Tips for Electrical Safety This Christmas

The holidays are here, and for many people that means covering the house with lights and other decorations, inside and out. While this is a festive time filled with love, happiness, and light, it’s important not to forget safety as well.

Christmas lights and other decorations can potentially cause serious problems including shocks, fires, and much more. Here are some tips that will help you have a safe and happy holidays.

Light Up Safely

When decorating outside, only use lights and extension cords that are approved for outdoor use. Also, Christmas lights should carry the symbol of third-party laboratory Underwriters Laboratories. You’ll see a “UL” sticker on lights that have been tested and verified.

Don’t overload the electrical outlet or string too many lights together. Overloading is more common when using older incandescent Christmas lights, but it’s possible with modern lights as well. Read the manufacturer’s recommendations for how many strands of lights should be plugged in together and stay below that number.

Make sure to only plug outdoor lights into GFCI outlets. These ground-fault circuit interrupter outlets are designed to block electric power in the event of a ground fault. As a result, they can protect you from electric shocks and other issues that could potentially lead to serious injury or worse. You’ll be able to spot a GFCI outlet since it will have Test and Reset buttons built in. 

Extension Cords and Plugs

One of the biggest tips for electrical safety this Christmas is to use care and attention when working with extension cords and plugs. Most people don’t think about the cords they’re using or how they’re using them, but this could be a serious mistake.

If an extension cord is damaged, it should not be used. Check all your cords before you plug them in.

In addition, pay attention to how you run your cords. You should never place where they could be pinched or otherwise damaged, keep them away from heat sources, and never attach them with staples, nails, or screws that could cause damage.

Product Safety

If you have lights, decorations, or other items plugged in, periodically check them to make sure they remain in good condition. They could potentially be damaged by the weather, wildlife, or other hazards.

Every so often, check the light strands and extension cords to make sure they’re not getting too hot.

How you store your lights, cords, and other products is important as well. Once the season is over and you take everything down, be sure to place them in well-sealed containers where they will not get damaged. Place them where they won’t be exposed to water. Storing them properly will extend their life and prevent damage.

Decorations

Electrical safety is important for decorations other than lights as well. Anything that needs to be plugged in (such as inflatables, etc.) should be checked to ensure that it’s in good condition before you use it.

If you have an artificial tree, you’ll want to make sure that it is labeled as fire retardant.” This doesn’t mean that it’s fireproof or that it can’t ever catch on fire, but it does mean that it will resist burning for longer than a tree that doesn’t have fire retardant properties. That could give you enough time to extinguish it before the fire can spread.

Instead of using traditional wick candles as decorations, replace them with battery-operated versions. Modern battery-operated candles look a lot like traditional candles, and they don’t come with the same risk of fire.



If your electrical system needs any upgrades or repairs, you can trust Ferguson Electrical Solutions. We’ll make sure your system is safe and ready for the holiday season, so you can enjoy your time without stress and worry. Have any questions? Please don't hesitate to contact us at (519) 400-9825 or contact us online .