Light it up, don't burn it down: 10 holiday decorating tips for electrical safety
NEW WESTMINSTER, BC, Dec. 4, 2017 /CNW/ - As the holiday season approaches, Technical Safety BC is reminding British Columbians to protect their families and their homes by keeping some electrical safety tips in mind.
- Ensure that your lights have Canadian safety approval certification. Check your holiday decorations for a Canadian Standards Association (CSA) label.
- Follow the manufacturer's directions for installing and using any electrical decorations.
- Consider switching to energy efficient LED lights – they produce less heat, which reduces the risk of fire.
- Use the right cord for the location - indoor and outdoor cords are different.
- Outdoor receptacles within 2.5 meters of grade require a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) receptacle.
- Never run cords under rugs where people will walk over them or through doorways or windows where they may become pinched – breakage of pinched wires can cause a fire.
- Never use staples or nails to attach cords to walls or roofs.
- Make sure cords can handle the amperage indicated on your electrical devices, and avoid multi-outlet adaptor connections which can overload your outlet.
- Outdoor lights left up year-round will likely need to be replaced.
- Keep lights out of the reach of small children.
For additional information about electrical safety, visit www.technicalsafetybc.ca.
About Technical Safety BC
Technical Safety BC, formerly BC Safety Authority, is an independent, self-funded organization mandated to oversee the safe installation and operation of technical systems and equipment. In addition to issuing permits, licences and certificates, it works with industry to reduce safety risks through assessment, education and outreach, enforcement, and research.
SOURCE Technical Safety BC
Media Relations, Technical Safety BC, 778 396 2164, [email protected]
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