Electrical Safety Tips For The Holidays

Christmas is just a few weeks away and that means the time has come to begin spreading holiday cheer to family and friends. Although decorating is a fun family activity, do not forget to put in place safety measures when setting up your Christmas ornaments especially your Christmas lights. These decorative lights use electricity and since you will use a lot of them, you might encounter some electrical problems. In worse cases, it can lead to house fires.  To help you avoid disasters, provided below are some electrical safety tips worth remembering.

1. Be sure to use tested and approved Christmas lights.
2. It is better to use smaller Christmas lights instead of those with bigger bulbs.
3. Make sure that you are using outdoor Christmas lights for decorating your home’s exterior. If you are uncertain, don’t hesitate to call an electrical contractor Myrtle Beach.
4. Don’t forget to plug all your outdoor electrical Christmas decorations into a GFCI.
5. Do not use nails or tacks to secure your Christmas lights. Use light clips or hooks for this purpose.
6. Turn off your Christmas lights before you go to sleep or leave home.
7. Christmas lights should not be placed on a metal tree because it can cause short circuits, electrical shock, and even fire.
8. Replace burnt out bulbs immediately
9. Do not attempt to alter or modify the lights.
10. Make sure that all lights, power boards, as well as extension leads are ideal for the intended use.
11. Place Christmas lights in locations that cannot be reached by kids.

Reminders For Indoor Christmas Lights

1. Use only the lights that serve their intended purposes, which in this case, need to be used indoors.
2. Keep them out of reach of children.
3. If you have a live Christmas tree, be sure to switch off and unplug your Christmas lights before watering the tree.

Reminders For Outdoor Christmas Lights

1. Use only outdoor lights when decorating your home’s exterior because they have weatherproof features.
2. Test Christmas lights before you install them.
3. Be sure to follow the user manual. Check if the Christmas lights that you want to use should have its transformer plug placed indoors. You should also find out if the lights are only for temporary use or can be used long-term.
4. You may also consider the use of solar powered or LED lights.
5. Do not forget to unwind the extension cords to prevent overheating.

If you are planning to use your old Christmas lights, be sure to check them. Unravel them first and inspect the plug as well as the leads and the lamp holders. There should be no exposed wires or any noticeable signs of damage. If you have any concerns or doubts about your Christmas lights, do not hesitate to call a reliable electrical contractor.

Follow these simple tips to minimize electrical problems and stay safe this holiday season. Call Myrtle Beach Electrician Pros for all your electrical needs.

Myrtle Beach Electrician Pros Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 843-353-6345 electriciansmyrtlebeach.com

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