National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation takes house decorations to the next level. Clark Griswold certainly adheres to the “More is more” philosophy of décor. The number of power strips, extension cords, and extra circuit breakers is the stuff of Hollywood magic.
You can channel your inner Clark, but do it safely so that you don’t become, according to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, one of the 18,400 people who visit the ER due to Christmas decorations injuries.
TIP 1: START WITH A PLAN: Map out your design to avoid overloading circuits. Consider outlet locations, both indoor and out. Be mindful of fireplace and radiator locations when planning indoor décor. Make sure outdoor wiring doesn’t interfere with your garage door’s ability to open and close.
TIP 2: INSPECT YOUR LIGHTS: Check for frayed wires, broken bulbs, faulty plugs, and while you’re at it, damaged sockets. As enticing as the garage sale bargain lights may be, opt instead for new, high quality, UL-rated lights. And don’t forget to adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions.
TIP 3: USE THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT: Are your power strips properly rated for their intended use, both indoor and out? Same with your extension cords? Though you may be tempted to use an indoor cord for your yard display, only use outdoor extension cords for exterior displays. Are your outdoor outlets grounded fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets, which turn off automatically when there is a short circuit or current leakage?
TIP 4: AVOID OVERLOADING CIRCUITS: And speaking of extension cords, limit their use. Instead, opt for using multiple outlets. Further, don’t chain extension cords, and don’t use more than one extender per outlet. You’ll decrease your chances of circuit overload if you use LED lights, which reduce energy consumption and run cooler than incandescents.
TIP 5: SECURE YOUR LIGHTS SAFELY: When hanging lights on your house, use weather-resistant clips or hooks, not nails, tacks, or staples, which can damage wires and have potential issues in wet or icy weather. Inside, do not run wires under carpeting or rugs that can catch fire if overheated.
TIP 6: KEEP CONNECTIONS DRY: Outdoor outlets should be covered to keep them from being exposed to snow. Also, face the female end of the light strand downward to allow it to function as intended.
TIP 7: MIND LADDER SAFETY: Never climb a ladder unattended; have a helper hold the base to prevent the ladder from slipping out from under you. And never place a ladder on snowy, icy ground.
TIP 8: SET A TIMER: The National Fire Protection Association reports that Christmas lights are the cause of 770 house fires annually. Set a timer; don’t keep your lights on when you are not home (and save energy in the process!).
TIP 9: MONITOR FOR SIGNS OF TROUBLE: Don’t set them and forget them! Check your lights periodically to check for overheating and damage. Flickering bulbs or blown fuses are warnings of faulty lights.
TIP 10: WHEN IN DOUBT, CALL A PRO: If your outdoor installation is particularly complex or large in scale, consider hiring an electrician. Building Omaha’s network of trusted residential contractors can help. And if you find during your holiday foray that you enjoy electrical work, consider our apprenticeship program.
A safe holiday is a merry holiday. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Building Omaha!
Building Omaha is a partnership between the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW).
