Decorating your home for the holidays is a time-honored tradition that many in the DMV area take part in each year. However, it’s important to be as safe as possible when putting up lights both inside and outside your home! When you string up lights in and around your home, you’re increasing your chances of an electrical malfunction. Make sure you follow these tips before and during your lighting setup!
If you have any questions, contact the electrical experts at Kolb Electric today!
Holiday Lighting Safety Tips
Your lights—both interior and exterior—require some careful inspection prior to hooking them up. One of the most common causes of fires around the holidays are faulty string lightings. In order to avoid any potential electrical fires, it’s important to:
- Carefully inspect all light strands, cords, and bulbs. This is one of the biggest causes of holiday fires. If your lights show any signs of fraying or tearing, or have any signs of burn marks, it’s essential to throw these lights away. Using these lights significantly increase your chances of a fire. If you attempt to repair these strands, you can face electrocution. It’s best to invest in new lights at this point.
- Use the correct outlet. It’s essential to use a grounded outlet when putting up lights for the holidays—especially for outdoor lights. This greatly reduces the risk of shorts and shocks in the wiring. Don’t gamble with the outlets you use—it’s better to be safe than sorry!
- Turn off lights when not in use. We know lights look good, but it’s best to leave them off when you’re not at home. This will help you save on your electric bill and reduce the risk of a fire. Lights that are left on too long can overheat and potentially cause a fire. Always pick safety over style!
- Only use outdoor lights outdoors. It’s important to use lights only for their intended purpose! Check the tag on the strand for proper identification. Outdoor lights have a different rating and may not be suited for indoor use due to their voltage or the amount of heat they produce.
Contact Kolb Electric for Electricians in Maryland, Washington, DC, and Virginia
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