10 tips to avoid electrical accidents with Christmas decorations

Find out how to keep spaces beautiful and safe for your family this time of year

Colored lamps, luminous ribbons, flashing lights, light strings, LED cascades, shiny stars and fiber optic Christmas trees. There are countless options for decorating the Christmas holidays and transforming the facade and interior of homes, businesses, hotels, schools, squares and avenues. There is no limit to creativity, but handling electric decorations requires attention.

The warning comes from Control and Automation engineer, Ricardo Jacobi, professor of the Electrical Engineering course at the Escola Técnica Tupy, an institution of the UniSociesc ecosystem. “When planning the decoration You must take into account the items that will be purchased and installed. The conscious and responsible use of Christmas decorations prevents accidents, such as fires, which can cause material or physical damage”, he explains.

The care begins with the purchase of materials. Decorations connected to the electricity grid must be compatible with the building’s systems to avoid overheating and overloads. “The materials used need to be reviewed and it is not advisable to make joints in the power cables or use benjamin. Leaving the systems exposed to the sun and rain is also dangerous”, advises the engineer.

To facilitate the installation of decorations and ensure a safe Christmas, Ricardo Jacobi gives some important advice. Check!

1. Inmetro certificate

When purchasing Christmas decorations, check the Inmetro certification (National Institute of Metrology, Quality and Technology), which attests to the safety standards of the product.

2. Choose good quality materials

Prioritize good quality materials and discard items with frayed, patched cords or loose connections.

3. Opt for LED

Choose LED lampswhich consume less energy, are brighter and generate less heat, thus reducing the risk of fire.

4. Check the potency of the ornaments

Make sure the total power of your Christmas decorations does not exceed the capacity of your electrical system.

5. Pay attention to the electrical network

Before starting the installation, turn off the power at the circuit breaker. Secure the Christmas decoration with hooks and ribbons designed for this purpose.

6. Store ornaments in a dry environment

Do not use wet decorations. Water conducts electricity, so the decoration should not be exposed to rain or moisture.

7. Turn off decorations before going out or going to sleep

Do not overload the taken and turn off decorations when you leave the house or before going to bed.

8. Maintain facilities

Perform regular inspections of your Christmas decorations to check wires and identify hot spots.

9. Be careful around children and pets

Keep children and pets away from electric decorations. They may pull wires or place metal objects on ornaments, resulting in electric shock.

10. Choose the installation location

Do not install lights near easily combustible materials, such as curtains or other decorations made of paper, cotton, wool, straw, etc.

Fall risk

Electricity is not the only risk for those who carry it out Christmas decoration. Since most decorations are placed in high places, the risk of falling must be taken into account. According to Ricardo Jacobi, prevention is the best way to improve your decoration without getting hurt. “All work at height requires attention and the use of suitable ladders to access roofs and facades is essential,” he teaches.

Furthermore, the engineer continues, it is inadvisable to step directly on the tiles, which are not designed to support excess weight. Another piece of advice for those who do not have the necessary protective equipment for working at heights is to consult a specialist.

By Graziela Lindner

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.