Christmas is only a few weeks away, which means you might be in the process of stringing up lights and installing inflatables around your house. Some people like to challenge themselves to create bigger and better displays every year. However, when you are constantly upping the ante, you should make sure that your electrical wiring can handle it. The guide below offers advice for practicing holiday electrical safety.

Do:

Inspect all of your lights.

If you keep your Christmas boxes in the attic, there is a chance that pests could have chewed through the electrical wiring. The lights might also have worn down over the years. To avoid a fire hazard, pay attention to the strands as you are untangling them, looking for obvious fraying. Plug the lights into a nearby outlet to check their condition before wrapping them around the tree or hanging them from your gutters. 

If yours are old, also consider upgrading to LED bulbs that produce less heat. This lowers your fire risk and means your household will utilize less electricity.

Maintain open spaces and clear paths.

Leave breathing room around any light-up Christmas decorations. You especially don't want to keep anything flammable, like curtains or dried-out plants near hot lights, as they can spread fire easily. 

If you use extension cords, don't place them where they can be easily tripped over. Not only will this protect loved ones from a dangerous fall, but it will also prevent damage to the cord.

Don't:

Nail lights to your home.

You can damage the electrical wiring by nailing your lights to your shingles or gutters. In addition, this introduces a hole in your roofing materials that water can seep into. This can rust metal gutters or degrade asphalt, leading to the need for premature repairs or replacements. Instead, invest in hooks or clips that attach to your drainage channels. Typically, this is also an easier process than nailing.

Use indoor lights or extension cords outside.

Outdoor lights and extension cords are meant to be sturdy and more moisture-resistant than their indoor counterparts. Using the wrong kind could pose a fire hazard, which is especially dangerous since it will occur outside, where you are less likely to notice something wrong until it has escalated dramatically. Christmas lights meant for exterior use will have a red UL tag on them—or a silver one with red writing. Outdoor extension cords are labeled with a W on the packaging. 

You also shouldn't use too many extension cords since this can overwhelm your outdoor circuit. If you find yourself stringing too many together, talk to an electrician about adding another outdoor outlet.

If your home requires electrical repairs or updates, rely on Gutridge Electric Inc. in Newark, OH. This family-owned and -operated business has been around for over 35 years, and the team has over 100 years of combined experience. To learn more about their services, visit the website. Call (740) 349-7624 to schedule an appointment or request emergency assistance.