Holiday Electrical Safety Guide for Homeowners

The holidays are fast approaching, and you know what that means. Annual outdoor decoration contests will soon begin in neighborhoods that rival our favorite Christmas comedies. Many homeowners collect holiday decorations year-round, with multi-color lights, inflatables, and animatronics becoming very popular. In the next two months, decorators have three prime holidays for embellishing their lawns and homes. If you are all about decorating, have fun! But don’t forget these decorating Holiday Electrical Safety Do’s and Don’t tips to keep your holidays bright and safe.

Don’t overload circuits. Residential circuits are designed to handle about 1800 watts; loading a circuit beyond this risks tripping the breaker. Remember that your outdoor outlet is often a part of a circuit with indoor outlets as well; add the wattage for anything plugged in indoors as well. Add up the wattage for the decorations you plan to use and do not load past 1500 watts just to be sure.

Do consider adding a circuit. If you desire to use plenty of outdoor decorations, ask your electrician about adding another circuit (or circuits) to handle outdoor outlets.

Do shop for LED decorations. LED lights use a fraction of the energy of traditional lights with the same or better brightness. Make sure that all decorations are rated for outdoor use.

Don’t bury extension cords. Be creative when it comes to hiding wires and cords, but they should not be buried. The ground is holding moisture, even during dry spells; this moisture is keeping the grass and shrubs alive. Any flaw in the cord and every connection will expose the current to water, creating a short and potential shock hazard.

Do elevate connections. Lift cord joints and splitters to keep them above standing water during a rainstorm. A rock or board will raise the vulnerable connection out of danger. (Be creative! Take it as a challenge.)

Do use a timer. Decorations are fun as long as people see them, but unnecessary while everyone is sleeping. Matter of fact, they can be annoying while people are trying to sleep. Purchase an outdoor-rated timer to bring everything to life as dusk approaches and turn it off at a reasonable time overnight. This also reduces the wear and extends the useful life of decorations.

Don’t turn off some lights. The Federal Flag Code approves displaying the American flag 24 hours per day, but only if the flag is lit overnight. If you are patriotic and a creative decorator, make sure to keep the flag lit all night long.

Do You Have Holiday Electrical Safety Questions?

With our four decades of experience in Holiday Electrical Safety, AirPro Houston provides you with the knowledge to help with your Holiday Electrical Safety questions.

We have financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call our team of Electricians at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your Electrical Repairs, Home Electrical Safety, whole home generator installation, and electrical installation needs.