Tips to Avoid Overloading Circuits This Christmas
The holiday season can be a special time. It’s always nice to see decorations, and perhaps you want to join in on the fun. When you’re decorating for Christmas, it’s easy to get carried away. However, this can lead to overloaded circuits, which can be a safety hazard.
An overloaded circuit could get too hot, and this could lead to a damaged outlet, increased risk of shock, and potentially an electrical fire. Here are some things you can do to prevent your circuits from being overloaded this holiday season.
Pay Attention to Circuits
Multiple circuits are often connected to the same breaker. A concern can arise when a particular circuit is relied upon too much. For example, if you have a few inflatables along with several strings of holiday lights all plugged into the same circuit, there could be issues. In this case, one of the better outcomes would be that the breaker would trip. Breakers are designed to shut down outlets when the demand for electricity is too high. The worst possible scenario is that sparks could fly. If anything flammable is near those sparks, a fire could grow.
To keep yourself safe, take some time to figure out which outlets go to the same circuit. Try to spread out the demand for electricity between a few circuits, especially if you have decorations that require a lot of power to operate.
Consider Adding More Circuits
If many of your frequently used outlets are connected to the same breaker, it may be time to upgrade your system. A professional electrician can assess the situation at your place and figure out a plan that spreads out the load appropriately. This way, you can have additional safe options for plugging in your items.
Replace Old Lights With LEDs
Traditional incandescent bulbs were popular in the past. They certainly served their purpose, but the industry is moving on from them. This is primarily because they use a lot of energy. They generate light by getting very hot, and this process requires a significant amount of energy.
In contrast, LEDs don’t have to get hot in order to be illuminated, and as a result, they use a much smaller amount of energy when they light up. The impact of making the switch to LEDs can add up over time. You may be able to save quite a bit of money during the holidays, and at the same time, you’ll be reducing the risk of overloading your circuits.
Safety Is a Priority
When you’re getting ready for the holidays, remember to be safe. Using LEDs, not plugging in too many items into one breaker, and having your electrical system updated can all be smart moves. Call Sublime Electric if you need assistance with electrical panel upgrades or repair, lighting upgrades, or other electrical services in Boise, ID or the surrounding area.
