Fall Electrical Safety: Things to Consider Ahead of the Holiday Lights

Have you put some thought to where the lights will be this year? Is there any concern about putting too much on an outlet once the decorations are in place? You might want to see if the cords from last year are up to the task.

We at Ambition Electric make it our business to put homeowners and companies in Southeast Nebraska in good order for the holidays. In over two decades as a locally owned firm we have been of service to the people of Lincoln, Martell, Crete, Seward, Beatrice, York and the communities around them. Put in a call to (402) 665-4650 and let a professional have a look at your system before things get busy.

There is no better time than fall to nip small issues in the bud. The wiring in your home has to take more of a toll with the cooler temperatures, the long nights and the urge to decorate. A bit of forethought will keep you from a tripped breaker or a tree left in the dark, or worse.

The Case for an Electrical Check in the Fall

Your electrical system is put to work harder in the run up to the holidays than at most times of the year. Between the light strings and inflatables and the extra appliances for a get together, the load increases. All too often one finds out there is a problem when it puts a damper on the festivities.

By tending to matters in the fall you can have repairs done with no deadline hanging over you and do so in mild weather instead of lugging a ladder in the snow.

A Look at Your Cords and Lights

Make an inspection of each extension cord and set of lights before they are plugged in. Damaged or old cordage is the usual source of trouble come the holidays.

When you are going through your stock of decorations, check for:

• Insulation that is brittle, frayed or has a crack
• Prongs on a plug that are bent or gone
• A bulb or two that is scorched, broken or not tight
• An indoor rated cord being put to outdoor use
• Indoor lights being hung outside
• A cord that is warm after you have been using it

Should you find any of these, put in a new strand. It is a few dollars well spent to forestall the possibility of a fire.

Outlets and Circuits Have Their Limits

One can be tempted to plug a strand into another and so on. Yet every circuit will only take so much; go beyond that and you risk overheating the wiring or a breaker will trip.

Distribute the load over several circuits and do not daisy chain an excessive number of light strings, but stick to what the manufacturer says is safe. If the breakers are tripping with some regularity after the lights are up, it is time for a professional to have a word with you.

Weathering Outdoor Connections

Rain and freezing conditions are part and parcel of a fall or winter in Southeast Nebraska. Your outdoor connections must be shielded from it.

For your outdoor lighting, observe the following:

• Only put out lights and cords made for it
• Make sure GFCI protection is in place at the outlet
• Do not let standing water come in contact with a connection
• Hang with exterior clips, not nails or staples
• Put away anything not weather rated

You want a GFCI to cut power at the first sign of trouble, especially where electricity and moisture are in proximity.

Smoke Detectors and the Panel

Consider the fall a prompt to put in new batteries and test your smoke detectors. With all the cooking and candles and lights of the season, having them in working order is paramount.

An older home or a panel that is not coping may require an inspection. Our electricians will examine your wiring and panel to put your mind at ease if you are seeing flickering lights or outlets running warm.

Let the Pros at Ambition Electric Handle It

There is no need to wonder if your home is prepared. We are licensed and insured and back our work with a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. Our certified electricians give free estimates and will not deviate from the quoted price. We also extend a discount to law enforcement and military.

Our office is open 8:00am to 6:00pm Monday to Friday and for emergencies we are on call 24/7. For a holiday season that is as bright as it is safe, call us at (402) 665-4650.