Indoor Christmas Lights Safety

It’s that time of year again when people are putting up Christmas lights both indoors and outdoors. The lights may not look that powerful, but when you add them up, you may be putting undue stress on the electrical system in your home.  Fire departments and power companies are constantly warning homeowners about the dangers of overloading electrical outlets.  Here are some tips to keep in mind when putting up your Christmas lights this year:

• Avoid overloading, use a power bar, with several outlets and a circuit breaker.
• When using extension cords, make sure that the current rating (in amps or “A”) of the appliance that you are plugging in doesn’t exceed the extension cord’s rating. If the product’s current rating is higher than the extension cord’s, the cord could overheat.
• Don’t bunch mini Christmas lights together – the excessive heat could melt the insulation and expose live wires. Metal tree ornaments could also pose a shock hazard if they make contact with frayed wiring.
• Check all cords and plugs for fraying, cracks, or loose connections. When in doubt, replace old cords.
• Never run cords under carpets or across doorways, where they can overheat or become worn.

Here at Light Knights Lighting, we are all about safety!  You can count on us to adhere to strict safety guidelines when installing your outdoor lights.