Each year, holiday lighting contributes to injuries caused by electrical shock, falls and fires. Consider the following to avoid injury as you illuminate for the holidays.
* When buying outdoor Christmas lights, look for labels marked with UL or ETL. This means the product has been tested by an independent laboratory recognized by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Outdoor lights with these labels satisfy the minimum standards for product safety.
* When choosing outdoor lights, be sure the packaging states that it is designated for outdoor use. Outdoor lighting is weatherproof and designed for harsh winter conditions. Do not purchase used Christmas lights or lighting not in the original package.
* Consider purchasing lights with miniature, low-heat producing bulbs. These lights require less amperage and are less likely to overload electrical outlets.
* Purchase appropriately sized timers to turn lights on and off. Lights should be turned off when people are not at home and should not be left on overnight.
* Electrical outlets for exterior lighting should accommodate three-prong grounded plugs and should be on an electrical circuit protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter. Portable outdoor GFCIs can be purchased at hardware stores if this circuit protection is not available.
* If extension cords are needed for outdoor lights, use outdoor cords with three-prong plugs. Never use an indoor cord or a cord without the third prong. Plug the cord into a grounded outlet and use the shortest cord length that works for your project. Keep outdoor electrical connections above the ground and out of the snow and water. If extension cords cross walkways, tape them down.
* Check the manufacturer's guidelines to determine the number of light strings that may be safely plugged together. If it’s not listed on the package, do not connect more than three light strings. A maze of extension cords, plugs and wires that all come from the same electrical outlet can be hazardous.
* One of the greatest dangers when installing lighting involves ladders. Use a sturdy ladder that is the proper height, and be sure it is securely positioned. To avoid falls, move the ladder as necessary rather than leaning on it from side to side.
* When installing outdoor lights, use screw-in hooks or other fasteners that will not damage the insulation on the lighting strings. Nails and staple guns can easily cut or damage insulation and conductors.
* Refer to the manufacturer's guidelines to determine the recommended spacing for supports and the maximum span allowed for the light string. Christmas lights are generally designed to span distances of only a few feet and should be supported at intervals every few feet. When possible, point the lamp sockets down to avoid moisture buildup. Do not operate light strings with missing bulbs.
* Remove outdoor lighting at the end of the holiday season. Christmas lights are not designed to withstand prolonged exposure to sun and weather.
By: Richard Beard - Nov. 25, 2008