1. Check Live
Holiday Decorations For Freshness
The simple method for testing live decorations is to bend the
needles or leaves. If they snap, they may not be fresh or could
be brittle, they should bend rubbery and bounce back. And be
sure to water daily to keep freshness.
2. Ground Fault
Circuit Interrupters.
All out door receptacles are required to be on ground fault
circuit interrupters, same with kitchen counter top receptacles
and bathroom receptacles. The GFCI’s have a TEST and RESET
button on them. You should use the test button regularly to test
your GFCI. It is recommended that GFCI be tested once a month.
3. Arc-Fault
Circuit Interrupters
Homes built after 2004 should have arc-fault circuit
interrupters installed as new construction. Test all AFCI’s
before you install holiday decorations. If the breaker trips
when you plug in a decoration, that decoration could have a
fault and should be checked by a licensed electrician or
discarded. If you do not have AFCI protection in your home, it
is recommended that you have a licensed electrician install them
for you. They are the best defense to shorts and fires you could
have, and check with your insurance company, they may reduce
your rates making installation of AFCI’s beneficial.
4. Extension
cords.
Extension cords are designed for temporary use. Do not use an
extension cord for permanent wiring. Have a licensed electrician
install the proper receptacle in the areas you have extension
cords. Of course during the holiday season’s extension cords are
needed. Be sure to inspect the cords for nicks, cuts. If the
extension cord does have cuts or nicks DO NOT USE THEM!
Extension cords are cheaper than a new house. Do not over load
extension cords. All extension cords have a tag with the rating
of how much load they can carry.
5. Wall
Receptacles.
If you have any unused wall receptacles it is recommended that
childproof caps be installed if you have children. If your cord
does not fit snuggly in the receptacle or the cord just falls
out because it is loose have the receptacle replaced. Make sure
all wall receptacles have cover plate over them. Replaced any
that are cracked or broken.
Do you have adapters plugged into you receptacles? Adapters are
designed for temporary use, if you need to use one permanently
than you should have a licensed electrician install extra
receptacles were you need adapters.
6. Exterior
Receptacle covers.
If you install exterior decorations you should use what is known
as “In Use” covers. This protects you and your decorations from
the weather when they are plugged in.
7. Light
Switches.
Make sure all wall switches have cover plate over them. Replaced
any that are cracked or broken.
If you experience any of these problems you
should call a licensed electrician to have them checked out.
8. Baseboard
Heaters & Radiant Heaters
If you have baseboard heaters or any type of radiant heaters, in
your home, be sure to keep decorations, clothing and curtains at
least 6” away from baseboard heaters.
9. Smoke
Detectors.
Replace the batteries in your smoke detectors and either vacuum
or blow clean of trapped dust once a year.
We recommend doing this when you are hanging your holiday
decorations.
10.
Decorations.
Check all decorations for defects and cuts. Follow all
manufacturer instruction on the package for installation. We
recommend using insulated staples to help preventing damaging
the insulation. And remember to remove all exterior decorations
after the holidays; most are not made to be exposed to the
weather for long periods of time.
11. Emergency
Escape Plans
You should have a home emergency plan for escape in the event of
a fire. Fire extinguishers should be check for charge and kept
handy. Have drills with your family so everyone understands were
to go after the leave the home.
We of the Virginia Chapter Association of
Electrical Inspectors
would like to wish you and your family a
SAFE and HAPPY HOLIDAYS.
