It’s that exciting time of the year again! You’ve taken out your festive decorations, and your holiday lights are ready to light up your surroundings. Now, let’s ensure your lights keep shining without any interruptions and keep you and your loved ones safe during this joyful season. Here are some tips from a reputable electrician.
Every December, we assist homeowners with power problems caused by holiday lights. To help you avoid unnecessary headaches and expenses, as well as stay safe, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide.
Electrician Tips For Your Holiday Lights
Step 1: Understanding Potential Issues
After you’ve adorned your yard with dazzling lights, it’s essential to be prepared for potential power outages. These outages can affect not only your holiday lights but also other parts of your home. Imagine losing power to
- your garage freezer filled with valuable game meat
- your malfunctioning garage door opener when you need to get to work
- even finding no electricity in your bathroom when you want to use your hair dryer.
We’ve seen it all!
The main culprits behind these scenarios are:
Moisture: Water can enter your yard through rain, sprinklers, or dew, posing a danger when mixed with electricity. Our GFCI outlets are designed to cut off power when moisture is detected to keep you safe.
Overloaded Circuits: When circuits have more electricity running through them than they can handle, the circuit breaker trips to prevent overheating.
Electrical Shorts: Electrical shorts occur when electricity takes an unintended path due to damaged or old wiring insulation. This often leads to a circuit breaker tripping.
Now that you know what can go wrong, let’s talk about how to prevent these problems.
Step 2: Setting Up Lights and Decorations Safely
Choose Lights Carefully:
When using string lights from previous years or purchasing new ones, make sure they are UL-listed and suitable for outdoor use. Check for damage such as cracks, frays, or exposed wires in the cords and replace damaged strings. When replacing bulbs, match the wattage/voltage as indicated on the original package. Always unplug the lights before changing bulbs.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the maximum number of connected light strings. You can also consult your Myrtle Beach electrician.
Proper Installation:
To minimize outages and safety risks, install your lights in a way that keeps them dry.
- Seal connections between lights
- position plug connections in protected, dry areas
- hang lights under awnings when possible
- Use fasteners that won’t damage wire insulation, such as insulated staples.
Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Plug into a GFCI Outlet:
Because outdoor decorations are exposed to moisture, plug them into GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) protected outlets. GFCI outlets cut off power when they detect a potential water and electricity hazard. Locate the GFCI protecting your holiday lights‘ circuit in advance and test it for proper operation.
Overloading Prevention:
Consider the appliances already using the same circuit as your holiday lights. Avoid overloading the circuit, especially if it also powers appliances like refrigerators or freezers. Installing a dedicated circuit for your holiday decorations is a wise choice to prevent overloads.
Outlet Protection:
Ensure the outlet you use is protected from the elements. For outdoor outlets, use in-use weatherproof covers to shield them while lights are plugged in.
Maintain Electrical Breakers:
Regularly flip the breaker that powers your holiday lights to keep it working correctly. Older breakers may need replacement if they fail to cut off power.
Use Extension Cords Wisely:
If you require extension cords, choose outdoor-rated, UL-listed, and 3-wire grounded cords. Select the appropriate length for the distance you need to cover. Avoid daisy-chaining multiple short extension cords, as this can lead to overheating. Ensure indoor outlets are also GFCI-protected when using extension cords indoors.
Safety Considerations:
Be cautious of overhead power lines, use fiberglass ladders for safety, and keep decorations away from power lines and tree branches that may contact them. Consider the safety of children and pets when decorating.
Part 3: Troubleshooting Power Outages
If you encounter minor power issues with your lights, follow these steps to troubleshoot:
- Wait for moisture to dry if present.
- Reset the GFCI protecting your lights’ outlet.
- Unplug lights and decorations, reset the GFCI outlet, and test with another device.
- If power is restored, plug in the lights. If not, proceed to the next step.
- Reset the circuit breaker for your lights.
- Repeat the same process: unplug, reset the breaker, and test with another device.
- If power is restored, plug in the lights. If not, check your lights for damage, loose connections, or cut cords.
- Reset any other in your home.
If power is restored, plug in the lights. If not, consult a professional electrician in Myrtle Beach.
To ensure a hassle-free and safe holiday season, consult with a professional licensed electrician. Our team is here to help you with your electrical needs and troubleshooting.
For quality services from a reputable electrician, call MB Electrician Pros today to make your holiday season brighter and safer!
Like our Facebook page for more info about our services.
MB Electrician Pros
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
843-353-6345
electriciansmyrtlebeach.com
No comments:
Post a Comment