Gervais Electric logo
+1 615-973-1436

Month: November 2018

Christmas Lighting Safety Tips to Keep In Mind This Holiday Season

Posted on by oleg

If you are like most homeowners who take pride in decorating their homes with lights during the holiday season, then take time out to read these important tips about the hidden risks Christmas lights can bring. Gervais Electric, Inc. is committed and dedicated to providing all our valued clients with valuable information, quality products and services. That includes sharing these Christmas lighting safety tips to keep your home and family safe.

  • First and foremost, it is important that you do not overload circuits. If you have the need to plug in multiple strands of lights into an electrical outlet, then be sure to always use a surge protector and try to use multiple circuits when possible.
  • Do not run any power cables for your lights under your carpets or rugs. If cables are out of sight, there is a chance that they can be damaged when furniture is placed on them or people are walking atop them which can ultimately result in shocks or fires.
  • Be sure that all your lights are spaced out evenly and not bunched altogether since this can cause the lights to become overheated and therefore result in some hazardous situations.

LED Christmas Lighting
LED Christmas Lights

Be sure when doing outside lighting that you only use those lights that are designed to be used on the exterior of your home. Never use interior lights outdoors.

  • Take time out to examine all your strands of lights and all cords to be sure they are not frayed, cut, cracked or showing any other signs of damage. If they are damaged, be sure not to use them.
  • Be smart and ensure that the lights on your Christmas tree are separated and kept away from your ornaments to avoid overheating.
  • When you are away from home or sleeping, never leave your Christmas tree lights on. Make it a point to unplug your tree lights not just turn them off to avoid starting a fire. Automatic timers are also useful for making sure your lights turn off and on at your desired times.
  • Avoid the use of metallic ornaments near lights. This type of ornaments can actually act as live conductors if there is any sort of tear in the light strand.
  • If you notice at any point that the cords you are using for your Christmas lights are starting to feel a bit warm, immediately stop using them.
  • Never use spray on snow with tinsel since when combined they can be flammable.
  • If you are being energy ‘green’ conscious, consider using LED lights since they burn a lot cooler and use much less power than regular lights.
  • If you are putting Christmas lights on your roof, be sure to use a stable ladder and have someone hold the ladder while you are putting the lights up.
  • Finally, if you have a fresh Christmas tree, remember that the older the tree, the drier it will become and when coupled with a flaky bark on your real tree, electricity can easily start a fire.

    • We hope you have found these Christmas lighting safety tips useful. If you have any questions about the proper use of Christmas lights or have any other holiday decoration concerns, feel free to reach out to us. Our highly skilled and trained professionals are on hand to answer all your questions and assist in any way possible. If you  need any electrical repairs or services, then we are the team for you. There is no project too big or too small for our professionals. Offering affordable prices, attractive timelines, and superior products and services, rest assure that you can always depend upon Gervais Electric to handle all your electrical needs. From our family to yours, enjoy your Christmas decorating and have a safe and happy holiday season!!

    Safety Tips for Using Space Heaters This Winter

    Posted on by oleg

    In search of a more comfortable home, many people turn to various forms of heating equipment during the winter months. The easiest source of room comfort are space heaters. These very pieces of equipment, however, are responsible for nearly 2 out of every 5 home heating fires according to the National Fire Protection Association. Space heaters contribute to more than half of home fires that ultimately result in death. Though portable electric space heaters can be a convenient and effective way to provide additional heat in your home during the winter months, they can also contribute to both electrical shock and fire hazards. Such is the case, especially when these portable heaters are not equipped with safety features or are improperly plugged in during use.

    When using portable space heaters, it is critical that safety is your number one concern. The professionals at Gervais Electric have some important facts and tips to offer to homeowners in their efforts to keep their homes safe this winter season.

    • Be sure to read all the instructions and warning labels thoroughly before you begin use of space heaters.
    • Be sure that plugs are not worn, damaged, cracked or broken and that you have no loose connections. If any of these are present, do not use the heater since it can cause danger to you, your family and your home.
    • Your portable heater should never be left unattended. If you are heading out or retiring for the evening, be sure to turn your heater off.
    • Never let your pets or your children near a space heater.
    • Be sure to place space heaters at least 3-4 feet away from any items that can easily burn such as clothing, rugs, papers, tablecloths, and plastics.
    • Place heaters in an area of the home that is not high traffic so as to avoid tripping.
    • Never plug your portable heaters into an extension cord or even a power strip. You should plug the heater directly into a wall outlet and be sure that nothing else is plugged into that same outlet.
    • Remember space heaters only serve to provide additional heat and should not be used for any other purpose.
    • Be sure to place your portable heater on a flat surface. You should never put your heater on top of tables, cabinets or other pieces of furniture. In addition, you should not place space heaters on carpeting since this can lead to a fire.
    • Whenever your heater is not in use, be sure to unplug it and put it safely out of the way.

    Now that the colder weather has made its presence known, we all take steps to provide heat and comfort to both our families and our homes. However, we cannot emphasize enough the importance of using these safety tips whenever you choose to use a space heater as an additional heating source. Disregarding these important facts and tips can ultimately lead to a variety of hazards in your home.

    Winter can be somewhat challenging for many of us, but with proper care and attention you can enjoy the convenience and comfort that top-quality portable space heaters can bring to your home and living space. For more information about these portable heaters or if you find yourself in need of any type of electrical services or repairs, then don’t hesitate to reach out to our professionals. Here at Gervais Electric, Inc. Winter can be a fun time of year, but neglecting the safety of your family and home can definitely take the fun out of winter. Don’t delay. Contact our team today for all your home and business electrical needs. We look forward to serving you and send along wishes for a safe and happy holiday season ahead!!