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Putting up holiday lights is one of the traditions that make the season so special. However, you need to be careful to avoid electrical wiring mistakes and resulting safety concerns. Reduce the risks of anything going wrong with these precautions.

Do:

Check your lights.

Before you put any lights up, make sure they’re in top working condition. Look out for broken sockets, frayed or bare electrical wiring, or loose connections. Check your extension cords too. If there’s anything questionable, toss them and get new ones.

Use LEDs.

If you need new lights, choose LEDs. LEDs use 80% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last 25 times longer. They cost more upfront but will save you money in the long run. From a safety standpoint, they don’t get hot to the touch, so the risk of a fire is greatly reduced.

Keep an eye on children and pets.

electrical wiringChildren and pets are enchanted by the beauty of holiday lights. However, if they’re allowed to play with the decorations, they can get hurt or even cause a fire. Don’t leave your kids or pets alone near your Christmas tree while it’s lit or the connections to the outside lights.

Don’t:

Use lights that haven’t been safety tested.

Lights with the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) label have been tested by engineers for risk of fire, shock from electrical wiring, and other hazards, so they’ll be safer for your home. If the lights are for indoor and outdoor use, they’ll have a red holographic label. If they can only be used indoors, they’ll have a green one.

Overload outlets.

Don’t plug too many lights into an outlet or extension cord, which can overload a circuit and cause electrical wiring to overheat. Instead, try to spread out the lights across the house.

Leave the lights on.

Don’t leave the lights on when you leave the house or go to bed. When left on for long periods unsupervised, the lights might burn out or overheat. It’s best to unplug them as well. If you’re the forgetful type, consider putting them on a timer.

 

If you need help handling your holiday lights or other electric needs, get in touch with the experts at Always On Electric in Hilo, HI. Their licensed electricians help with everything from home electrical wiring to hanging a ceiling fan to putting in an alarm system. Visit their website to learn more about their services. Call (808) 965-1596 or (808) 640-3391 to schedule an appointment.

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