 | James Seward is the owner & operator of Seward Electric in Pittsburg. For more information or to reach James please call 620-232-1696. |
Construction
2011-11-18 13:18:08
Holiday lighting safety
Q: Are holiday lights as safe as we think? What precautions should I take with them?
A: Used properly, holiday lights are very safe. However, many people become careless and use them improperly. Here are the most important things to consider as you use and prepare to store your lighting displays.
• Indoors or outside, use only lights that have been tested for safety. Identify these by the label from an independent testing laboratory and the UL label.
• Check each set of lights, new and old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, and loose connections. Discard damaged sets or repair them before using.
• Fasten outdoor lights securely to trees, house, walls or other firm support to protect from wind damage, such as rubbing against a sharp edge and causing a short.
• Use no more than three standard-size sets of lights per single extension cord. For outdoor use, use only outdoor extension cords.
• Turn off all lights on trees and other decorations when you go to bed or leave the house. Limit the time they are on as much as possible.
• Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. The tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights, and can cause electrocution. To avoid this danger, use colored spotlights above or beside a tree, never fastened onto it.
• Keep “bubbling” lights away from children. These lights with their bright colors and bubbling movement can tempt curious children to break candle-shaped glass, which can cut, and attempt to drink liquid, which contains a hazardous chemical.
Once you are ready to take them down, take the time to store them properly. This will aid in their safe usage next year. Wrap the lights around an empty wrapping paper tube or cardboard square. If you wrap the lights around a piece of cardboard, cut a slit in one side of the square. Thread the end of a set of lights through the slit. Wrap the lights around the cardboard, threading the other end back through the slit. You may also consider storage bags and units made especially for holiday lighting.
