Holiday Electrical Safety Tips for DIY Decorators

The holiday season is here, and with it comes the joy of decorating our homes with twinkling lights, festive displays, and charming decorations. While decking the halls can be fun, it’s important to prioritize safety when working with electrical components. Here are some essential tips to keep your holiday decorating safe and stress-free.

1. Inspect Your Lights Before You Hang Them

Did you know that even small cracks in the insulation of holiday lights can lead to shocks or fires? Before hanging lights indoors or outdoors, inspect each strand for frayed wires, damaged plugs, or broken bulbs. Replace damaged lights immediately and consider upgrading to energy-efficient LED options for a safer, longer-lasting display.

2. Avoid Overloading Circuits

Holiday decorations can add significant electrical load to your home. Plugging too many lights and decorations into a single outlet or power strip can lead to overheating and tripped breakers. Use multiple circuits to spread the load, and if your outlets aren’t keeping up, consider having additional outlets installed by a professional electrician.

3. Use the Right Extension Cords

Not all extension cords are created equal. Outdoor decorations should always be plugged into weather-resistant, heavy-duty extension cords rated for outdoor use. For indoor use, ensure cords are properly rated for the wattage of the decorations. Did you know that using an indoor-rated cord outside can lead to electrical shorts or damage from exposure to weather?

4. Secure Cords Safely

Avoid running cords under rugs, through doorways, or in high-traffic areas. Doing so can lead to tripping hazards, cord damage, or overheating. Instead, use cord protectors or tape cords securely to the ground where necessary.

5. Install GFCI Outlets Outdoors

Did you know that all outdoor outlets should be equipped with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection? This safety feature helps prevent electrical shocks, especially in wet or snowy conditions. If your home’s outdoor outlets aren’t GFCI-protected, call Bowman Electric to schedule an upgrade before hanging your lights.

6. Protect Connections From Moisture

Keep all electrical connections off the ground and away from puddles or snow. Use weatherproof outlet covers and cord connectors to shield plugs and sockets from moisture. This simple step can help prevent shorts and electrical hazards.

7. Invest in Smart Plugs and Timers

Want to make managing your holiday lights easier and safer? Smart plugs and timers allow you to automate your lighting schedule, saving energy and eliminating the need to plug and unplug decorations manually. Many smart plugs even allow remote control from your smartphone!

8. Call a Professional for Complex Installations

Planning an elaborate display or working with high-wattage decorations? It might be time to call in the professionals. Bowman Electric can assist with installing additional circuits, outlets, or even a dedicated power source for your holiday lights, ensuring your display shines safely and reliably all season long.

Spread Cheer, Not Hazards

Holiday decorating should be a source of joy, not worry. By following these electrical safety tips, you can enjoy a festive and hazard-free season. And if you need any assistance, Bowman Electric is here to help with all your electrical needs. From safety inspections to outlet upgrades, we’ll make sure your home is ready to light up the holidays.

Ready to Decorate Safely? Contact Bowman Electric today to schedule a consultation or service. Let’s make this holiday season bright and safe for your family and home!

Holiday Light Electrical Safety: Brighten the Season Without the Risks

The holiday season is here, and with it comes the joy of decorating homes with beautiful light displays. While holiday lights can make your home look festive and inviting, they also come with potential electrical risks. At Bowman Electric, we want you to enjoy a safe and stress-free holiday season. Here are some essential electrical safety tips to keep your holiday lights shining bright without worry.

1. Choose the Right Lights

Before you hang your holiday lights, make sure they are designed for their intended use:

• Outdoor lights: These are weather-resistant and suitable for exterior use.

• Indoor lights: They lack the same weatherproofing and should only be used indoors.

Look for lights with labels from recognized safety testing laboratories, such as UL (Underwriters Laboratories), to ensure they meet safety standards.

2. Inspect Before You Connect

Carefully inspect your lights, extension cords, and other decorations for:

• Frayed wires

• Broken or cracked sockets

• Loose connections

• Damaged lights can cause shocks or start a fire. Replace any faulty items before plugging them in.

3. Avoid Overloading Circuits

Holiday lights and decorations can draw a lot of electricity, which can overload your home’s electrical circuits. To avoid this:

• Plug lights into multiple outlets to distribute the load.

• Use power strips with built-in circuit breakers for added safety.

• Check your home's electrical panel to ensure it can handle the extra load. If in doubt, consult a professional electrician.

4. Use LED Lights

Switching to LED holiday lights offers several benefits:

• They use up to 80% less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs.

• They stay cooler, reducing the risk of overheating.

• They last longer, making them a cost-effective choice.

5. Practice Extension Cord Safety

Extension cords are a staple of holiday decorating, but they need to be used properly:

• Only use outdoor-rated cords for exterior lights.

• Keep cords away from walkways to prevent tripping hazards.

• Never run cords under rugs or through doorways, as this can cause overheating.

6. Protect Your Outdoor Connections

Outdoor lights and decorations need extra care to protect against the elements:

• Use weather-resistant electrical boxes and covers for connections.

• Elevate plugs off the ground to avoid water exposure.

• Use GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets for all outdoor decorations to protect against electrical shocks.

7. Set a Timer for Safety

Avoid leaving your lights on overnight or while you’re away from home. Use timers to automate on/off times, conserving energy and reducing fire risks.

8. Store Lights Properly

When the season is over, pack your lights carefully to ensure they are safe to use next year. Wrap them loosely to avoid kinks and store them in a cool, dry place.

When in Doubt, Call a Professional

If you have concerns about your home’s electrical capacity or need to install outdoor outlets for your decorations, Bowman Electric is here to help. Our team can ensure your home is holiday-ready and safe for the season!

Enjoy the sparkle and magic of the holidays while keeping safety a top priority. From all of us at Bowman Electric, we wish you a safe and joyful holiday season! If you need assistance with any electrical needs, don’t hesitate to reach out. 🎄✨

Thanksgiving Week Electrical Safety Tips for a Happy and Safe Holiday

Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones, enjoy delicious meals, and create cherished memories. However, the holiday also comes with unique electrical safety challenges that homeowners should be aware of. From preparing a feast to creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere, it’s essential to keep safety top of mind. Here are our top Thanksgiving week electrical safety tips to help you enjoy the holiday without worry.

1. Prevent Overloaded Circuits

Thanksgiving often means running multiple kitchen appliances simultaneously—ovens, mixers, slow cookers, and more. While the festive frenzy is exciting, overloading your electrical circuits can lead to tripped breakers or even fires.

Tip: Avoid plugging too many high-power appliances into the same outlet. If you’re unsure about your kitchen’s electrical capacity, consider scheduling an inspection with Bowman Electric to ensure your system can handle the extra load.

2. Use Extension Cords Wisely

Extension cords can be a helpful solution for additional holiday lighting or temporary appliance use, but improper use can be hazardous.

Tip:

• Use cords rated for the intended purpose (indoor vs. outdoor).

• Never run extension cords under rugs or across high-traffic areas.

• For appliances like roasters or coffee makers, plug them directly into wall outlets whenever possible.

3. Practice Safe Cooking Habits

Cooking is the heart of Thanksgiving celebrations, but the kitchen is also a common site for electrical hazards.

Tip:

• Ensure all appliances are in good working order before use.

• Don’t leave ovens, stovetops, or electric fryers unattended.

• Keep liquids away from outlets and cords to avoid electrical shocks.

If you experience frequent issues with your outlets, such as sparking or tripping breakers, it may be time to upgrade your electrical system.

4. Inspect Holiday Decorations

Holiday lighting adds warmth and cheer to your Thanksgiving, but damaged cords and improper installation can pose a fire risk.

Tip:

• Check for frayed wires or broken bulbs before decorating.

• Use LED lights for energy efficiency and reduced heat output.

• Ensure outdoor lights are weather-rated and plugged into GFCI outlets.

If your home lacks GFCI outlets, Bowman Electric can install them to improve safety and compliance with electrical codes.

5. Plan for Power Surges

With multiple devices and appliances running, power surges are more likely to occur, potentially damaging sensitive electronics.

Tip: Use surge protectors for TVs, gaming consoles, and other electronics. Whole-home surge protection is an excellent investment for year-round peace of mind.

6. Be Prepared for Power Outages

Thanksgiving storms or high electricity demand can sometimes lead to power outages.

Tip:

• Keep flashlights and battery-operated lanterns accessible.

• Avoid using candles, as they can be a fire hazard.

• If you rely on a generator, follow the manufacturer’s safety guidelines and never operate it indoors.

7. Don’t Ignore Warning Signs

If you notice flickering lights, warm outlets, or frequent breaker trips during your holiday preparations, don’t ignore them. These are signs of potential electrical issues that need professional attention.

Tip: Contact Bowman Electric for an inspection before Thanksgiving to address problems proactively and ensure a safe celebration.

Keep Thanksgiving Bright and Safe with Bowman Electric

At Bowman Electric, we’re here to help your holiday season run smoothly. Whether you need electrical upgrades, outlet installations, or a safety inspection, our team is ready to assist. Call us today to schedule an appointment and ensure your home is prepared for Thanksgiving and beyond.

Enjoy a joyful, safe, and memorable Thanksgiving with these simple electrical safety practices. From all of us at Bowman Electric, Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃✨