Holiday Season Safety

The Christmas season is an amazing time that brings joy, and happiness! But let's be honest, it also brings plenty of lights and electrical displays! From dazzling outdoor light displays to the array of new electronics plugged in indoors, your home's electrical system is working overtime. This week, we want to share some safety tips to ensure your home stays safe throughout the Holiday Season.

Understanding the Overload Risk

Every circuit in your home is designed to handle a specific amount of electrical current, measured in amperes (amps). When you plug too many high-wattage devices (like old light strands or space heaters) into a single outlet or circuit, you demand more current than it can safely deliver. This causes the wires to heat up, potentially melting insulation and starting a fire.

Tips for Holiday Outlets and Circuits

Here are our tips for safely powering everything this holiday season:

• Avoid "Daisy Chaining" Power Strips/Extension Cords: Never plug one extension cord into another, or a power strip into an extension cord. This practice, known as daisy chaining, drastically increases the risk of overload and is a major fire hazard.

• Inspect Your Light Strands and Cords: Before you hang anything, carefully inspect the entire length of your Christmas lights and extension cords. Look for:

  • Cracked or frayed insulation.

  • Broken or missing bulbs (which can expose electrical contacts).

  • Loose connections or wires.

  • Dispose of damaged items immediately. Taping them up is not a safe, permanent fix.

• Use the Right Extension Cord: Not all extension cords are the same!

  • Indoor use: Use cords marked "for indoor use." They are generally lighter duty.

  • Outdoor use: Use only cords specifically marked "for outdoor use." These are thicker, more durable, and resistant to moisture and temperature changes.

  • Check the Gauge: The lower the gauge number (e.g., 12-gauge), the thicker the wire and the more power it can handle. Use lower gauge (thicker) cords for long runs or high-wattage displays.

• Don't Run Cords Under Rugs or Through Doorways: Running cords under rugs can cause them to overheat since the heat cannot dissipate, and constant foot traffic can damage the insulation without you knowing it until it's too late.

• Monitor for Warning Signs: If an outlet or extension cord feels hot to the touch, or if you notice a faint burning smell or flickering lights, UNPLUG the items on that circuit immediately, and call a professional. These are clear signs of a failure or existing overload.

The Power of GFCIs and LEDs

• Prioritize GFCI Outlets for Outdoors: Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets are non-negotiable for any outdoor light displays. They are designed to trip the circuit immediately if they detect a moisture related short circuit or ground fault, preventing severe electric shock and fire.

• Embrace LED Technology: We mentioned it earlier, but it bears repeating: switching to LED Christmas lights is the single best step you can take for electrical safety and energy savings. You can safely connect more strands end to end than incandescents, significantly reducing the strain on your outlets and extension cords.

This Christmas, take a few extra minutes to double-check your connections. And have a happy holiday season!

JOKE TIME:

Why didn’t the turkey eat any food?……… Because he was already stuffed!

Happy Thanksgiving From Horizon Electric