Remember these safety tips for exterior holiday lighting installations.
Decorating your home with exterior holiday lights is a wonderful way to bring festive cheer to your neighborhood. However, regarding electrical installations, safety should always come first. Improperly installed holiday lights can lead to electrical hazards, including fires, shocks, and overloaded circuits. To keep your home safe and beautiful this holiday season, here are some essential electrical safety tips for installing your exterior holiday lighting with Professional Electric Inc.
Use Outdoor-Rated Lights and Extension Cords
When setting up your exterior holiday lights, it’s crucial to use lights and extension cords designed specifically for outdoor use. Outdoor-rated lights and cords are built to withstand the elements, including rain and snow. Using indoor lights or cords outside can increase the risk of electrical shock or fire, as they aren’t equipped to handle the moisture and harsh conditions of outdoor environments. Always check the packaging to ensure your lights and cords are labeled for outdoor use.
Avoid Overloading Electrical Circuits
Holiday lights can quickly overload your home’s electrical circuits, especially if you’re running multiple strands of lights or large displays. Overloading a circuit can trip your breaker or cause an electrical fire. To avoid this, spread out your lighting across multiple outlets and use power strips with built-in surge protection. Additionally, calculate the wattage of your lights and ensure they don’t exceed the capacity of the circuit they’re connected to. If you’re unsure about your system’s capacity, consulting an electrician is a good precaution.
Inspect Lights and Cords for Damage
Before hanging your holiday lights, inspect them thoroughly for any signs of damage. Frayed wires, cracked bulbs, or exposed wires can lead to dangerous electrical shocks or sparks. Replace any damaged lights or cords immediately to prevent potential hazards. Additionally, check that all your lights are approved by UL (Underwriters Laboratories), which ensures they meet rigorous safety standards.
Secure Lights Properly to Avoid Damage
When installing holiday lights, be sure to secure them safely without damaging the wiring. Use plastic clips or hooks specifically designed for hanging lights instead of nails or staples, which can puncture the cords and expose wires. Damaged cords increase the risk of electrical shorts or fires, so keeping your wiring intact throughout the season is important. Additionally, avoid stretching or tangling your light strands, as this can weaken the wires over time.
Use GFCI Outlets for Outdoor Lighting
Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets are crucial for outdoor electrical installations, including holiday lighting. These outlets are made to shut off power if they detect a ground fault, protecting you from electrical shocks and reducing the risk of fires. Make sure that all your outdoor lights are plugged into GFCI outlets, and if your home doesn’t have them, consider having them installed by a licensed electrician for increased safety.
Turn Off Lights When Not in Use
Turn off your holiday lights when they’re not in use to prevent overheating and limit energy consumption. You can do this manually or use a timer to automatically turn off the lights after a specific time. Leaving your lights on for extended periods, especially overnight, increases the risk of overheating and electrical issues, so turning them off regularly is a safe practice.
Consider LED Lights for Energy Efficiency and Safety
LED holiday lights are safer and more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs. LED lights produce less heat, reducing the risk of fire, and they use far less electricity, making them easier on your electrical system. Additionally, LED lights are more durable and last longer, meaning you’ll get more seasons out of them without needing replacements.
Call Professional Electric, Inc. for Electrical Services in Crofton
Our family-owned and operated business has earned the trust of the Crofton community since 1990. Our team of friendly and expert electricians is licensed, bonded, and insured. From electric panel upgrades to lighting installations, and all other electrical services and repairs in between, you can count on Professional Electric to get it done safely and skillfully. Further, our dedicated electricians are standing by 24/7 for your emergency electrical situations. We proudly serve customers in Annapolis, Severna Park, Crofton, Gambrills, Odenton, Bowie, Stevensville, Mitchellville, Millersville, Cape St Claire, the surrounding Southern Maryland area, and beyond. To find out more information on our wide range of electrical services, or to get a free estimate from our master electricians, contact us at our website or call 410‐451‐8085, 301‐390‐7620, or 443‐871‐1492. For more ways to stay connected, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.