Fire departments and power companies like to warn home owners
about the dangers of "spaghetti junctions" or
"octopus wiring". That's when you create a maze of
extension cords, plugs, and wires all coming from the same
electrical outlet. This problem is more common during the holidays when people are
putting up Christmas lights both indoors and outdoors. The lights
may not look that powerful, but when you add them up, you may be
putting undue stress on the electrical system in your home. Christmas light safety tips:- To avoid overloading, use a powerbar, with
several outlets and a circuit breaker.
- When using extension cords, make sure that
the current rating (in amps or "A") of the
appliance that you are plugging in doesn't exceed the extension
cord's rating. If the product's current rating is higher than the
extension cord's, the cord could overheat.
- Don't bunch mini Christmas lights together
- the excessive heat could melt the insulation and expose live
wires. Metal tree ornaments could also pose a shock hazard if they
make contact with frayed wiring.
- Check all cords and plugs for fraying,
cracks, or loose connections. When in doubt, replace old
cords.
- Never run cords under carpets or across
doorways, where they can overheat or become worn.
- Extension cords are usually appropriate
only on temporary or portable pieces of equipment. So in the
example of the Christmas lights it is fine, but it is unacceptable
for a refrigerator or other major appliances.
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