Many people celebrate the holidays by decking out their homes with beautiful lights and festive decorations. While this adds to the joy and excitement of the season, it can also come with electrical risks. Taking precautions, such as making the following electrical upgrades, is important. These improvements can help you enjoy the occasion with fewer worries about potential hazards.
Install Smart Timers and Lighting Controls
Smart timers and lighting controls are beneficial for safety and for cutting utility costs. Some outdoor holiday lights, when left on too long, can overheat and increase the risk of fires. Setting them on a schedule to turn on and off automatically reduces that risk while saving energy. It’s also much more convenient than having to remember to do it manually every day.
Upgrade Your Outdated Electrical Panel
Electrical panels usually last between 20 and 40 years. However, as they age, they may struggle to keep up with modern electrical demands. Older panels also become more prone to needing repairs. An updated panel is better equipped to handle the extra load from all your holiday decor. It also reduces the risk of tripped breakers or electrical fires.
When upgrading your electrical panel, you can choose between standard and smart panels. Both protect circuits and distribute electricity, but the smart panel has extra perks. For instance, you can monitor your electrical system remotely and know how much power it’s using at any given time. We can help you decide which would be ideal for your needs.
Install a Smart Sub-Panel
A smart sub-panel is an excellent option if your current electrical panel is fairly new. It’s an addition to your panel rather than a replacement. However, it provides the benefits of a smart electrical panel, such as allowing you to track heavy holiday loads remotely. Our team can assess your existing setup to determine if a sub-panel is the right fit for your home.
Install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) Outlets
GFCI outlets protect homeowners from electrical shocks caused by ground faults. When they detect a ground fault, they shut off the power automatically. These outlets are typically in areas with moisture, such as garages and kitchens. We also install them outdoors. GFCI outlets usually last between 10 and 15 years. However, their performance tends to degrade as they age.
If you don’t have GFCI outlets in moisture-prone areas, we strongly advise installing them before plugging in holiday decor. If your GFCI outlets are at least 10 years old, consider replacing them to ensure safety and optimal performance.
Add Covers to Outdoor Outlets
All outdoor outlets should have covers. They protect the outlets from rain, ice, and snow. They can also keep the plugs dry, which prevents damage to the cords and holiday decorations. Additionally, the covers reduce the risk of electrical shocks. We can install the covers for you in no time. Our team can also replace cracked or damaged covers to keep everything safe.
Install Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) Outlets
AFCI outlets protect against fires caused by electrical arcs. When they detect an arc, they quickly shut off the power to prevent fires. Damaged or old electrical wiring is a common cause of these dangerous arcs. AFCI outlets go in the most commonly used areas of homes, such as living rooms, bedrooms, and kitchens. They’re always the first outlet on the circuit. If you decorate these rooms with holiday decor, such as string lights, AFCI outlets provide an extra layer of fire safety. They usually have a lifespan of 15 to 25 years.
Replace Your Standard Outlets
Standard outlets usually last between 15 and 25 years. As they age, they can decrease in performance and safety. This can be particularly problematic if you’re using them for high-electricity holiday decor throughout the season. We can upgrade your old standard outlets to new, modern ones that offer better safety and reliability.
Install a Whole-Home Surge Protector
Whole-home surge protectors shield all your plugged-in holiday decor and electrical devices from damaging power surges. They’re especially useful if you live in an area with frequent power outages. These devices provide an extra layer of safety even if you already use outlet strips. We install the whole-home surge protector right in your main electrical panel.
Switch to LED Bulbs
LED bulbs use less energy and last longer than incandescent bulbs. They also stay cooler, which makes them less of a fire risk. Let us know if you have holiday decorations that are older or use specialty bulbs. We can assess the bulbs and electrical decor to see if they’re safe to use as is. If they’re not, we can recommend replacements or rewiring to ensure everything meets modern safety standards.
Replace Damaged Cords
Damaged cords on holiday decorations and other electrical items are a serious fire hazard. They can also cause electrical shocks. Cords can become damaged for various reasons, including age and accidentally running over them while vacuuming. If your holiday decor has damaged cords, rewiring may return them to a safe condition.
Check Your Extension Cords
Many homeowners run extension cords from their outdoor holiday decor to their porch or inside their home. However, not all extension cords are the same. Some are specifically for outdoor use, while others are for indoor use only. Outdoor extension cords are weather-resistant and can withstand snow, ice, sunlight, and rain. They’re also safe to use indoors. Indoor cords, on the other hand, can’t safely handle outdoor weather conditions. Using them outside creates major risks, such as fires and electrical shocks. Double-check that you’re using the correct cords in the right environment. If you’re not, it’s best to replace them.
Add Dedicated Circuits for High-Electricity Decorations
Some large holiday displays, motorized lights, and inflatables can easily overload circuits. This can lead to serious problems ranging from breaker trips to electrical fires. If you have open space on your electrical panel, we can create a setup ideal for your high-electricity holiday decor. This includes installing a dedicated circuit on your electrical panel and running new wiring to a newly installed outlet.
Change Your Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Old smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors may not work properly. Both options typically have a lifespan of up to 10 years. If you know (or suspect) that yours aren’t functioning, our team can replace them. This ensures they’re ready to protect you throughout the holiday season and beyond.
Can I Make the Electrical Upgrades Myself?
We strongly advise against making any DIY electrical upgrades. It can be extremely dangerous and even life-threatening. Mistakes can lead to fires, electrical shocks, or serious property damage. Leave the electrical work to the All Klear team. We have the experience, tools, and training to complete the upgrades safely, efficiently, and correctly.
Schedule Professional Service Now
Making important electrical upgrades now can help prevent serious electrical issues later. All Klear in Springfield, MO offers electrical installations, repairs, and replacements to help you stay safe. Call us today to book an appointment or request electrical service through our website.
