The holiday season is quickly approaching us and many people are beginning to prepare to put up exterior as well as interior lights and decorations. Before you begin setting up this year’s holiday décor, it is important to check the home electrical system to help prevent a holiday disaster. Burley Electrical Services will share how you can inspect and prepare your home’s electrical system before you begin decorating for the holidays.

Holiday Electrical & Lighting Inspection

During the holidays, many homeowners will take out the power strips and start plugging their decorations into every outlet inside and outside the home, lighting the night with beautiful lights and holiday décor. As a result of the holiday spirit, a home’s electrical system is heavily stressed and a number of home fires often result during the holidays. To help prevent a holiday disaster, it is important to do a basic inspection of your home’s electrical system to ensure your home’s safety.

Inspect Electrical Outlets & Covers

When inspecting your home electrical system, start by inspecting each of the outlets inside as well as outside of the home. When inspecting outlets look for burn marks on the face-plate, and make sure the outlets are not loose or have any visual damage. When in use, make sure the outlets don’t feel hot when you touch the outer face-plates. If the outlets have any of these warning signs, it is recommended to have them replaced by a professional electrician.

How Often Should Extension Cords Be Inspected?

If you will be using extension cords for an elaborate lighting and decoration display inside or outside of the home, make sure to inspect them. Look for any tears in the protective covering of the extension cord. Never use an extension cord that has any part of the wires exposed as they can pose a serious fire hazard. Next, inspect the both the plug and socket ends of the extension cord. Make sure nothing is stuck inside the sockets and that the plug ends are not damaged or eroded. Again, avoid using an extension cord that has questionable plug or socket ends. Additionally, when using extension cords outdoors, have the plug ends protected and out of reach of or exposed to water.

Check Holiday Lights

Before you begin stringing up the holiday lights, you will want to inspect each strand similar to the extension cord inspection. Look at the entire line of cord for any damage or exposed wiring. Next look for broken light bulbs. If found, replace them before plugging in the lights. Again check the sockets and plug end of each light and make sure there are no abnormalities.

Professional Electrical Safety Inspection

If you have a home with a number of electrical problems or even small ones, it is recommended to have the electrical system inspected. A professional electrical inspector can test the circuits and the breakers to ensure the system is not overloaded. After an inspection the electrician can repair any abnormalities to ensure the home’s safety.

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There are a number of residential fires that occur each year due to holiday lights and decorations. Make sure you check your home’s electrical system or have it inspected by a licensed electrician. For residential and commercial electrical services, contact Burley Electrical Services today.