Halloween Lighting and Electrical Safety Tips for Illinois Homes

The Halloween season is a fun and exciting time of year, and it’s also a great opportunity to show off your yard with eye-catching lights and decorations. Be that as it may, it’s important to keep Halloween lighting safety in Illinois in mind when decorating. 

Here are some tips that can help you ensure electrical safety when working with lights and other decorations for your home’s exterior:

Use the Right Extension Cords

Not all extension cords are made equal, and using the wrong ones can pose a serious risk. When plugging in outdoor decorations or lights, use extension cords that are specifically designed for outdoor use; indoor extension cords are unable to withstand increased moisture exposure and can have their insulation crack or tear as a result, exposing live wires.

Don’t Overload Circuits

Plugging too many decorations into one outlet poses a high risk of tripping breakers. Each circuit in your home only has so much capacity, and any nearby outlets are likely to run on the same circuit as well. If your decorations are tripping breakers, you need to find somewhere else to plug them in; don’t try any dangerous workarounds.

Turn Off Decorations When Away

In general, you should try not to run any more electrical loads than necessary when you’re out of the house. Leaving your decorations and lights on while you’re out (or asleep, for that matter) poses an unnecessary risk. Should something go wrong with your home’s electrical system, you want it to be when you’re aware and able to do something about it.

Watch for Signs You Need Electrical Repair

When setting up your decorations and lighting, watch for signs of issues that may need repair. If any outlets or switches feel warm, your lights are flickering (unintentionally), or breakers seem to trip under minor loads, you may need professional repairs. Don’t hesitate to reach out to an electrician to ensure that your home’s electrical system is safe.

Get Your Home Ready for Halloween Lighting Safety in Illinois

A safe and fun Halloween is something everyone should look forward to, but making that a reality requires paying attention to how you handle Halloween lighting safety in Illinois. Follow these tips and think carefully about how you’re handling decorations, and for any last-minute electrical repair needs, reach out to the professionals at Klees Electric Inc.