It might seem early in the year to think about holiday decorations, but Halloween is at the end of the month, which means it’s not long before Christmas and winter decor goes on sale. Some people also go all-out with their decorations for Halloween, so it’s never really too early to revisit holiday decorating safety. If you’re not sure whether or not you can safely power your entire display, you can always consult an electrician at Chamberlin Electric, serving Hudson and Salem, NH, and the surrounding area.
Avoid these three holiday decorating mistakes to ensure you and your family stay safe from Halloween to New Year’s.
Don’t Break Any Wires
Before plugging in any decorations, check all the wires to ensure none are broken or frayed. Using anything with broken wires can cause a short circuit or an electrical fire. Additionally, if you are attaching string lights to your home, you should only use clips, never staples or anything that could break the wire. Broken wires are dangerous on their own, but the risk is even higher outside, where they are exposed to rain and snow.
Only Turn Things on When You’re Home
No matter how careful you are about the condition of your holiday decorations, you should only turn them on when someone is home. An accident can happen at any time, and you can minimize damage to your home if you’re there to catch it. If you see sparks or smoke coming from an electrical device, unplug it right away or cut the power to the circuit if you can’t unplug it safely.
Don’t Overload Your Circuits
When setting up your holiday displays, be sure not to overload your circuits. Most home circuits are rated for 15 or 20 amps, but they can typically only handle 80% of their amperage (12 amps for a 15-amp circuit and 16 for 20). Spread your lights and decorations across multiple circuits so you don’t risk overloading them.
Chamberlin Electric | Electrician Serving Salem, NH
When you need an electrician in Salem, NH, or the surrounding town in southern NH and northern MA, our team is ready to help. Our licensed electricians at Chamberlin Electric can assist you with everything from household safety checks to rewiring your home.
