How do I safely use outdoor or holiday lights?
Follow these guidelines:
- If you must use an extension cord, make sure it is the right capacity for the tool or appliance with which it is used. Use grounded (three-prong) extension cords for outdoor tools and holiday lighting.
- Make sure tools, appliances and holiday lights are approved for outdoor use. Outdoor tools and appliances should have heavier wiring, special insulation and a three-prong, grounded plug.
- When hanging lights around your roofline or in trees, be sure to survey the area for overhead power lines and maintain at least a 10-foot distance.
- Keep all electrical connections off the ground and hang sockets downward to prevent water from seeping into them.
- Don’t run electrical cords through door or window openings where they can be damaged.
- For added protection, plug outdoor lights and decorations into circuits protected by ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs).
- Don’t overload electrical circuits or use more than three sets of standard lights on each extension cord.
- Unplug light sets before inserting new bulbs or changing fuses.
- Keep lights off carpet, furniture and drapes. Turn them off before you go to bed or leave home.
- Make sure household smoke detectors are working properly.