Tis' the Season-- Holiday lighting tips

It is that time of year again, time to get those holiday decorations out and decorate your home! However it is important to be safe as possible when putting up lights both inside and outside of your home. When you string up lights in an around your home, you're increasing your chances of an electrical malfunction. Make sure you follow these tips before and during lighting setup.

Your lights both exterior and interior require some careful inspection prior to hooking them up. One of the most common causes of fires around the holidays are faulty string lighting. In order to avoid any potential electrical fires, it's important to:

- Carefully inspect all light strands, cords and bulbs. This is one of the biggest causes of holiday fires. If your lights show any signs of fraying or tearing, it is essential to throw these lights away. Using these lights significantly increase your chances of a fire. If you attempt to repair these strands, you can face electrocution. It's best to invest in new lights at this point.

- Use the correct outlet. It's essential to use a grounded outlet when putting up lights for the holidays. Especially for outdoor lights. This greatly reduces the risk of shorts and shocks in the wiring. Don't gamble with the outlets you use - its better the be safe then sorry

- Turn off lights when not in use. We know lights look good, but it's best to leave them off when you're not at home. This will help you save on your electric bill and reduce the risk of fire. Lights that are left on too long can overheat and potentially cause a fire.

- Only use outdoor lights outdoors. It's important to use the lights only for their intended purpose. Check the tag on the strand for proper identification. Outdoor lights have a different rating and may not be suited for indoor use due to their voltage or the amount of heat they produce.

Happy Holidays!

Quality Electric Service 

www.qualityelectricservice.com

609.861.1409

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