Neighbor News
Electric Circuits for Your Holiday Lights: 3 Reasons You Might Need an Update
Entering the neighborhood Halloween or Christmas décor contest? Check if you need new circuits first. Root Electric: (703) 494-3989
Halloween decorations are already going up, and some homeowners are coming up with crazy and spooky haunted yard decorations that move and light up at the most frightening time. Only a few weeks later, people will start putting up the Christmas light displays. Do you have enough circuits to handle this extra load on your electrical system, though?
1. Understand Your Home’s Circuitry
You need to know what your outlets can safely handle. Most homes can handle between 15-20 amps, but for safety reasons, you really don’t want to go over 16. Have your residential electrician check what your wiring can handle, because if you try to run 16 amps through a wire designed for no more than 15, electrical fires could start. If your holiday décor causes breaker overheating, sparks, flickering or short circuits, you may need some updates.
2. Dedicated Wiring for Holiday Lights?
For holiday lights, you need to have an idea of what your home can handle. Your home appliances may already be close to drawing the limit and you don’t want to go over that. For example: if you plug a 1000-watt into a 120-volt outlet, you’re drawing just a bit under 10 amps. If your home can only handle 15, you’re already getting close to the limit. Dedicated circuits for holiday lighting displays will improve safety.
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3. Go for LED Lights
You can also save electricity by using LED holiday lights. A string of 50 incandescent mini lights takes about 20 watts, whereas a string of 70 LEDs takes about 5 watts—more lights, less power.
Regardless of the light show you’re planning over the coming holidays, be sure to have us give your electrical systems a safety inspection. Contact Root Electric today: (703) 494-3989.
