Electrical Safety Tips for the Holiday Season

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, around 1,300 holiday decorators per year suffer injuries severe enough to be admitted to the emergency room. You may want to win the HOA prize for best holiday lights, but it’s important to put safety first. At Mr. Electric of Atlanta, we provide residential and commercial electrical services in Atlanta, Suwanee, Sandy Springs, Stone Mountain, Roswell, Brookhaven and other surrounding metro area communities. Over the years, we’ve seen our fair share of electrical mishaps that can occur when people don’t plan ahead. Our team of certified electricians in Atlanta want to make sure you have a holiday season free from injury and electrical problems, which is why we’re compiling a short list of safety tips for you and your family to put into action this year. 

Thoroughly Inspect All Electric Decorations

Electrical wires, circuit boards and other components can become warped and weathered after spending a year or more in storage. Always inspect each decoration before you plug it into your electrical system. Look out for any bare wires or loose connections that could invite fires or electrocution. 

Avoid Connecting Too Many Strings of Lights

It may be tempting to keep one continuous string of lights on your roof, but that could spell electrical disaster. Instead, make sure you’re only connecting a maximum of three strands together at one time. If you try more than that you could easily blow a fuse or cause a fire. Electrical Safety Inspection in Atlanta

Don’t Overload Outlets

People often try some crazy techniques when it comes to decorating for the holidays. Avoid plugging too many devices into a single outlet. And keep in mind that using multiple power strips doesn’t mean you’re not putting a strain on your power supply. Make sure you assess which devices will require the most amount of energy, and plan accordingly. 

Unplug or Turn Off Decorations When Sleeping or Leaving Your Home

Many people plug their decorations in and then don’t unplug until after the new year. Unfortunately, this practice is not only draining to your wallet, but it can pose a safety hazard. Holiday lights look their best at night, but leaving them on after the family has gone to bed could be dangerous. Always turn off your decorations before bedtime, and unplug when leaving for vacations or weekend trips to see family and friends. 

Need Professional Help from Certified Atlanta Electricians? Call Mr. Electric Today 

The pre-holiday season is an excellent time to schedule your annual electrical inspection and energy audit. Our licensed and insured Atlanta electricians can help you pinpoint potential problem areas with your electrical system before they put your home at risk. You can also find some helpful advice for saving energy that’s customized to your unique lifestyle and needs. This will help you go into this year’s festivities with confidence. Call Mr. Electric today to find out more information about our wide range of commercial and residential electrical services or to schedule an appointment with a certified electrician in Atlanta, GA or a surrounding metro area neighborhood.