Tips to Avoid Electrical Problems While Decorating for Halloween and the Holidays
Though Thanksgiving is the official start of the holiday season, Halloween is the unofficial start where outdoor lighting and decor start. Whether it’s string lighting or flashing lanterns, homeowners frequently use more electricity for decorations from now until the end of the year. To avoid electrical hazards while decorating, here are a few tips to help keep the neighborhood safe.
Use Safe Holiday Decorations
How decorations are used and the condition of the decorations matter significantly for safety. Checking the cords and wiring is essential before hanging or using electric holiday decor and lights. Frayed or damaged ones are considered a safety hazard and should not be used.
Homeowners should always avoid using staple guns and nails to hang holiday lights and electric decorations. These can cut into the cords and damage the wiring, creating a potential fire hazard. Draping lights along designated hooks is much more safe. Additionally, homeowners should be careful that outside holiday decorations and lights are meant for outdoor use since rain and the elements are a factor.
Decorate Safely for the Holidays
Decorating homes with lights and other electrical decor during Halloween and the holidays is a fun tradition, but it's important to remember the potential dangers of overloading outlets. Most overloaded circuits are caused by trying to draw too much power from a single outlet, which can lead to overheating and even fires.
The best way to avoid overloading outlets is by spreading out the power draw. This means plugging devices into different outlets and not relying on just one outlet or circuit to power all the holiday lights and decorations. If homeowners find that all the holiday decorations are causing an overload on a single outlet or circuit, it's time to relocate some of them. Spread the power draw by plugging in lights and decor into different outlets to reach other circuits. It may require some extra effort, but it's worth it for the home's safety.
Some Signs Electrical Repair May Be Necessary
In addition to checking the cords and wires and decorating for the holidays safely, homeowners should be aware of signs they need electrical service to keep their homes safe this Halloween and beyond. Electrical repairs are an essential aspect of maintaining a safe and functional home. It is crucial to pay attention to any signs that indicate potential electrical problems, as they can quickly escalate into dangerous situations if left unaddressed.
Some common signs electrical repair may be needed are if homeowners notice lights flickering or becoming dim, damaged, cracked, or charred outlets, breakers or fuses are constantly tripping or blowing, or a burning smell. A trained electrician can resolve the problem causing these symptoms and improve home safety so homeowners don’t have to be worried about an electrical scare this Halloween.
About Elite Electric, Plumbing & Air
Elite Electric, Plumbing & Air has more than 30 years of expertise serving Port St. Lucie and the surrounding areas. They provide upfront pricing, on-time arrival, and 24/7 emergency service. Call them today for electrical services in Port St. Lucie, FL.