mandag den 20. december 2010

Safety Considerations with Christmas Lights

By Donna Hansen


Christmas lights are best enjoyed during the holidays. But because there are many dangers associated with Christmas lights, each household should follow some necessary guidelines that will make them enjoy the season more while at the same time making the most out of the familys Christmas decorations.

The first and perhaps most basic thing to remember is to turn Christmas lights off when they are not in use or when no one is at home. Fire is most often caused by the overheating of the light bulbs and this is one thing you should prevent. Have a fire extinguisher always ready and have a smoke detector installed. Each household member should be familiar with all the exits of the house.

If there are bulbs in your Christmas lights that have burnt out, better change them right away. If these light bulbs will be used continuously, electricity flow will not be erratic which might cause a short circuit. Do not merely remove the cover of a burnt out light bulb because children can stick their fingers into it and might get an electric shock. When you replace a light bulb make sure that the new one has the same wattage and size.

The same rules also apply when decorating your outdoors with Christmas lights. The same is true when using Christmas lights on Christmas trees. Do not put electric lights on trees that are made out of metal. If you plan to put one on trees, make sure that these trees are set in water in order to keep them from drying out. This is because Christmas lights dry the trees out faster. However, when doing this, remember not to let the lights come in contact with the water to prevent an electric shock. Always anchor these trees properly and efficiently so that they will not be easily knocked down.

With regard to extension cords, the longer ones are better to use than the shorter ones. This is to avoid connecting many small cords all at the same time. In connection with this, make sure that the Christmas lights cords are kept away from moisture, metals and hot places like furnaces, fireplaces and heaters. It is also advisable that they be kept away from pathways and walkways where people pass a lot. Instead, attach them to a wall. One important thing you should remember is that you should never force a plug that has three prongs in an outlet that only has two holes.

It is also dangerous to run Christmas lights from indoors to the outdoors. This is because the Christmas lights connection from indoor to outdoor requires a lot of extension cords. When this happens, the wear and tear happens faster especially if the cord is placed under the carpets, near some furniture pieces, or near places where there is heavy traffic. Similar to installing Christmas lights indoors, have an electrician provide an installation for the outdoors.

On a last note, it is not advisable to touch Christmas lights that are lit. For outdoor lighting, do not also let the bulbs touch anything that burns easily such as dry leaves. Turn any of the bulbs upside down so they point away from branches and to the ground. This kind of setting helps keep the bulbs lighted filaments from heating any leaf or branch while at the same time preventing moisture from getting into its sockets.

Be wary of dangers and secure your lighted displays securely. Double check everything thoroughly in order for you and your family to have a happy and fire-free Christmas.




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