Jackson EMC : NewsCenter : News Archive : 2007

Brighten Up Holiday Nights Safely

Be sure each string of lights carries the official Underwriter's Laboratories (UL) label.
Take time to inspect your lights before plugging them in. Check for cracks in cord insulation or socket. Look for places where the wires are bare or broken and throw away suspect or damaged strings.
Plug safe-looking strings into an electrical wall socket for 15 minutes and check for signs of melting or smoking wires.
Always unplug your lights before changing bulbs.
Replace burned out bulbs immediately. Always use replacement bulbs of the same voltage/wattage as the entire string.
Don't overload those wall sockets. Be aware of power drains from extra appliances and common circuits. Use different sockets around the house to plug in multiple lights to balance the load.
Don't connect more than the maximum number of strings.