We depend on electricity for almost all of our daily life chores, but we also depend heavily upon it around the holidays to fuel our festive home decor. Often, we take electricity for granted and forget about the risks and hazards that can occur if it’s not used carefully. The following tips help you use energy efficiently and safely this holiday season.
- Cords. Inspect wires, cables and cords thoroughly to make sure that they are free from frays, cracks, damaged insulation and other signs of wear and tear. In case of any damage, get the cords replaced by a professional. Do not attempt to repair them yourself. When unplugging decorations at the end of the day, do not pull the plug from the outlet by its cord; instead pull the plug by its plastic housing. Never staple or nail cords to your walls or run it underneath rugs or carpets. Do not run any cords through corners, doors, over beams or any place where they can be easily damaged. Minimize the use of extension cords as much as possible when you’re decorating this holiday season, as prolonged use can cause overheating or start a fire.
- Outlets. Inspect outlets for damages, exposed wires and gaps on a periodic basis. Seal any unused electrical outlets with safety caps. Connecting outlets with too many plugs can heat up the outlet. Instead, have multiple outlets installed by a professional. This is safer than using extension cords and power strips. Keep your outlets safe by replacing the old two-pronged outlets with the newer three-pronged grounded outlets. These can be used with most electrical appliances. Installing a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GCFI) outlet offers protection against electrocution. Install outlets in kitchens and bathrooms at a height that keeps it away from water.
- Circuit Breakers/Fuses. If you notice burnt-out circuit breakers or fuses, replace them with another of the same amperage. Installing a higher amperage fuse can cause a fire. Make sure that all appliances connected on that circuit are turned off or unplugged before replacing the fuse. Also remember that your hands and the floor you are standing on must be completely dry. Check your circuit box regularly for rust formation. Rust forms when there is moisture. It can corrode the connections and lead to overheating and fire. Never replace a burned-out fuse with foreign items like coins, metal pieces, wires or pins even for a short time as it can start a fire.
- Appliances. You’re bound to do a lot of cooking over the holiday season. Make a habit of unplugging small electronic appliances like irons, toasters, and coffee grinders when they are not in use. Never touch electrical appliances with wet hands or while standing bare-footed on a non-carpeted concrete floor. Clean and maintain your appliances regularly to prevent the build-up or dust, dirt, crumbs, debris or spilled food. Do not poke your toaster with a fork, knife or any sharp object when it is switched on as it can lead to an electric shock. Make sure that all of your kitchen appliances are7 placed in such a way that there is enough space for heat dissipation.
- Holiday Decor. Use lights and decorations that are labeled for outdoor use. Using indoor lights outside can cause fire hazards and electric shocks. Check all the lighting and decorations, both new and old, for damages, frays and broken insulation. While decorating, place the lights away from materials that can catch fire easily. There is no need to keep the lights on for 24 hours a day. Switch the lights off during the day, turning them on after the sun sets to save money on your electrical bill. If you need to replace a bulb in a string of lights, make sure that the wattage rating of the replacement bulb is equal to that of the light strand. Never use a light strand that has empty sockets as it can cause an electric shock.
Stay merry, bright, and safe this holiday with these electrical safety tips, brought to you by the professionals at Westway Electric Supply, an online electrical supply retailer.