Electrical Tips to Consider for the Holidays

The holidays are a time for family, friends, and fun. But they can also be a time for danger, especially when it comes to electricity.

Many decorations use electricity, and if you’re not careful, you could end up with a fire accident or electrocution. To help keep you safe this coming holiday season, we’ve put together a list of electrical safety tips. Keep these in mind as you decorate your home and enjoy the holidays.

1. Inspect all lights and electrical decorations before use. Your decorations haven’t been in use for quite a while, so it’s important to check them for any damage before plugging them in. If you see any damaged or frayed wires, toss the decoration out. It’s not worth the risk. You can even consider an electrical inspection by a qualified electrician to make sure all your decorations are safe for use.
2. Don’t overload your outlets. This is a common mistake people make during the holidays. They plug in too many lights and decorations, resulting in an overloaded outlet. If you must use multiple plugs in one outlet, make sure to use a power strip with built-in circuit protection.
3. Protect extension cords from damage. You’ll need to use extension cords to reach those hard-to-reach places. But before you do, make sure the cords are in good condition and not damaged in any way. Also, ensure furniture doesn’t rest on top of the cords, as this can damage them. If you’ll be using the cords outside, ensure they are away or protected from water sources to prevent electrocution.
4. Use the proper light bulbs. Not all light bulbs are created equal. Some give off more heat than others, especially incandescent lights. Think about switching to LEDs, which emit very little heat. This will help you avoid any accidental fires. In addition to reducing the chances of accidents, LEDs use less energy, which saves you money.
5. Supervise children around electrical decorations. We all know how curious kids can be. It’s important to keep a close eye on them when they’re around electrical decorations. If they start to play with cords or plugs, intervene immediately. These pose the danger of electrocution.
6. Go for battery-powered candles. Candles are a holiday staple, but they can pose a fire hazard. If you’re looking for a safer option, go for battery-powered candles. These look just like real candles but don’t pose the same risks.
7. Your Christmas tree is a fire hazard. If you have a real Christmas tree, make sure to water it regularly. A dry tree is a major fire hazard. In addition, keep your tree away from heat sources such as candles, fireplaces, and space heaters.
8. Never leave the lights and decorations unattended when going to sleep. This is a mistake people often make. They think it’s okay to leave the lights on overnight, but it’s not. If there’s a power surge, it could cause a fire. So, make sure to turn off all lights and decorations before going to bed.

We hope you find these electrical safety tips helpful. By following them, you can enjoy a safe and happy holiday season.

A qualified electrician can also help you ensure your home is safe from electrical hazards. They can inspect your electrical system and ensure everything is up to code. That way, you can rest easy knowing your home is safe for the holidays.

Categorised in: Electrical Safety