Electrical Safety During The Holidays
The holidays are generally a time for relaxation and cheer. People put up decorations, some of which consume more electricity to keep the place cozy and inviting to guests and family. However, it’s important to put safety first. Otherwise, holiday cheer can quickly turn into a nightmare to remember.
This post will provide some tips to keep your electrical appliances and installations safe over the holidays.
Use the correct decorations
When placing decorations around the house, make sure to follow the correct guidelines for the lights. Some lighting is rated for indoor or outdoor use only, and it’s essential to keep them in the proper environment to prevent burdening the house’s electrical system.
Exposed electrical elements can produce a spark and start a fire. Check any lights from previous years for signs of wear and damage like deteriorated insulation, broken bulbs, or frayed cords. For any new purchases, use only items that have received the appropriate certification marks to ensure they’re tested and safe to use.
It’s typically better to use LED lighting due to reduced power consumption and heat. A cluster of incandescent light bulbs can get hot enough to ignite nearby flammable material.
Use the GFCI outlets
If the electrical outlets around the house are looking a bit worse for wear, it might be a good idea to call an electrician to check on them. A thorough electrical grid evaluation will ensure no underlying problems will be exacerbated by adding more electrical devices.
For better safety practices, it’s highly recommended to use GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlets in the kitchen and outdoors. These outlets automatically interrupt electricity flow when they detect a short in the circuit, preventing appliance damage and shocks.
Don’t overload the outlets by plugging in new appliances and decorations. Keep the number of extension cords to a minimum, and use cords with built-in surge protectors. An overloaded outlet can spark or heat up enough to start a fire.
If the house has two-pronged outlets, consider replacing them as soon as possible. The newer three-prong design is much safer and has been part of the safe building code since 1962. The third prong acts as a grounding pin to prevent damage and shock during an overload. Plugs with three prongs should never be tampered with to fit a two-prong outlet.
Contact a qualified electrician if you’re worried about whether the house can handle the increased electrical load from the decorations. They can inspect it thoroughly and offer a workable solution.
General safety tips
Always keep an eye on pets or children around the decorations, especially the Christmas tree. Pets can quickly chew through the cable insulation or knock a tree over when you’re not looking. Regularly check the decorations for signs of damage and ensure they’re firmly secured to prevent accidents.
While your home might not look as beautiful, it’s better to switch the lights and decorations off when out of the house. You never know what can happen while you’re away.
If you need a fast, affordable electrician for your home or business, call RSB Electrical at 480-485-4284.
