Electrical Safety Tips For Christmas: Insights From An Electrician | Conway, SC

12/14/2022

There’s nothing as beautiful as a Christmas holiday with sparkling display lights. However, with all the glimmer, lighted inflatables, and just-for-the-occasion electrical installations that make up the decorations, there’s an inherent danger of electrical hazards if not done correctly.

And while it’s easy to string lights around your Christmas tree or house on your own, a professional electrician in Conway, SC will help address the technical aspects of the project.

Read on to discover some electrical safety tips that should come to mind to ensure you and your loved ones have a merry, safe Christmas!

Start with a Plan and Outline Your Electrical Needs

Before embarking on the decorations, you should take your time to draw your decorating plan. As you do so, factor in the number of outlets in your home and their location.

Unless you’re a pro, you should have a certified electrician come in for a once-over to check for any potential damage in your electrical system. Also, the technician can assist you in determining the electrical loads of the circuits you intend to use.

Another thing they can help with is matching the power requirements of your electrical decorations and the amperage rating of any power strips you might be using. Caution must be taken when connecting electrical ornaments so as not to overload circuits or outlets.

Plugging too many cords into a single outlet can trigger a fire due to overheating. The general rule is that only load a 15 Amp circuit to 12 amps and a 20 Amp circuit to 16 amps. You can ask the electrician to install more plugs in your home if needed.

Check for Electrical Certifications on Your Decorations and Lights

Whether you’re buying online or from an on-site store, ensure your electrical displays have been inspected and certified by qualified test laboratories such as UL or other reputable and accredited quality assurance agencies.

Your electrician should be able to guide you on which bulbs to purchase, but always remember to shop from reliable dealers.

Ensure You Only Use Extension Cords and Electrical Adornments Approved for Outdoor Use

When decorating outdoors during the festive season, ensure you use lights and extension cords marked for outdoor usage. There’s an absolute difference between outdoor and indoor extension cords that most homeowners probably don’t know, but a certified electrician does.

For example, outdoor power extenders have a more durable insulating material to withstand the rigors of harsh weather. They’re also able to protect the wires from damage by chemicals.

In addition, make sure the spotlights you use to illuminate your decorations are protected from elements where necessary and meet the specifications for outdoor use.

Utilize Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)

An electrician can install a GFCI in your home to prevent issues such as electrical shocks. Typically, any outdoor electrical decoration should be plugged into ground-fault circuit interrupters.

If your home doesn’t have them, you can buy portable ones from any reliable electrical service provider and get an experienced electrician to install them.

Protect Your Power Cords from Damage

Please don’t place your extension cords in a way that can compromise their insulation. Avoid supporting cables and hiding them under your furniture or carpet, as they might spark and cause a fire!

It would help if you did not force your light strings through tiny openings or keep them near flammables. Moreover, ensure the cords aren’t in reach of kids and pets as they can chew on them and shock or cause a short.

In addition, don’t run your power cords across doorways or open spaces, as they can pose a tripping hazard. You can ask your electrical contractor for more tips on electrical cable safety.

Switch Over to LED Lights

While the traditional incandescent Christmas lights are nostalgic, they consume much energy compared to their LED counterparts.

Thus, getting an electrician in Conway, SC would be an excellent idea to help you make the switch this Christmas. LED lights will save you money and reduce the risk of possible overheating or, worse, fire.

Turn Off the Lights

Turning off your indoor and outdoor electrical decorations before going to bed or leaving the house is a good idea.

It will save power and prevent potential overheating. If your decorative device has a timer, the better.

Double Check to Confirm that Artificial Trees are Labeled Fire Retardant or Resistant

Never use light strings or electronic ornaments on artificial trees with metallic pine needles. This is because they can result in fires should they accidentally come into contact with exposed wires or damaged bulbs.

Still, on the same, it’s recommended that you place the Christmas tree at least three feet from any heat source. Be sure to seek advice from a professional electrical service provider if you need assistance.

Wrap Up the Holidays

Yes, Christmas isn’t forever! The decorations are usually temporary. So, make it a point to pack them away after the festivities for the safety of your family and property.

Also, make sure you inspect the cords and lights for any faults, and if there are, don’t hesitate to have them repaired by an electrical expert in Conway before storing them for the next Christmas.

Mister Sparky of Myrtle Beach: Experienced Electrical Experts to Contact

Christmas is a time to enjoy with family and friends. Thus, to ensure you’ve got a superb experience, observing the applicable electrical safety rules is crucial. At Mister Sparky of Myrtle Beach – Conway, SC, we value our customers, and we’re committed to ensuring you and your loved ones stay cozy and safe in your home.

We don’t complicate things. Our electricians are licensed, certified, and insured to take on electrical projects of all kinds ranging from outdoor lighting installations, general repairs, surge protection, electrical remodels, and many more. We also respond to emergency calls 24/7. Get in touch with us via call or complete the online form on our website.

Photo By Nadin Panina at Shutterstock