Strings of vibrantly colored holiday lights are a celebration of the season. However, residential electricians warn that festive lighting can be hazardous if you’re not careful when hanging them. Consider the following do’s and don’ts for safely installing holiday lights indoors and outside. 

Do:

Check your home’s electrical system.

Inspect your plugs and outlets before using them, Quickly cut the power to any outlet if you see sparks or feel excessive heat. Ideally, use only ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets. They’re designed to break an electrical circuit to prevent shock and will keep your home safe from electrical fires if lights have a short. For a thorough inspection of circuits and outlets, contact a residential electrician for assistance.

Use LED bulbs.

LEDs use light-emitting diodes that don’t burn out or become too hot to touch. Although energy-efficient LED bulbs are slightly more expensive than conventional ones, they last up to 12 times longer than incandescents and will save you money over the long run.

Don’t:

Overload extension cords.

Although most holiday lighting displays require extension cords to string lights where outlets aren’t available, you should avoid overloading them. Do not plug too many strings into a single cord or an outlet. Excessive power use leads to overheating and may start an electrical fire. Instead of extension cords, use a power strip for safe circulation. They have a built-in circuit breaker to stop the flow of energy if overloaded.

Staple lights.

Don’t attempt to attach lights to posts, eaves, or frames with staples. Staples damage both wood and lights. Instead, apply magnetic hooks and plastic clips to gutters and railings, and snap strings of lights around them.

This holiday season, keep your power running and your home safe by contacting the residential electricians at Bonham Electric Inc. For more than 50 years, their team has provided clients throughout Dayton, OH, with exceptional electrical contractor services, including generator installations, electric panel upgrades, and fire alarm installations. Call (937) 233-7662 to request a free estimate, or visit them online today for more information about their residential services.