How to Avoid Overloading Your Home Electrical System During the Holidays

We've all seen houses aglow with so many holiday lights – inside and out – that we can't help but wonder, “Aren't those people worried about having a burnout?”

That's a good and timely question. More than 5,000 fires break out in homes every year, with nearly half of them occurring during the holidays, according to the Consumer Protection Safety Commission.

The good news is, since most homes feature at least 100 amp service – with 200 amp service being the “new norm” for two-story homes – there is little chance that you will overload your electrical system with holiday lights, even if you go overboard.

The real danger at this time of year lies in overloading outlets, using lights that are frayed, worn or otherwise defective and being careless with extension cords – so easy to do in the hustle and bustle of holiday decorating.

Let Experts In Your Home put your mind at ease while also encouraging you to read two previous articles on holiday safety: “How to decorate your home safely with Christmas lights” and “Make electrical safety a priority this holiday season.” In no time, you shouldn't have to worry about an electrical system overload.

Heed the warning signs of an electrical system overload

While your home's electrical system might be a bit of a mystery of you, it pulls no punches in alerting you to a potentially dangerous situation. You might have overloaded your electrical system if:

• Your circuit breakers trip frequently
• Your lights flicker or dim and then surge with intensity
• Your extension cords or outlets feel warm to the touch or show signs of discoloration or scorching
• You hear buzzing, humming or sizzling sounds from lights or outlets

Call the licensed Chico electricians at Experts In Your Home immediately if you notice any of these warning signs. They signify the need for an immediate electrical repair.

Sidestep electrical system overload risks

Reduce these risks by avoiding an electrical system overload in the first place. Be sure to:

• Replace your incandescent lights with energy-efficient LED lights
• String no more than three sets of lights together
• Plug no more than three sets of lights into one extension cord
• Try to plug as many lights as possible directly into an outlet or, as a second choice, into a power strip
• Plug only one power strip into each outlet
• Never try to circumvent the rule above by “piggybacking” power strips, or plugging one power strip into another
• Spread out your holiday decorations among multiple outlets so that you avoid plugging most or all of them into one outlet. Forcing so much electricity through one outlet can cause it to overload.

Don't trip over extension cord safety

Extension cords are usually in high demand over the holidays, but be sure to use them sensibly by:

• Checking that they are certified by one of the three top consumer product testing laboratories in North America: Underwriters Laboratory (UL), Electrical Testing Laboratories (ETL) or the Canadian Standards Association (CSA)
• Discarding extension cords that contain loose or bare wires or faulty connections
• Ensuring that you use extension cords only for their intended purpose, which should be clearly designated: indoor lights for indoor use and outdoor lights for outdoor lighting
• Keeping cords free of “pinch factors,” such as doors, windows or heavy furniture and never stapling or nailing extension cords in place

As you look around your home, you might well find yourself wishing that you had more outlets to safely accommodate all of your electrical needs. Rather than risk an overload, call Experts In Your Home for an electrical system consultation.

Adding a few extra outlets makes a thoughtful holiday gift, too, that Experts In Your Home electricians have “wrapped up” for more than a few customers over the years. It's one of those gifts that “keeps on giving” all year long – so that you never have to worry about an electrical system overload.

For more, download our FREE electrical safety tips guide below: