11/27/2024
Whether youâre a âChristmas starts after Halloweenâ or âThanksgiving comes before Christmasâ kind of person, we wanted to share some tips to keep you and your family safe during the upcoming holidays:
1. Choosing the right extension cord
When choosing an extension cord, make sure itâs rated for the right job. Indoor extension cords are made to withstand the cold or wet weather that winter brings.
2. Keeping the extension cord dry
You shouldnât let your extension cord sit on the ground. Doing so can result in damage to your extension cord, electrocution, fires or even carbon monoxide poisoning. For a DIY solution, cut two small holes on either side of a plastic container. Run both extension cords through the holes so they meet in the middle of your plastic container and connect them. Just like that youâve made yourself a DIY junction box!
3. 3 Strands
A general rule of thumb to follow is keep it to stands when connecting lights. We know itâs tempting to connect your whole light show to that one extension cord, but it may not be the safest thing to do. If youâre using UL-labeled LED lights, the package will tell you how many strands you can safely string together.
4. Give it a break
Just like most of us during the holidays, your lights need a break too! Make sure to turn your lights off for a few hours each day. Youâll save yourself some money by doing this, which we all love. Many home improvement stores sell power strips with timers or even dusk-till-dawn sensors!
5. Choosing the right outlet
When plugging in outdoor lights make sure your outlet is rated for outdoor use. If youâre not sure, give us a call! We can help you determine if your outlet is safe for outdoor use and if it isnât, we can install one that is. It is also important to note that you should never run extension cords through doors or windows. Besides letting in a draft, the cord could become damaged leading to a nasty shock.
If youâre ever unsure about an electrical problem, donât hesitate to reach out! Even if itâs as simple as a quick question, we are always here to help. Happy holidays from our family to yours!
We are a veteran owned local construction company. We offer services in commercial and residential c