The A.F. Smith Electric team wants to share with you these Halloween electrical safety tips, to make sure you — and everyone who goes bump in the night — are kept safe!
Use only lights that have been safety tested and approved by Underwriters Laboratory (UL). Look for the UL label on the box and on each string.
Make sure extension cords are in good condition. Use only UL-approved cords rated to carry the electrical load you will connect to them.
Before plugging in the lights, check each string for broken sockets, frayed cords, or faulty plugs. Replace damaged strings.
Keep electric cords out of high-traffic areas.
Don’t staple or nail through light strings or electrical cords.
Fasten outdoor lights securely to trees, house walls, or other firm supports to protect the lights from wind damage. Do not use nails or tacks to hold light strings in place.
Do not attach cords or lights to metal objects.
Outdoors, use only lights and cords rated for outdoor use.
Cords should be plugged into outlets equipped with ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). Use a portable GFCI if your outdoor outlets don’t have them. GFCIs protect you from electric shocks.
Always unplug lights before going to bed or leaving your home.
Do not run electrical cords across sidewalks or other walkway areas that could trip or endanger trick-or-treaters. Indoors, avoid stretching cords across a room where people or pets can trip over them or become entangled.
Following these electrical safety tips will help you avoid real scares this Halloween!