic covers contain natural oils which rodents think are eatable. After storing you holiday displays, it is important to examine the cord as much as the plugs. Look for sites where rodents may have chewed the plastic coat. Another major concern is melted plastic. If the wires are not exposed, signs that the plastic has melted means the wiring within is heating up inside the cord. Eventually the heat will fully melt the plastic and cause a fire. Melted or burnt cords are dangerous and should not be used. If the plugs or the electrical cords show any signs of damage, or the wiring is exposed for any reason, the item should not be used.
Electrical Overload Protection
Another major electrical hazard that often occurs during the holidays is electrical overloads. When plugging in your holiday displays, both outside and inside the home, many homeowners will overload a single circuit. Power strips are often used to provide more plug-in receptacles. However, this can become very dangerous. It is recommended to avoid overloading a circuit. Attempt to reduce the number of holiday displays that need to be plugged-in. Whenever possible, use battery powered decorations or do not plug in all of the plugged-in items at once.
Extension Cords
When using extension cords to power up your holiday displays, make sure the extension cord doesn’t come in contact with water. Have the extension cord run along the side of the house and off the ground. Never let the plugs of the extension cord be exposed to water, including rain. If needed, use a plug protector that encases the plug and keeps moisture out. In walkways, make sure to cover extension cords with a mat to prevent any tripping hazards.
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During this holiday season be safe and take all of the needed precautions to ensure there are no electrical dangers. For quality electrical services, contact Simon Electric today.
