With the holiday season in full swing, neighborhoods are lighting up with beautiful decorations and festive displays. But as cheerful as these lights are, they can also bring electrical risks if not set up and maintained properly. At Bud Anderson Cooling, Heating, Plumbing & Electrical, we’re here to help you celebrate safely. With our expert tips, you can enjoy a worry-free holiday season—and with our guarantees, you can be confident in the quality and reliability of any work we do in your home.
1. Avoid Overloading Circuits and Breakers
Plugging in multiple light strands and decorations can easily overload circuits, leading to tripped breakers or even electrical fires. This is a common holiday hazard, especially with extensive displays.
- Tip: Use separate outlets for major decorations and avoid plugging too many cords into one outlet.
- Upgrade Option: If you’re frequently dealing with tripped breakers, it might be time to upgrade your panel. Bud Anderson offers panel inspections and upgrades to ensure your system can safely handle the season’s demands.
2. Use Outdoor-Rated Lights and Extension Cords
When decorating outside, be sure to use lights and cords rated for outdoor use. This minimizes risks from weather exposure, keeping your home safe from electrical hazards.
- Tip: Check for outdoor-use ratings on all lights and extension cords, and avoid running cords in walkways where they can be damaged.
- Safety Inspection: Not sure if your outdoor outlets are GFCI-protected? Bud Anderson can inspect and upgrade your outlets as needed to prevent electrical shocks in outdoor conditions. All of our work is backed by our satisfaction guarantees.
3. Inspect Lights and Decorations for Damage
Before setting up holiday decorations, inspect lights and cords for frayed wires, cracked bulbs, or damaged plugs. These issues can lead to electrical shorts or shocks if overlooked.
- Tip: Replace any damaged lights or decorations, and avoid attempting to repair them with tape or glue.
- Repair Services: If you notice flickering lights or repeated issues with your outlets, Bud Anderson’s licensed electricians can provide expert troubleshooting and repairs.
4. Take Extra Precautions with Ladders and Electrical Installations
Setting up holiday decorations often means using ladders and working near power sources. For safety, use a wooden or fiberglass ladder to reduce the risk of electrical shock, as metal ladders conduct electricity.
- Tip: Install decorations during daylight hours, and keep cords away from walkways and high-traffic areas to prevent tripping hazards.
- Electrical Safety Check: If you’re setting up a large display, schedule a safety inspection with Bud Anderson. Our team can ensure your setup is safe and up to code.
5. Use Timers and Smart Outlets for Light Management
Timers or smart outlets can help manage your holiday lighting, allowing you to schedule when lights turn on and off. This can prevent overheating and save energy.
- Tip: Set timers to automatically turn off lights during daylight hours or late at night to save energy and reduce overheating risks.
- Energy Efficiency Consultation: Bud Anderson offers energy-efficient solutions to keep your holiday lighting festive without increasing your energy bill.
6. Schedule a Holiday Electrical Safety Inspection
A pre-holiday electrical safety inspection is one of the best ways to keep your home safe. Our experienced electricians at Bud Anderson can identify any issues with wiring, panels, or outlets that may interfere with your holiday plans.
- Panel Upgrade Consideration: If your home’s panel is outdated, a panel upgrade can ensure safer power distribution for the holiday season and beyond. With our satisfaction guarantees, you can be confident in the safety and quality of every installation.
Wishing You a Safe and Festive Holiday Season!
At Bud Anderson, we’re here to help you enjoy a safe and joyful holiday season. Electrical safety is essential for a worry-free celebration, and we’re ready to provide the support you need. Call us at (479) 208-5221 to schedule an inspection or consultation, or request your appointment online! Backed by our guarantees, you can trust us to keep your home safe this holiday season and into the new year.
Request Service
"*" indicates required fields
