Expert Minnesota Electricians

Strings of twinkling lights are sure to make your holiday merry and bright!  But before you trim that tree or deck that hall, your expert Minnesota electricians at Horizon Electric would like to offer ten Christmas lighting safety tips to keep you shock-free and in the holiday spirit:

1. Make sure your lights are labeled by a recognized safety testing agency.
2. Ensure lights are suitable for their intended use (i.e. indoors, outdoors, etc.).
3. Replace burned-out bulbs promptly with the same wattage bulbs.
4. Inspect each string of lights, new and old, for broken sockets, frayed wires, or loose connections, and throw out damaged sets.
5. Use one single extension cord for no more than three standard-size sets of lights.
6. Remember to turn off lighting displays before going to bed. The lights could short out and start a fire.
7. Secure outdoor lights tightly to trees, house walls, or other firm supports to protect the lights from wind damage. Opt for insulated staples instead of nails or tacks.
8. Avoid placing temporary festive lighting around or above pools.
9. Outdoor electric lights and decorations should be plugged into circuits protected by ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). GFCIs can be installed permanently to household circuits by a qualified electrician.

Be safe this holiday season.  If you have any questions about lighting safety or need an expert electrician, please contact Horizon Electric Company, licensed professionals serving Minnesota for over 30 years!

For more tips this Winter, visit the US Consumer Product Safety Commission