The holidays are just around the corner, and some residents in Memphis can’t wait to start decorating. Outdoor decorations can make our neighborhoods so much more festive, and many people in Tennessee are planning on putting up major displays. If you’re someone who loves this idea, be sure to check to see whether your electrical system can handle everything.
Potential Dangers
When you have all kinds of lights and decorations being plugged into your outlets, there are a few things that could go wrong. First of all, you might be running too much electricity through certain circuits. If this happens, the circuit breaker will trip and shut off to prevent itself from overheating.
Another reason why the breaker could trip is because of an electrical short. This could occur if the wiring on your lights is old or damaged. This would lead to electricity traveling on a path that wasn’t intended for that purpose. This situation could also lead to increased fire risk, smoke, sparks, or an increased risk of electrical shock.
When your lights are outside, they’re susceptible to moisture. Hopefully, the wiring has the proper protection so that rain, ice, or snow doesn’t become an issue. If your lights are old or you’re using something that wasn’t intended for outdoor use, there could be a problem. The lights could stop working, and there could be a risk of shock.
What Can Be Done
Using common sense can be the smartest move you can make. Be sure to only use lights and displays intended for outdoor use, and inspect your wiring to see if it’s in good condition.
You can also have a professional electrician come and help you out. At Rush Electric, we often go to residential properties around Memphis to get electrical systems ready for heavy workloads. A primary job would be to check if the breaker system is up to date, and we could potentially add a circuit that’s designed exclusively for your outdoor outlets. This could be a really strategic decision that ensures that even if there is a problem with your circuit being tripped, your interior appliances and lights would be protected. Further, we can upgrade your outdoor outlets, if necessary, by installing GFCI outlets in areas that are vulnerable to water, as well as installing weatherproof covers. If you’d like more outlets installed at your Memphis home, we can certainly do that, too.
Get Ready for the Holidays
So many things are special about the holiday season, and when homes in Memphis are lit up, it can add to the joy. Let our team at Rush Electric make sure that your electrical system is capable of handling all the outdoor holiday decorations that you have planned. Call us for an appointment.
