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. 🎄✨
