As the fall starts to fade and holiday excitement builds, many families will be swapping pumpkins and cornucopias for wreaths and menorahs. You might even involve the whole family in the decorating process. However, it’s important to keep safety in mind whenever you’re dealing with electricity. Be sure to use the following tips when hanging lights, trimming the tree, and plugging in festive decor.

3 Electricity Safety Tips for Holiday Lighting

1. Check Cords & Cables for Damage

Before you string up those joyous lights for the second or third year in a row, inspect the full length of the strings as well as the end of each cord that plugs into an outlet. Look for areas where the protective covering has been stripped, torn, or twisted.

This type of damage could have occurred when the decorations were in use—such as being stepped on or run over—or bitten by rodents and other pests when they were in storage.

2. Use GFCI Outlets

While that six-inch, indoor Santa figurine might do fine in any outlet, it’s important to plug long cables and large, power-hogging decorations into ground fault circuit interrupter (GCFI) outlets. These outlets are designed to shut off the electricity if a dangerous amount of power is being drawn from them.

That way, you can prevent an electrical fire both indoors and outdoors. If you don’t have enough of these outlets, ask an electrician to install more. 

3. Use the Right Hangers

Perhaps the most important part of your holiday lighting display will be those strung on the exterior borders of your house. However, the way you adhere these to your roofing and siding is crucial.

Tacks and nails could puncture the weatherproof covers on the cables, increasing the risk of an electrical short or a fire. Instead, use approved hangers that attach to your home and allow the cable to rest on top or inside without getting damaged.

If you’re concerned about your electricity setup for the holidays, get in touch with Piedmont Electric Repair Company of High Point, NC, for a safe and festive holiday season. Since 1936, they’ve been providing top-tier electrical repair services as well as an extensive selection of replacement parts. Whether you’re looking for a contractor to complete the work or the supplies to take on a simple and safe project yourself, call (336) 889-0222 to speak with a professional. Visit the website to learn more about their electrical services.