The winter season is almost here, and this means it’s about time to hang up your holiday lights on your property.
The winter season is almost here, and this means it’s about time to hang up your holiday lights on your property. The holiday season is the coziest time of the year, filled with delicious food and drinks, but it also comes with a lot less appetizing seasonal work like shoveling snow, shopping, and hanging lights. Read on for a handful of safety risks and tips to consider before you hang up your holiday lights this year!
Inspect Your Wires and Lights
Before you take time to hang up your Christmas lights, inspect every strand for dead light bulbs and frayed wires. Exposed wires pose an increased risk for possible electrocution and fire, so strands with any exposed wires have to be thrown out. To avoid causing frayed wires, use some plastic clips instead of staples to help secure your Christmas lights.
Protect Your Electrical Outlets from the Elements
To avoid any fire and electrocution, make sure all of the outdoor decorations and timers are plugged into GFCI outlets, which are made to cut off power if they come in contact with any water. Weatherproof outlet covers are an affordable solution to help protect your outlets and prevent them from being exposed to possible snow or water.
Avoid Tripping Breakers
Be mindful of just how many strands of lights are connected from one outlet since it causes your breaker to trip. The amount of strands you can connect depends greatly on incandescent and LED lights. LED lights are a bit more pricey upfront but use a lot less energy and are more cost-effective in the long term. If you’re using a single brand and type of light, the package will usually tell you just how many sets you can safely string together. If you’re using different kinds of lights and decorations, give us a call to learn how to safely and effectively set them up.
Set Timers on All of Your Lights
Timers let you get the most out of your effort after you’ve spent valuable time hanging your lights. You can simply set your time and forget it, which will eliminate the hassle of flipping a switch and add some more magic once they flip on with the sunset. Timers can also eliminate wasted energy and money so your lights do not run all night.
For ALL of Your Residential or Commercial Electrical Needs, Call TriStar Electric!
No matter the job, big or small, the professionals at TriStar Electric will be happy to discuss your project and answer any questions or concerns you may have. We offer free in-home consultations, plus an after-hours and emergency phone line for advice or service!
If you have any questions about our electrical repairs or upgrades, please contact TriStar Electric, Maryland’s’ premier residential and commercial electrician, by calling 410-799-5791 or 301-384-8880. Or, you can fill out the contact form on our website.
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