Get Holiday Lights and Decor Ready Safely!
The holiday season is in full swing. It’s finally close enough to the holidays that the people who argue that decorating shouldn’t happen before a certain date have no excuses left. Why not celebrate with a holiday display? Here are a few tips from local electrical experts to ensure the holidays stay safe and merry.
Different Types of Holiday Lights
Holiday decorating technology has advanced greatly in recent decades. Older decorations were dominated by incandescent bulbs, which had several major flaws.
First, incandescent bulbs use a lot of energy, making them expensive to run during an already expensive season. Second, they generate a lot of heat, making them more hazardous. Third, incandescent lighting is more prone to damage because it requires glass.
Modern holiday lighting is being replaced with LED lights. LED lights are superior to incandescent lighting in every way. They use less energy, provide light with almost no heat, and can be made of plastic, making them able to withstand more abuse.
LED lighting is also more versatile than its incandescent counterpart, meaning decorations can be even more elaborate. Make the switch this year and take holiday decorating safety to another level.
Installing a Safe Holiday Display
Holiday displays and lighting shouldn’t be put up without a plan. It can be easy to get caught up in the excitement of the season and cut corners when decorating, but this can have serious consequences, ranging from damage to the decorations to property damage.
Always start decorating this season by carefully storing the decorations from the previous year. When poorly stored, wiring and insulation can become brittle, leading to potential problems next year. As decorations are being put up, carefully inspect them for broken bulbs, damaged insulation, and installation instructions.
Pay attention to the manufacturer’s recommendation when they state whether decorations are for indoors or outdoors only. Outdoor decorations must be double-insulated and able to withstand UV light, which can damage insulation on indoor wiring.
Don’t Forget Electrical Safety
The hazards of holiday decorating can be broken down into two categories: risks to the home and the electrical system. Risks to the home can include fire damage and electric shocks, while risks to the electrical system involve arcing and overloading.
Risks to the home are best managed by inspecting electrical decorations for damage before they are installed and ensuring decorations are appropriately designed for their locations. This may also include limiting the use of extension cords and making sure linked strands of lighting do not exceed the manufacturer’s limit.
Risks to the electrical system are easily managed by implementing the principles of safe electrical operation that should always be observed. During the holidays or any other time, for that matter, avoid overloading outlets with excess power strips or outlet extenders.
If displays draw too much power, try splitting the load between different circuits to prevent overloading and overheating. Finally, only plug outdoor decorations into tested GFCI outlets. By following these rules, homeowners can avoid the trouble that results from holiday displays.
About AllSource Electrical Technologies
AllSource Electrical Technologies helps with residential and commercial electrical repairs and installations. Their experienced crews can also handle generator installation and lighting upgrades. Call today for electrical service in Houston, TX.