Preparing For The Holidays: A Homeowner’s Guide to Outlets

Nov 23, 2022 | Outlets

As the holidays approach, many of us start to think about ways to make our homes more festive. However, before you start stringing up lights and plugging in decorations, it's important to take a moment to consider the potential strain on your home's electrical system. Holiday decorating can put a lot of extra demand on your outlets, and if you're not careful, you could end up causing a blackout or blowing a fuse. To avoid any holiday disasters, it's best to be prepared. Don't overload any single outlet - spread the holiday cheer (and the electrical load) evenly around your home. Plus, now's a great time to prepare your home to support all of the electronics you'll receive this year. Here are some tips for homeowners this holiday season.

Many people enjoy decorating their homes for the holidays, and outlets are a great way to support new Christmas electronics indoors and holiday decorations outdoors. Indoor outlets provide a safe and convenient way to plug in electronic devices, holiday trees, and more. They also help to protect your home from electrical fires. When installing indoor outlets, it is important to follow all local codes and regulations. Outlets should be placed at least 12 inches away from any combustible materials, and all wiring should be properly insulated. Additionally, GFCI outlets should be used for any outlets that will be exposed to moisture. By taking some simple precautions, you can help keep your home safe and festive this holiday season.

Many people put up holiday lights without giving much thought to the electrical system. However, overloading indoor outlets and running extension cords to the outside can place a strain on the system and create a fire hazard. A better solution is to install outdoor outlets. This way, you can avoid overloading the system and still have plenty of light for your holiday display. Plus, outdoor outlets are easy to install and provide a safe way to power your holiday lights. So this year, take the time to do it right by installing outdoor outlets for your holiday lights. Your family, friends, and neighbors will be glad you did.

When it comes to outdoor holiday decorations, few things are more iconic than strings of lights. Whether they're wrapped around a tree or hanging from the eaves of a house, holiday lights add a touch of warmth and cheer to any setting. However, it's important to use caution when selecting and installing holiday lights. In particular, make sure that any lights you use are UL-listed. This designation indicates that the product has been tested by an independent laboratory and found to meet certain safety standards. Using non-UL-listed lights puts you at risk of electrical shocks and fires, so it's always best to play it safe. When in doubt, consult with a qualified electrician to ensure that your holiday lights are installed correctly and safely.

You may be wondering why there are different outlets needed inside and outside of your home. The primary difference between the two is that outdoor outlets are weatherproofed to protect against moisture and debris. Outdoor outlets also tend to be larger and more durable than indoor outlets, as they must be able to withstand the outdoor elements. In addition, outdoor outlets typically have ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), which are designed to shut off power in the event of a ground fault. GFCIs can help to prevent electrical shocks, as well as fires caused by electrical problems. While indoor outlets can be weatherproofed, it is generally not necessary unless the outlet will be exposed to excessive moisture or debris, like your kitchen or bathroom.