'Tis the season to hang lights!
A few tips to make the job easier and safer...
Before installing your lights, plug them in to ensure they
work.
Never use nails or tacks to secure lights.
Plug lights in to a GFCI outlet (protects from over current),
with a cover.
Use a timer for your lights; make sure they are off before
you go to bed, or if you are away from home overnight.
If you are using extension chords, make sure they are rated
for outdoor use. Make sure your Christmas lights are also rated for exterior
use.
Tape chords down that cross any walkways.
Know your electrical load. Amps x volts = Maximum
wattage.
Find the amps by checking the outlet’s corresponding
breaker (in the breaker box). Multiply the number of amps by 120 (most homes
have 120 volts that run through an outlet). The result is the maximum wattage a
circuit can handle. A 15-amp circuit can handle lights totaling 1,800 watts,
and a 20-amp circuit can handle 2,400 watts.
25-bulb strands can be daisy chained (usually up to 3
strands). Never daisy-chain strands with 100 lights.
When bulbs burn out, you need to replace them, otherwise
more current is driven to the other bulbs, which will ultimately shorten their
lives, and potentially overpower them.
Lights that use C7 and C9 bulbs are coned-shaped, slightly
larger, and if a bulb fails it only effects itself.
LED’s light strands will save energy and won’t overheat. You
can also daisy-chain more of them together.
For every 1 foot of tree height, you need 100 lights. String
lights in the center of the tree so it looks like it is lit from within.
Always follow manufacturers guidelines in regard to safety
instructions.
To store lights, find a stiff piece of cardboard, then cut a
slit every inch all the way down on both sides. Start wrapping at one end and
go from end to end, sticking light strings in each slot as you wrap the lights.
Another trick is to wrap them around an old ball- wrap 5 times in one
direction, turn the ball 90 degrees and repeat.
If you are looking for some Christmas light hanging
inspiration, look no further…
To schedule a professional home inspection, or for maintenance issues, please contact us at-
w 805-284-9437* Same day reports* AHIT Certified* Insured* Santa Barbara based home inspector
