Tag: halloween

Avoid Electrical Scares This Halloween 

Tips to Catch and Avoid Electrical Hazards 

The most recent information from the U.S. Fire Administration reports that there were more than 24,000 electrical fires in a single calendar year. These incidents claimed the lives of 295 people, causing millions of dollars in property damage costs. When considering these statistics, one thing remains clear: homeowners should do everything possible to mitigate the possibility of electrical fires. 

This Halloween, instead of letting an electrical problem turn into a nightmare, homeowners should keep the following tips in mind.

Be Mindful of Electrical Holiday Decorations

It’s easy to get carried away with holiday decor. Yet, homeowners should be careful of what they plug in and how. For instance, they should: 

  • Check for fraying wires. If a homeowner can see an exposed electrical wire behind a decoration’s cord, they should be cautious and disregard the item. If they can’t stand to part with it, maybe they can hang it up but not plug it in. 
  • Check the voltage on holiday lights. Holiday lights typically have a low voltage, meaning they don’t require a lot of power to stay on. However (and as explained later), if too many lights are plugged in at once, this could increase the risk of electrical power. 
  • Monitor the outlets. If an outlet has things plugged in, but it gets too hot, this could mean that the circuit is overloaded. Homeowners should unplug something to avoid the risk of a fire. 

Avoid Overloading Electrical Outlets 

overloaded outletsA homeowner may unintentionally overload electrical outlets during holiday lighting installation. During this process, they can avoid overloading an outlet by: 

  • Unplugging something when they smell something burning 
  • Monitoring the outlets for any scorch marks 
  • Limiting the overuse of extension cords 
  • Using outdoor extension cords when necessary 
  • Using LED lights (these pose a lower risk of burning and causing fires) 
  • Regularly replacing lights 
  • Following the manufacturer’s instructions 

Homeowners should also turn off holiday lights when they’re not in use. They should also avoid running cords under carpets or rugs. The heat can transfer from the wires to the material, elevating the risk of fire and property damage. 

Signs That Call for Electrical Repair Services 

signs of electrical troubleDuring holiday light installation, homeowners may come face-to-face with things that require an electrician’s attention. One should consult a professional if they: 

  • Smell burning from the outlet. This could mean the circuit is overloaded and a component needs replacing. 
  • Notice higher-than-average electric bills. Everyone should have a basic idea of how much their electric bills cost from month to month. If one notices a higher-than-average bill, this could point to wasted energy or another problem within the electrical system. 
  • Flickering lights. This could signal an issue with a fuse or a part of the house that needs rewiring. 
  • Dim lights. This could mean there isn’t enough power going from the electrical grid to the device, indicating a problem. 

About Altas Home Service 

Altas Home Service is known around Alexandria, LA, as “the phenomenal purple people.” Why? Because this family-owned company has come to garner countless five-star reviews, offering licensed and insured work with a smile. Call today for electrical services!

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Halloween Decorations Can Cause Serious Electrical Issues

Common Halloween Decorations Create Electrical Overloads

Halloween decorations are not as taxing on the electrical systems as some other holidays, such as Christmas, but they come close behind. These types of decorations are so dangerous because they are designed to be outside, all hooked into one or two outdoor outlets that are not designed to hold that much at one time. 

Overloading outlets creates a volatile situation with electrical fires that can get out of hand very quickly. Overloading is not the only way that this can occur, either. The Halloween decorations are often hooked to the power through damaged cords without any surge protectors installed. 

Inspect That Classic Halloween Decor

halloweenBefore putting any of the Halloween yard decorations out, inspect the wires and connectors for any damage. Look for frayed wires, broken plugs, exposed wires, or any other damage that may indicate a problem.

The most common Halloween decorations that can be seen throughout the nation are Halloween inflatables. The cool lighted decorations use electric-powered motors to inflate and stay inflated as long as they are hooked up to the electrical outlets. 

These can draw a substantial amount of power, and since they are outdoors in the rain and snow, they create a problem waiting to happen. Thankfully, there are a few ways to prevent issues and still have inflatables in the front yard. 

Check the Connections

Using numerous extension cords is one of the biggest causes of blown fuses. Any faulty wires within the circuit will burn out before kicking the breakers off, which will cause a house fire that could destroy everything. When using extension cords outside, ensure they are designed to be outdoors, and never use more than one in line at a time.

Anywhere that there is a connection between electrical cords must be covered to prevent fluid from entering into either plug. Use a container to cover them, waterproof tape or anything else that is lying around that can cover the ends.

One of the best ways to prevent electrical issues is to think about safety first. If something does not look safe, it probably isn’t. Never use any frayed or damaged wiring, even if it is the best inflatable in town. The family’s safety should always come before the Halloween scene in the yard.

Protect The Circuit Breaker

outletEach circuit in the house is rated for a specific amount of outgoing electricity. Never plug in more than the circuit can hold. In the least, this will prevent the circuits from tripping off. However, if those fun decorations have to go out, a surge protector is a must.  

Use surge protectors in all the areas where outdoor Halloween decorations are plugged in. The ones designed for outdoor lights with timers and surge protection built in are one of the best investments a homeowner can make. They connect all the inflatables into one outdoor-rated surge protector that can be set to turn on and off according to the schedule wanted.

Making a plan before creating the outdoor Halloween scene is a good idea because it can map out where everything will be plugged in, giving a chance to gather all the necessary items to make the design safe.

About Atlas Home Service

The professionals at Atlas Home Service in Alexandria, Louisiana lead the charge in the area for creating a company that puts the needs of the customer first. Their main objectives are to offer fast, on-time service for all electrical, heating, and air conditioning problems. Contact them today for reliable electrical service in time for the Halloween season. 

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