Holiday Electrical Safety Tips for Homes and Businesses

The holidays bring bright lights, festive displays, and plenty of extra electrical use. Whether you are decorating your home or preparing your business for the busy season, it is important to stay mindful of electrical safety.

At Shield Electric, we help homeowners and businesses across Wilmington keep their systems safe, efficient, and ready for the season. Here are a few key safety tips to remember this winter.

  1. Avoid Overloaded Circuits

Holiday decorations and heating equipment can quickly add strain to your electrical system. Plugging too many lights or appliances into one outlet increases the risk of tripping breakers or overheating circuits.

Distribute your electrical load across multiple outlets and use surge protectors when possible to keep things running safely.

  1. Check Cords and Outlets

Before plugging in lights or decorations, inspect all cords for cracks, frays, or exposed wires. Damaged cords should be replaced immediately.

Make sure indoor and outdoor lights are rated appropriately for their location and never run cords under rugs or across doorways where they could become damaged.

  1. Use Timers and Smart Plugs

Automating your holiday lighting can help save energy and reduce risk. Timers and smart plugs ensure lights turn off when you are asleep or away, which minimizes wear on wiring and reduces fire hazards.

For businesses, smart lighting systems can keep outdoor displays bright during operating hours and automatically shut off after closing.

  1. Be Cautious with Extension Cords

Extension cords are convenient but should only be used as a temporary solution. Avoid connecting multiple cords together or overloading them with heavy equipment.

If you find yourself needing extra outlets every holiday season, it might be time to talk to a licensed electrician about adding dedicated circuits or permanent outlets.

  1. Call a Professional When Something Seems Off

Flickering lights, tripped breakers, or outlets that feel warm are signs that something might not be right. Do not ignore them. Contact a licensed electrician before the issue gets worse.

Keep Safety at the Top of Your List

The holidays should be about celebration, not unexpected electrical problems. Taking a few precautions can help protect your property, your guests, and your peace of mind.

For reliable electrical service and safety inspections in Wilmington and the surrounding areas, contact Shield Electric. We are proud to help homeowners and businesses stay powered safely through every season.