Residential electrical contractors often focus on providing safe and reliable electrical service to their customers year-round. During the holiday season, however, electrical contractors may also help their customers improve electrical safety surrounding holiday lights and decorations to avoid fires.
For example, Conductive Electrical Contracting, a Wilmington, Del.-based company, created a post on its website featuring 10 electrical safety tips. The contractor advised its customers to inspect extension cords for signs of deterioration and bulbs, plugs, and sockets for any missing or broken parts. Also, the company mentioned the importance of not overloading electrical circuits, which it considers one of the number one causes of fires during the holidays.
Instead, the company stated that customers should only plug in one high-wattage appliance into each outlet, and if possible, use extension cords or power strips with circuit breakers installed to improve safety.
Also, to avoid blowing a fuse or tripping a breaker, clients should not connect more than three strings of incandescent lights together. In addition, homeowners should look to make sure the lights are inspected by an independent testing laboratory and purchased from a reputable retailer.
For those electrical contractors based in Canada, the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) created a one-page downloadable tip sheet about electrical safety during the holidays. For example, the ESA encourages the use of a special cover for an outdoor receptacle to protect it from the elements.
In addition, the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) also offers a safety resource sheet about holiday safety. With 30 percent of home fires occurring during the months of December, January and February, according to the National Fire Protection Association, the ESFI offers many resources to help homeowners to learn how to safely decorate during the holidays.
To get the word out about electrical safety and fire prevention, electrical contractors can share this free infographic with their clientele.
By focusing on awareness and education about electrical safety, electrical contractors can help to make the holiday season safe and enjoyable for their customers and their families.
Fischbach is a freelance writer based in Overland Park, Kan. She can be reached at [email protected].
