Electrical Tips : Holiday Lighting Safety

With the arrival of the holiday season many people are decorating their homes inside and out with electrical lights and accessories to celebrate the season. As with any electrical lighting or accessories, it's important to ensure that they are installed correctly to avoid electrical shock and fires. The following are a few tips to avoid some of the most common electrical hazards during the holidays.

Don't string too many lights together. Check light strings to see how many strings can be safely connected end to end. As a rule of thumb, don't string together more than three midgets (push-in bulbs); strings with screw-in bulbs (C7s and C9s) should have a maximum of 50 bulbs total.
Inspect electrical accessories before installation - Before stringing lights, inspect for cracked sockets, frayed, loose or bare wires or loose connections. Unplug light strings before replacing bulbs or fuses.
Always turn off electric decorations before leaving home or going to bed, and be sure all smoke detectors are in working order.
Don't use high wattage bulbs in low-wattage ornaments
Avoid overloading extension cords.
Never run extension cords through water, even those labeled for outdoor use.
Replace damaged ornament parts with matching parts. Bulbs with too-high wattage are a fire hazard.

“Your fast, professional handling of the issue was remarkable in today’s business environment. No hassle and solid craftsmanship along with a knowledgeable technician, forces me to call you the next time I require plumbing assistance and makes ABC an easy referral to friends and neighbors. Thank you for your integrity.” – Bob S. Lincolnshire, Illinois

Our Blog

VIEW ALL BLOGS

A man standing at his sink, which is surrounded by plants, filling up a black tea kettle.

How to Fix a Blank White Rodgers Thermostat

You might have experienced the worry that comes with discovering your White Rodgers thermostat has gone blank. The good news is that usually, the unit can be brought back to life. In this blog, let's look at some ways to get your blank White Rodgers thermostat operating again.

What Causes Pink Stains on Toilets and Bathtubs?

The blog explains that pink stains commonly found in bathrooms are caused by a bacteria called Serratia marcescens, which thrives in moist environments. When diluted by water, this bacteria produces a red-orange pigment that results in pinkish stains on surfaces like bathtubs, toilets, and showers.
READ MORE
AC Maintenance Guide

The blog talks about the importance of maintaining your AC unit and provides advice on how to maintain older units. It also suggests replacing units when the cost of repairs becomes too high. Finally, it provides information on how to schedule AC maintenance with ABC Plumbing, Sewer, Heating, Cooling & Electric in Chicago and the surrounding areas.
READ MORE
What Is That Gurgling Under My Sink?

The blog discusses two common causes of gurgling sounds from under sinks: clogs forming in the pipes and blocked vent pipes. Clogs occur due to various materials going down the drain, while blocked vent pipes create a vacuum, hindering water flow. It advises contacting a plumber for expert assistance in clearing clogs or removing blockages to resolve the issue.
READ MORE