Electric decorations are an important part of making holidays more joyous and festive. However, you must prioritize safety when using decorations with electrical connections to avoid electrical risks, fires and other accidents. There are many types of electric decorations to choose from. Here are some tips to ensure you use them safely.
String Lights
String lights are a classic way to decorate houses, trees and other outdoor areas during the holidays. Nevertheless, you must check their condition before using them. You can do this by looking for damaged bulbs, worn-out wiring and other indications of damage. Any problems with the lights should prompt a complete string replacement since broken lights can cause major fire dangers.
Never use nails or staples on string lights; doing so might harm the wiring. Instead, use insulated hooks or clips. Also, be sure to check the labeling. Don’t ever use lights labeled for indoor use outside. Extreme weather conditions can damage the internal parts and possibly catch fire.
Overheating can also happen if you connect more strings than what the manufacturer suggests. To further decrease the likelihood of a fire, remember to disconnect the lights when they are not in use.
Light-Up Yard Displays
Light-up yard decorations are great for making your front yard seem like a winter wonderland. Always check their connections and wiring for damage before putting them up. Double-check that they have design specifications for outdoor use.
It’s important to keep light-up displays away from any combustible items, including dry leaves and wooden ornaments. Strong gusts can cause the displays to topple over, so be sure to secure them using ground stakes or heavy weights.
Never run an extension cable over water or snow to connect a light-up display; doing so might cause electrical shorts. Instead, use only heavy-duty cords approved for outdoor usage. To avoid always having to disconnect the displays, you may want to think about connecting them to timers.
Pre-Lit Christmas Trees
Pre-lit trees make it easier to decorate for different holidays and also save a lot of time. Still, they require extra care to use safely. First, inspect each light and replace any broken or burned-out ones. If you notice any frayed cables, you’ll need to replace them as well.
If you have young children or pets, you’ll need to secure the tree using a sturdy tree stand or some type of decorative anchor. This will prevent electrical hazards that can arise from the tree toppling over if it gets bumped into.
Keep the tree far from any heat sources, like fireplaces and heating vents. You don’t want it catching fire. You can use a surge protector to prevent electrical spikes from damaging the tree’s detachable lights. Remember to unplug these trees before going to bed at night. This minimizes potential problems and helps the bulbs last longer.
Electric Candles
Electric candles are one of the best ways to create a warm and inviting mood without the danger of fire that comes with using wax candles. You must always keep electric candles on level surfaces, far from anything that might catch fire. It’s smart to hide the electrical cord connected to the candle to prevent accidental tripping. Some clever ways to hide the cord include using a cord cover or taping it along baseboards. You can even hide it behind decorative items.
To keep the artificial flames shining brightly, check the bulbs regularly and replace them as necessary. Use the right kind of batteries to ensure you can use the candles even during power outages. Get flameless candles with timers so you can program them to go out at certain times.
Inflatable Decorations
Inflatable holiday decorations have a variety of electrical components, including fans and light strings. Their safe and proper functioning depends on a secure electrical connection at all times. If there are any holes in your inflatable, you’ll need to patch it using an inflatable repair kit. You must also be sure to inflate it using the proper voltage; this is key to avoiding blower damage and minimizing fire risks.
Inflatables can easily soar into the sky during windy weather. If the power cords get yanked out or damaged, this translates into a major shock risk. Even a slight gust of wind can lift the decoration off the ground, so you must secure it firmly using ground stakes or sandbags.
Remember to keep inflatables away from anything that might cause them to puncture, such as sharp or abrasive objects. Once the holidays are over, deflate them and put them in the right place to save them for next year.
Fiber Optic Decorations
Even though they are delicate, fiber optic decorations provide breathtaking displays of shapes and colors. It’s pertinent to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions when using them since all of them are different.
Be careful not to put fiber optic decorations near any water sources; water can ruin their complex lighting systems, including the fibers and electrical components. Check the wiring and connectors for indications of wear on a regular basis. Immediately disconnect the decorations and have an expert repair any broken parts if you find any problems.
Avoid overloading the circuit by not plugging too many fiber optic decorations into the same outlet. If necessary, use a dedicated circuit to guarantee safe operation. Always unplug these decorations at night when you’re sleeping.
Projector Lights
Many homeowners use projectors to display holiday-themed images or animations to create a festive Christmas ambiance. Some prefer to project autumn-themed visuals during Thanksgiving. For Easter, some homeowners use projectors to show pastel colors or Easter egg patterns on the exterior of their home.
Using a projector safely requires keeping it out of all walkways at all times. Keep in mind that some are specifically designed for outdoor or indoor use, so be sure to check the rating.
Connecting the projector to a surge protector is an excellent way to protect it against power surges. To get the effect you want, be sure to pay close attention to the projection angle and distance when running cords and cables. Turn off the projector when it’s not in use and don’t use outdoor models during bad weather.
What Are the Best Extension Cords to Use Outdoors?
Only purchase extension cords with an outdoor rating if you intend to use them in an outside setting. You can tell these cables are weatherproof since they usually have a “W” or “Water Resistant” emblem on them. Avoid overheating by using thicker-gauge, heavy-duty wires (12 or 14 gauge) with greater wattages.
If you want an extra layer of protection, think about getting cables with grounded three-prong connectors. Try to find cords with built-in circuit breakers. Make sure the cable is long enough for your requirements but not so long that it might pose a tripping hazard.
John Henry's Plumbing, Heating, Air, and Electrical can help you have a beautiful and festive home with holiday decorations with our electrical services. We specialize in all things related to home comfort, including HVAC repairs, plumbing installations, electrical work and more. We even provide duct cleaning, UV air sanitizers, EV charging stations, sewer excavation and septic plumbing. Call us now to schedule an electrical inspection for your home in Omaha, NE.
