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 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!!
