Though many people look forward to eating candy and dressing up in costumes, Halloween is also the time to turn your yard and porch into a spooky wonderland. From creepy lighting to motion-sensor howls, you have many options to set a chilling atmosphere. Just keep electrical wiring safety in mind as you set up Halloween decorations to ensure everyone has a fun time.

Do:

Plan outlet usage.

With all the decorations laid out, it can tempting to immediately start hanging everything up, but you first need to plan for power. Spread out your decorations to balance outlet usage and avoid putting too much stress on any circuit of electrical wiring. You also want to avoid stretching lights or extension cords across the yard, sidewalk, or doorway, which can be a tripping hazard for visitors in the dark. 

Inspect your decorations.

Before putting anything up or plugging anything in, inspect the condition of all your lights and cords. Rodents can sometimes chew through cords while they’re in storage, or age might wear them down. Frayed wires or loose connections can be fire hazards. On the bright side, you have an excuse to buy new ones!

Don’t:

Use nails to hang your lights. 

When hanging up decorations and lights, use insulated staples. Don’t use nails or metal tacks to hang light strings since they can conduct electricity and deliver a shock. Don’t hammer nails through light strings either; doing so can strip the protective coating or even break the electrical wiring inside.

Forget to turn it all off. 

Turn off and unplug the lighting decorations before you go to sleep, and leave them off during the day. Not only is it a fire hazard to leave them plugged in for 24 hours straight, but you’ll also rack up a huge electrical bill.

 

Ensure your home is electrically safe and sound for Halloween festivities and beyond with the help of Always On Electric in Hilo, HI. They offer a wide variety of electrical repair and installation as well as 24-hour emergency services. Their licensed, insured electrical contractors take care of permitting and electrical inspections as well. Call (808) 640-3391 to make an appointment, or visit their website to find out more about their electrical wiring services.