'Tis the season to use lights with safety

Published: Friday, November 30, 2007 at 3:30 a.m.
Last Modified: Thursday, November 29, 2007 at 11:00 p.m.

It's the time of year that Christmas lights, either fresh from the store or dusted off from the holiday bin, get wound around trees, mantles and roofs in preparation for the big night.

Tim Whisenant, who owns and operates Tim's Electric in Russellville, spoke with TimesDaily Staff Writer Michelle Eubanks about the importance of safety with these decorative holiday additions.

Q: What are some of the things you need to know before hanging your outdoor lights for the season?

A: You need to make sure everything you plug into the outside is GFI protected. (GFI is an acronym for ground fault interrupters. They are standard on most newer homes and can be identified by the test and reset button on the outlet. They are designed to trip a circuit and prevent electrocution if a ground wire is tripped.) Also, you need to check the wires and make sure none of them are cut. If there are cuts, get rid of that strand and get new ones.

Q: What would you suggest for ensuring homeowner safety with multiple strands of lights?

A: I would use a surge protector.

Q: What about those who like a real tree at Christmas? Are there special instructions or precautions they should take?

A: I would make sure the lights get turned off at night. You won't be able to see them during the day, so just keep them on a couple of hours at night before going to bed, and then, when you go to bed, turn them off. Definitely keep the tree watered because, as it dries out, it can become a fire hazard.

Q: What are some other factors to consider when dealing with lights?

A: Look for the UL Label. It's the Underwriters' Laboratory, and they've done all the research and testing to ensure that homeowners are safe when they use lights. Watch the bulb wattage, and try not to overload the circuit. If you do, you could trip the switch. Breakers will usually trip before anything happens.

The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission also offers these safety tips when using lights:

Fasten outdoor lights securely to trees, house, walls or other firm support to protect from wind damage.

Use no more than three standard-sized sets of lights per single extension cord.

Never use electric lights on a metallic tree.

Keep "bubbling" lights away from children. These lights, with their bright colors and bubbling movement, can tempt curious children to break the candle-shaped glass, which can cut, and attempt to drink the liquid, which contains a hazardous chemical.

The tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights, and any person touching a branch could be electrocuted. To avoid this danger, use colored spotlights above or beside a tree, never fastened to it.

Never burn candles near evergreens. Burning evergreens in the fireplace can also be hazardous. When dry, greens burn like tinder. Flames can flare out of control and send sparks flying into a room or up the chimney to ignite creosote deposits.

Use only noncombustible or flame-resistant materials as part of the trimmings for your tree, and avoid decorations that are sharp or breakable, especially in homes with small children.