Tulsa World: Deck the halls with care

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Deck the halls with care
Keep your holiday (safely) bright

Holiday lighting displays can be beautiful ... and dangerous. Examining all electrical items for wear before plugging them in is just one tip to keep the season merry as well as bright. STEPHEN PINGRY / Tulsa World

By PHIL MULKINS World Staff Writer
Published: 11/22/2009 2:24 AM
Last Modified: 11/22/2009 6:13 AM

Tulsans are putting up Christmas lights and decorations on everything that is flammable. Following some simple tips and cautions can keep the home fires low, however.

Newer is better: The December issue of Consumer Reports magazine recommends outdoor bulb strings be discarded after their third season due to the danger of cracked wires and sockets. Buy new ones in the January sales.

Safety marks: Before buying Christmas lights, electric decorations or extension cords, check them for the "UL mark," an indication they have been tested for safety and approved by Underwriters Laboratory. Another safety-testing firm is Intertek, with the "ETL listed mark," tulsaworld.com/ETLmark .

Outdoor rated: When buying for the great outdoors, look for those rated for outdoor use and with built-in fuses on their lines. Some are located in the plugs, but line fuses are best. Using indoor-only products outdoors can cause electric shock and fire.

Inspect: Whether they're brand-new out of the box or seasoned veterans from holidays past, inspect lights, electric decorations and extension cords in full daylight for damage to insulation, plugs and bulbs. Do not use defective decorations or extension cords.

Cords and plugs: Unplug lights before changing bulbs, replacing fuses or making other repairs. If cords and plugs are damaged, discard and replace the decoration. Never unplug cords by pulling on the wire.

Watt a difference: Using bulbs of excessive wattage causes light string to overheat and burn. Don't use nails, tacks or metal staples on outdoor Christmas lights — use insulated hooks instead. Make sure your lights are strung tightly to avoid wind damage.

Outside receptacles: The Tulsa electrical code requires that outdoor power receptacles provide 20 amps and be protected by "ground fault circuit interrupter" technology (to prevent the electrocution of DIY trimmers). As Christmas lights can be compromised by dampness or ground faults, it is recommended they be powered through GFCI receptacles. Maximum wattage a circuit can handle is determined by multiplying amps by volts.

As lights draw continuously, use only 80 percent of available wattage. With 20 amps and 120 volts of power available (2,400 watts) using only 80 percent provides 1,920 watts. This will run 768 2.5-watt bulbs, 384 C7 (5-watt) bulbs or 274 C9 (7-watt) bulbs.

Phil Mulkins 699-8888
phil.mulkins@tulsaworld.com By PHIL MULKINS World Staff Writer

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	Report Comment Few Clothes, America (11/22/2009 10:57:09 AM) I'm surprised most of you didn't have them up by Halloween. It gets earlier each year for decorations.
	Report Comment Elusive, Owasso (11/23/2009 12:46:43 AM) I can see my neighbors Christmas tree up in their house already. Lights will soon be on in my neighborhood.

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