Indoor and Outdoor Christmas Lights - What to Consider
Outdoor Christmas lights are the cherries on a cake when it comes to setting the scene for the festive season.
Twinkling lights in the snow on a clear, dark night can make your home look inviting and create a wonderful welcome for all your holiday guests and visitors.
It's easy to get wrapped up in the excitement of the season though, and, like many other homeowners, attempt to install Christmas lights and decorations without much thought to safety.
However, every year there are a significant number of fires in the home as a result of faulty lights or their inappropriate use.
So it's important to know what you're doing when putting your lights up, otherwise the holiday season could be one you remember for all the wrong reasons.
Following a few basic rules will help: There are two types of decorative lighting options: indoor and outdoor Christmas lights.
Rule number one is to always use the appropriate lights for a specific environment and never be tempted to take short cuts.
While you may think that the lights you've just purchased would look lovely hanging in your dining room, especially when the family are seated for Christmas dinner, don't use them if they're labeled "For external use only.
" Before putting your lights up, ensure that all leads are free from damage.
This is especially important if your lights are old and have been used many times over.
Replace any faulty bulbs with the same types of bulbs and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Keep lights out of the reach of young children, and always turn your Christmas tree lights off before going to bed.
Ensure all outdoor Christmas lights are weatherproof and use extra low voltage equipment, especially if hanging lights on fences and roofs.
If your lights are going to be installed close to any gutters, ensure that these are cleared of leaves.
Secure all lighting equipment to avoid damage in strong winds, and turn off your external lighting in stormy or rainy weather.
Keep electrical leads clear of walkways and driveways and avoid passing leads through windows and doors.
If you plan on having an elaborate lighting display whether it be using indoor or outdoor Christmas lights, or are responsible for arranging the festive lighting for a number of buildings, it's best to call in the professionals.
Not only will a professional electrical contractor install your complete lighting system for you, but he or she will also be able to advise you on what lighting display will work best given your current electrical wiring system.
A professional electrical contractor will also maintain your lighting display throughout the season, and dismantle it once the festivities are over.
All you need do then is sit back with the rest of the family and enjoy the view - with the peace of mind that the only disasters you'll have to contend with during the holidays will be the usual family kind!
Twinkling lights in the snow on a clear, dark night can make your home look inviting and create a wonderful welcome for all your holiday guests and visitors.
It's easy to get wrapped up in the excitement of the season though, and, like many other homeowners, attempt to install Christmas lights and decorations without much thought to safety.
However, every year there are a significant number of fires in the home as a result of faulty lights or their inappropriate use.
So it's important to know what you're doing when putting your lights up, otherwise the holiday season could be one you remember for all the wrong reasons.
Following a few basic rules will help: There are two types of decorative lighting options: indoor and outdoor Christmas lights.
Rule number one is to always use the appropriate lights for a specific environment and never be tempted to take short cuts.
While you may think that the lights you've just purchased would look lovely hanging in your dining room, especially when the family are seated for Christmas dinner, don't use them if they're labeled "For external use only.
" Before putting your lights up, ensure that all leads are free from damage.
This is especially important if your lights are old and have been used many times over.
Replace any faulty bulbs with the same types of bulbs and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Keep lights out of the reach of young children, and always turn your Christmas tree lights off before going to bed.
Ensure all outdoor Christmas lights are weatherproof and use extra low voltage equipment, especially if hanging lights on fences and roofs.
If your lights are going to be installed close to any gutters, ensure that these are cleared of leaves.
Secure all lighting equipment to avoid damage in strong winds, and turn off your external lighting in stormy or rainy weather.
Keep electrical leads clear of walkways and driveways and avoid passing leads through windows and doors.
If you plan on having an elaborate lighting display whether it be using indoor or outdoor Christmas lights, or are responsible for arranging the festive lighting for a number of buildings, it's best to call in the professionals.
Not only will a professional electrical contractor install your complete lighting system for you, but he or she will also be able to advise you on what lighting display will work best given your current electrical wiring system.
A professional electrical contractor will also maintain your lighting display throughout the season, and dismantle it once the festivities are over.
All you need do then is sit back with the rest of the family and enjoy the view - with the peace of mind that the only disasters you'll have to contend with during the holidays will be the usual family kind!