5 Lighting And Electrical Safety Tips for the Holidays

Decorating for Christmas is a fun tradition for many. Adding lights and other holiday decorations to your homes this holiday season can add festive charm, but electrical safety should always be a top priority.

Minimise the risk of fire or electric shock this Christmas with these electrical and lighting safety tips for the holidays:

1. Replace your old lights and use them correctly

Lights certainly add to the holiday atmosphere, but they can pose a safety hazard. Interior lights should be indoor lights, and outdoor lights should be outdoor lights, and be sure to turn them off when you go out or go to bed.

Lighting kits must always be replaced if they have defective sockets or frayed cords.

2. Examine your electrical decoration before hanging

Before installing string lights in your home or Christmas tree, you should check the electrical decorations for damage. Look for broken or damaged outlets, bare wires, and loose connections. All of these are potentially dangerous and can cause shock or even a fire.

3. Use extension cords safely

Christmas lights don’t use a lot of power, but old extension cords can still overheat. Touch the cable regularly to keep it from getting hot. Do not run cords under furniture or rugs as this can cause overheating. If you use the extension cord outdoors, keep the plug away from water.

4. NEVER overload electrical circuits

When an electrical overload occurs, it is caused by using too much electricity and cutting off the electricity. Circuit overload is usually caused by multiple devices using a lot of power or by a system that is too old. These can be prevented by undergoing regular electrical safety inspections, installing proper circuit breakers and using dedicated circuits.

5. DON’T LET THE LIGHTS RUN 24/7

This not only wastes power, but also poses a safety hazard. Unplug the electricity when you leave the house or go to bed. You can also connect your decorations to a timer or light sensor to turn them on and off automatically.

Christmas should be joy, laughter and time with family and friends. Taking the time to follow all applicable safety rules will ensure your vacation is safe for you and your loved ones..

What are your safety precautions when preparing Christmas decorations?