The holidays are right around the corner. For many homeowners, this means breaking out strings of lights, inflatable lawn decorations, and much more. However, when it comes to enjoying winter celebrations with some festive decorations, it is important to keep your electrical system in mind. The last thing you want to do is cause an issue that will leave you without electricity in the winter months—or worse, pose a safety hazard to your family or your home.
Holiday Safety Tips
This holiday season, be smart about how much strain you’re putting on your electrical system and consider the following tips:
- Don’t overload electrical outlets. Holiday décor often requires several electrical outlets to supply power to the bright lights and big displays. As a rule, avoid connecting more than one décor item per outlet. For extra safety, invest in surge protectors so you can plug in multiple holiday lights and decorations without overloading the outlet.
- Be wary of holiday light strings. You should never connect more than three strings of lights. Multiple strings of traditional lights on a single circuit can overwhelm the system. LED lights can be a suitable alternative because they use less energy and don’t create heat like traditional lights. Regardless of the lights you choose, it is important to turn off all holiday lights and decorations when going to bed or leaving the home.
- Pay attention to outdoor extension cords and lights. There is a significant difference between indoor and outdoor extension cords and light strings. Outdoor cords are more durable and are specifically insulated to deal with weather changes. Outdoor cords will also have a three-prong plug, which acts as a ground to prevent overload.
Enjoy the Holidays Safely
There is something magical about the holiday season, especially when it comes to the bright lights provided by seasonal decorations. However, the magic is never worth the risk of fire damage to your home. At Winters Electric, we understand the importance of holiday safety and can help you prevent risking your home and your family. Contact us today to explore your holiday lighting options safely.