3 Tips for Holiday Lights and Electrical Safety
For many homeowners, getting into the holiday spirit means dressing up their homes with all manner of decorations, including thousands of twinkle lights. Holiday lights add a beautiful splash of color to your home and landscape, but just like any other electrical device, they can be hazardous if used improperly. Luckily, our technicians here at Guidry's Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, Inc know everything there is to know about staying safe this holiday season in Raceland, and they’re here to share some tips with you.
1. Pay Attention to Indoor and Outdoor Lights
Some holiday lights can be used both indoors and outdoors, but certain lights can only be used safely indoors. Pay attention to the labels to make sure you get the right lights for your needs. Putting indoor-only lights outdoors will, at the very least, cause the lights to burn out the first time it rains or snows; at the very worst, they could become hazardous. Be sure you’re hanging outdoor approved lights in your yard.
2. Look for the UL Safety Label
Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is an independent group that reviews products for safety. If a product gets its stamp of approval, it goes right on the label. In fact, you’ve probably seen their label on products without even realizing it! Holiday lights that are certified by UL are safer than lights that haven’t been reviewed and approved by a third-party safety group.
3. Use GFCI Outlets for Outdoor Lights
Ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets are designed to be safe even when the outlet itself gets wet, like in the event of rain or snow. The GFCI outlet prevents hazards like electrical shocks or fires that could otherwise result from wet electrical outlets. To keep your home and your family safe this holiday season, be sure only to plug lights into GFCI outlets. If you don’t have any GFCI outlets outside, our technicians can install them for you.
Stay Safe With Raceland’s Electrical Experts
With these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy both the beauty and safety of your holiday light displays. If you’re concerned about your home’s electrical systems this holiday season, Guidry's Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, Inc is here to help. We’re a well-versed team of technicians offering cooling, heating, indoor air quality and electrical services.
Call us today in Raceland to schedule service and to learn how we can help you with all your home comfort needs.
