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Lights can be beautiful if properly handled

Holiday lights are not only beautiful, but they add an ambiance which says Christmas. An ambiance that is hard to achieve in any other way.  But stringing lights across your roof and around your home can be a real safety hazard if you’re not careful. So before you create massive amounts of mood lighting take a few minutes to think about safety.

Carefully checks for cracked cords. Shorts in electrical lights and dry needles on a tree can be dangerous.   Modern lights have fused plugs, preventing sparks in case of a short circuit. Get rid of old strands of lights that don’t have fuses.

Outside lights often get water or debris in them, so make sure these lights are plugged into a ground fault circuit interrupter outlet to reduce the risk of shorts and shocks.

Extension cords occasionally overheat. If they are hot to the touch unplug them.

If you have any questions about Christmas lights or any other electrical concern in your home, contact Amp Electric (503) 896-3171 or (360) 910-5805.

AmpElectric for and electrician in Portland, OR area or Vancouver, WA.