The holiday season in Minneapolis brings joy, warmth, and a dazzling array of lights that transform our homes into festive wonderlands. As you deck the halls and illuminate your space, it’s crucial to prioritize electrical safety to ensure a season filled with cheer and devoid of hazards. In this blog post, Norske Electric presents a comprehensive guide to keep your holidays bright and safe in Minneapolis.

  1. Inspect Your Decorations: Before adorning your home with lights and decorations, carefully inspect each item for frayed wires, damaged plugs, or any signs of wear and tear. Discard any damaged decorations to prevent electrical issues.
  2. Use Outdoor-Rated Lights Outdoors: If you plan to decorate the exterior of your home, ensure that all lights and extension cords are labeled for outdoor use. Outdoor-rated lights are designed to withstand the elements, reducing the risk of electrical malfunctions and potential hazards.
  3. Mindful Outdoor Outlets: Before plugging in your outdoor decorations, ensure that your outdoor outlets are equipped with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs). These devices protect against electrical shock and are crucial for safe outdoor electrical use.
  4. Respect Outlet Capacity: Avoid overloading outlets by using power strips and extension cords sparingly. Be mindful of the wattage each outlet can handle to prevent overheating and potential fire hazards.
  5. Turn Off Decorations When Unattended: Make it a habit to turn off all holiday lights and decorations when leaving your home or going to bed. This not only conserves energy but also minimizes the risk of electrical issues in your absence.
  6. Choose LED Lights: Consider using LED lights for your holiday decorations. They are energy-efficient, generate less heat, and are safer to touch compared to traditional incandescent lights. LED lights also last longer, making them a sustainable choice for the holiday season.
  7. Secure Cords Safely: Keep cords and wires securely fastened to prevent tripping hazards. Use insulated clips or hooks specifically designed for securing electrical cords. Avoid running cords under rugs or heavy furniture where they can become damaged.
  8. Properly Store Decorations: When the holiday season comes to an end, store decorations properly in a cool, dry place. Avoid crumpling or bending cords, and use storage containers to protect lights and ornaments from dust and potential damage.
  9. Consult Professional Electricians: If you experience electrical issues or require additional outlets for your holiday decorations, consult with the expert electricians at Norske Electric. Professional advice ensures that your electrical system can handle the increased load during the festive season.

With these electrical safety tips from Norske Electric, you can illuminate your home in Minneapolis with confidence, knowing that your holiday season will be both festive and secure. Prioritize safety to make lasting memories with your loved ones, and may your holidays be merry, bright, and hazard-free.