During the holiday season, you use electricity in more ways than ever. Not only is your heat on to keep back the winter chill, but if you decorate for the holidays, you may have a tangle of lights and gadgets plugged into your outlets. To keep your electricity use safe and minimize the risk of fire, many electrical contractors recommend the following precautions.

Holiday Safety Tips for Electrical Use

1. Check Your Lights & Equipment

First, make sure all of your lights and extension cords are in good condition without fraying, empty sockets, loosened plugs, or other damage. Next, ensure you're using each item for its intended purpose.

Only hang lights outdoors if they’re designed to withstand the elements without shorting out. Keep your standard lights indoors and on your tree to avoid creating a fire hazard.

2. Limit Extension Cords & Power Strips

The more devices you plug into one outlet, the more power they’ll draw—with the increased risk of overloading your system. Never plug one power strip into another; if you run out of space, use another outlet.

Additionally, if you plug multiple extension cords together, the voltage can drop by the time it reaches the end of the line. A longer extension cord designed to bridge that distance is a more efficient choice. 

3. Prepare for Guests

If you're having loved ones with children visit during the holidays, make sure to childproof the home. You might need to install outlet covers or plug locks to keep little fingers away from your unused outlets and appliances. Covering or taping down cords will help prevent tripping or a toppling tree.

Make sure your loved ones have access to the outlets they need to charge phones and other devices. Try to spread this throughout the home and avoid overloading one outlet.

If you need an electrical contractor to update your home's electrical system to handle the increased load, call Walker Electric in Andalusia, AL. Serving Covington County, they offer the most advanced, energy-efficient products available. In addition to being licensed electrical contractors, they also handle gas furnaces and other HVAC equipment. Learn more about their services online or call (334) 222-2481 to schedule an appointment.