So, are you going to win this year? Don’t act surprised. You know what we’re talking about. This is the year you’re determined to win the prize for the best (biggest) Christmas light display in the neighborhood. Okay, even if you’re not a Clark Griswold when it comes to home decorating, Dixie Electric, Plumbing & Air wants to make sure your Christmas light display is safe. There are several common-sense steps you should be taking to protect your home and the people who live there:
- When in doubt, turn them off:
- Your decorations should never be lighted when you are away from home or asleep. Timers are a good safety measure and an easy way to turn the lights off at the proper time. The best way to stay safe at night is to unplug all of your displays before going to bed.
- Protect little fingers:
- Don’t leave an empty socket in a string of lights. When a bulb burns out, leave it in the socket until you are able to buy or find a replacement.
- Don’t overload your circuits:
- Make sure your breaker panel is capable of handling the extra load. If you’re not sure, or if a breaker keeps tripping when you plug in your displays, call in one of our licensed electricians from our offices in Montgomery AL and Auburn, AL. We will check your electrical panel and we may be able to add a new circuit to handle the load.
- Outdoor displays:
- Use a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlet to plug in all outdoor lights. The outlet will automatically shut off when a current leak is detected. Cover outdoor plugs and connector joints with a water-resistant layer of plastic wrap and electrical tape.
- Sparkle yes, Sparks no:
- Never use electric decorations on artificial trees with metallic needles, leaves, or branches. Instead, place colored spotlights above or beside the tree, never attached to it.
Additionally, when you buy extension cords and light strings, make sure they have the safety tag from Underwriters Laboratories (UL listed) and use them only according to the instructions on the package. Make sure artificial trees are flame retardant. If you have a natural tree, make sure it is watered to prevent it from drying out and creating a fire danger.
Electricians serving the Montgomery & Auburn, AL Areas
Nearly every year during the holidays, we see or hear the tragic stories involving house fires. It’s not always the lights and decorations, but they are certainly one of the causes. Christmas is such a joyous time of the year, don’t take any chances of it being ruined by a tragic accident in your home.
Wherever and whenever you need an electrician in Auburn, or anywhere in Central Alabama, make your first call to Dixie Electric Plumbing & Air. Remember our motto, ”Call Dixie and it’s done.”
