Get Ready For the Holidays! – Part 2
In our last blog, we started sharing tips on how to get ready for the holidays. It might feel a little early, but as we all know, time flies. Before long, snow will be on the ground and the new year will be here. We also mentioned the importance of upgrading or repairing your electrical system or panel before the holiday rush. Don’t let decorating season sneak up on you just because your electrical system needs a little maintenance. Let’s review best practices for holiday electrical safety.
Electrical Best Practices for the Holidays
Check Your Decorations
Before you start draping twinkle lights around trees, banisters, windows, and everything in between, check the cords to make sure they aren’t frayed or damaged. Be sure to check the other electrical parts of your decorations as well — light bulbs, plugs, wiring. Check for burnt or melted plastic. If there is any damage, discontinue use.
Check Your Extension Cords
You should also check all your extension cords before use. Make sure that they aren’t frayed or damaged. Extension cords are usually inexpensive to replace, so if they are damaged or finicky, throw them out and buy new ones.
Test Your Outlets
Test the outlets inside and outside your house. To test:
- plug an item into the outlet,
- press the button labeled TEST
- If you hear a snap and the power is cut to the item plugged in, then your outlet’s GFI is working.
- To have the outlet work again, press RESET.
Additional Holiday Electrical Tips
Install More Outlets
There are plenty of additional solutions to making sure that you have proper safety this holiday season. Though extension cords can be effective, they really are only meant for temporary use. If you tend to put up a lot of decorations, consider installing more outlets inside or outside your home. This will not only help you to make sure that you are not overloading an extension cord, but also be sure that your home is equipped to handle the electrical load of your holiday decorations.
Replace Your Smoke Detector Batteries
Replacing smoke detector batteries is another means for holiday safety. If for some reason you do have an electrical issue or the cat knocks over a candle, having fresh batteries in a working smoke detector can help you know that if you have a fire, that you and your family will be safe and that you will be able to put it out before too much damage occurs.
Check Your Outdoor Lighting
Check your outdoor lighting to make sure that it is functioning well and that you have fresh working bulbs in your lights. Checking to make sure your lights are working will help you have the security and safety that you need when it is dark outside and to know that the electrical system that powers your lights is working properly.
We hope that you have a wonderful holiday season, be sure to follow our blog for more holiday safety tips and other related topics!
Need an Electrician in Colorado Springs?
Is your Colorado Springs home ready for the holidays? Think you may need an electrical panel upgrade? Need more outlets to take your holiday light display to the next level? Call Front Range Electric! We are local electricians that handle everything from small repairs to full rewiring projects. Visit our services page to learn more about how we can help you have a safe and happy home all year round.