If the department stores are to be believed, the holiday season started about a month ago—which means if your house isn’t already fully decorated, you’re way behind! This year, make sure your holiday lights are safe by following these tips:
Know the Wattage of Your Holiday Lighting
Before you buy or install new lights, make sure you know both how many watts the decorations require and how many watts are available in your home (if you’re not sure, ask an electrician at Kolb Electric!). Remember—the lower the wattage, the less electricity your lights will consume and the less they will cost to operate.
Install a Dedicated Circuit for Your Holiday Lighting
Since holiday lights draw so much power, you probably don’t want to plug them into a circuit that you’re using for other appliances—the circuit is likely to blow. Instead, call a DC electrician to install a dedicated circuit for your decorations.
Use a Timer for Your Dedicated Circuit
In addition to installing a dedicated circuit for your holiday lighting, you may also want to install a timer for your lights. A timer will shut off your lights automatically, adding security and making sure everything is off in the middle of the night.
Use Caution With Extension Cords
Extension cords are susceptible to water damage, so if you plan to use any outside, make sure they are covered so they can’t get wet. Never connect more than three strings of lights either—if you need more length, use a different plug.
Be Safe
Above all, make sure you take ordinary precautions with your holiday lights. This includes:
- Keeping children and pets away from cords
- Using LED lights, which produce far less heat than incandescent and have a far lower fire risk
- Not overloading your circuits by installing too many lights (we’re looking at you, Clark Griswald)
At Kolb Electric, we want to wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season. And if you need electrical service in Washington, DC, Maryland, or Virginia, call Kolb Electric today!
