If the department stores are to be believed, the holiday season started about a month ago—which means if your house isn’t already fully decorated, you’re way behind! This year, make sure your holiday lights are safe by following these tips:

Before you buy or install new lights, make sure you know both how many watts the decorations require and how many watts are available in your home (if you’re not sure, ask an electrician at Kolb Electric!). Remember—the lower the wattage, the less electricity your lights will consume and the less they will cost to operate.

Since holiday lights draw so much power, you probably don’t want to plug them into a circuit that you’re using for other appliances—the circuit is likely to blow. Instead, call a DC electrician to install a dedicated circuit for your decorations.

In addition to installing a dedicated circuit for your holiday lighting, you may also want to install a timer for your lights. A timer will shut off your lights automatically, adding security and making sure everything is off in the middle of the night.

Extension cords are susceptible to water damage, so if you plan to use any outside, make sure they are covered so they can’t get wet. Never connect more than three strings of lights either—if you need more length, use a different plug.

Above all, make sure you take ordinary precautions with your holiday lights. This includes:

At Kolb Electric, we want to wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season. And if you need electrical service in Washington, DC, Maryland, or Virginia, call Kolb Electric today!

Adding Security Lighting to Your Home There is a great selection of security lighting systems for homes that can be customized and designed to fit the needs of your home. Home security lighting systems can help deter thieves while lighting the area around your house so you can see to walk after dark.

Advantages to Residential Security Lighting Walking outside your home after dark can be dangerous because you cannot see any obstacles that may be in your way. With security lighting, you have your path well-lit so you can make sure you can see where you are going and avoid the risk of tripping or falling.

As previously mentioned, security lights have been proven effective in deterring criminals. When they approach your home or storage buildings and the lights come on, they will be startled. They don’t want to be seen by the neighbors or police, so they will most likely leave and head to a home that doesn’t have such good lighting and protection.

Your home’s exterior lighting plays a significant role in your home’s appearance as well as safety. Another feature you may want to consider is adding floodlights. Adding floodlights to your landscaping and having them aimed toward your home can help accent the area and add an extra layer of protection by keeping your home in clear view.