Category: Electrical Safety

Why DIY HVAC Electrical Work Without Certified Professionals Is Risky

Published on

In an age where DIY projects are more popular than ever, many homeowners are tempted to tackle a variety of home maintenance tasks themselves. Whether it’s to save money or to enjoy the satisfaction of completing a project, the allure of DIY is undeniable. However, when it comes to HVAC electrical work, going it alone can be dangerous and even life-threatening. Understanding the risks involved in DIY HVAC electrical work underscores the importance of leaving these tasks to professional electricians.

Electrical Shock or Fire

One of the primary risks associated with DIY HVAC electrical work is the potential for electrical shock or fire. HVAC systems are complex and require a nuanced understanding of electrical systems, which most homeowners lack. A simple misstep, such as improper wiring or overloading a circuit, can have catastrophic consequences. This lack of expertise can quickly turn an attempt to repair or install an HVAC system into a hazardous situation, endangering both the property and its occupants.

Poor Air Quality

An often-overlooked aspect of HVAC systems is their influence on indoor air quality, which can be significantly affected by improper installation or repairs. According to the EPA, common indoor air pollutants include Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide, mold and mildew, pet dander, tobacco smoke, household cleaning products, dust and dirt, and particulate matter. Making sure that HVAC systems are correctly installed and maintained by certified electricians is essential in regulating these pollutants, preventing them from accumulating to harmful levels. A botched DIY job can exacerbate these issues, leading to poor air quality and associated health risks.

Compromised System Efficiency

Moreover, DIY HVAC repair attempts can void warranties and lead to costly repairs down the road. Many HVAC systems come with manufacturer warranties that are contingent on professional installation and maintenance. If an inexperienced homeowner attempts to repair or install these systems themselves, they risk invalidating these warranties. This not only means footing the bill for future problems that would otherwise be covered, but it also means having potentially compromised the system’s efficiency and longevity.

While the appeal of DIY projects is understandable, HVAC electrical work is one area where it’s best to defer to professional electricians. The risks involved, from personal safety hazards to the potential for compromised indoor air quality, are too significant to ignore. By relying on the expertise of trained professionals, homeowners can ensure their systems are safe, efficient, and long-lasting. Connect with Roman Home Service today to learn more.

5 Common Electrical Wiring Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Published on

So, you’re feeling handy and tackling a new electrical project? That’s awesome! There’s a real satisfaction in adding that new light fixture or outlet yourself. But before you grab your wire strippers and dive in, let’s have a little heart-to-heart about electricity. It’s powerful stuff, and even seemingly small mistakes can lead to big problems – think fire hazards, damaged appliances, or even a shocking experience (literally!). We’re not trying to scare you, but we’ve seen our fair share of wiring mishaps (and what can happen with them). That’s why we want to arm you with the knowledge to avoid common electrical wiring mistakes.

1. Wires That Are Too Short (Or Too Long)

Ever tried to connect wires that barely reach each other? Frustrating, right? Or maybe you’ve got a tangled mess of extra wire crammed into the junction box. Both scenarios are no-nos.

  • The Problem: Short wires can lead to weak, unreliable connections that might pull apart over time, potentially causing arcing. Excess wire creates clutter, makes it harder to work in the box, and can even interfere with proper heat dissipation.
  • The Fix: Measure twice, cut once (and maybe even a third time!). Give yourself enough slack to comfortably make connections and tuck the wires neatly into the box. Aim for about 6-8 inches of wire extending from the box. If you accidentally cut too short, don’t try to stretch it! Use a wire extension with a proper connector.

2. Loose Connectors

We’ve all been there. You’ve got a handful of wire connectors, and the one you think is right is… well, maybe a little loose. Resist the urge to just twist it on and hope for the best!

  • The Problem: Using the wrong size or type of wire connector can result in a poor connection. This can lead to resistance, overheating, and even fires. Different connectors are designed for specific wire gauges and applications.
  • The Fix: Match your connectors to the wire size and the number of wires you’re joining. Most connectors have markings indicating the wire gauge range they’re designed for. If you’re unsure, consult the instructions on the connector packaging or do a quick online search. For solid to stranded wire connections, use connectors specifically rated for that purpose.

3. Improper Grounding

Grounding is arguably the most crucial safety feature in your electrical system. It provides a safe path for fault currents to travel, tripping breakers and preventing shocks. Neglecting or improperly grounding can have serious consequences.

  • The Problem: Failing to connect ground wires properly (or at all!) eliminates this vital safety net. This means that if a fault occurs, the electricity could find a dangerous path to ground – potentially through you.
  • The Fix: Always connect ground wires together and to the designated grounding terminal in outlets, switches, and light fixtures. Typically, ground wires are bare copper or green insulated. Ensure a solid, metal-to-metal connection. If you’re working with older wiring that doesn’t have a dedicated ground wire, consult a qualified electrician for safe alternatives.

4. Overloaded Circuits

Adding “just one more” appliance to an already busy circuit might seem harmless, but it can put a strain on your electrical system.

  • The Problem: Overloading a circuit draws more current than it’s designed to handle. This can cause wires to overheat, potentially melting insulation and leading to fires. It can also trip your circuit breaker frequently, which is a sign something isn’t right.
  • The Fix: Know your circuit ratings. Circuit breakers are there to protect you – pay attention if they’re tripping repeatedly. When adding new outlets or fixtures, consider the existing load on the circuit. For high-power appliances, it’s often best to run a dedicated circuit. If you’re unsure about your circuit capacity, it’s always wise to consult an electrician.

5. Incorrectly Reconnecting Wires

You’ve carefully disconnected some wires, maybe even removed a fixture, and you think you’ll remember exactly how they go back together. Trust us, even the best intentions can fade.

  • The Problem: Incorrectly reconnecting wires can lead to malfunctions, short circuits, and even damage to your devices or the electrical system itself.
  • The Fix: Label everything! Before disconnecting any wires, use masking tape and a marker to clearly identify which wire goes where. Take photos or draw a diagram of the connections. This simple step can save you a lot of headaches (and potential hazards) later on.

Contact Roman Home Services For All Your Electrical Wiring Needs in Milwaukee, WI and the Surrounding Areas

While DIY electrical work can be rewarding, it’s crucial to know your limits. If you’re tackling a complex project, are unsure about any aspect of the wiring, or are dealing with older or unfamiliar systems, don’t hesitate to call a qualified, licensed electrician – like us here at Roman Home Services. Our expertise can ensure the job is done safely and correctly. Contact us today for all your electrical wiring needs!

Things You Should Know About Surge Protectors

Published on

 

things you should know about surge protectors

Surge protectors are handy devices that allow for more outlets in addition to increased protection from electrocution. However, if you are still curious about surge protectors, check out this guide by the pros at Roman Home Services about all you should know about surge protectors!

What Exactly is a Surge Protector?

All your home devices and electronics are vulnerable to a power or electrical surge. It doesn’t always happen, but when it does it can cause electrical fires as well as electrocution. That is where surge protectors come into play. Surge protectors look like this and are used for two reasons:

  • To provide multiple outlets for multiple devices
  • To protect plugged in devices from high voltage power surges

A surge protector works like a regular outlet in terms of transferring electricity to all plugged-in devices. However, if it senses a surge in electricity, it automatically routes the electricity to the outlet grounding wire.

What is the Difference Between a Power Strip and Surge Protector?

No, not all power strips are surge protectors. Power strips resemble surge protectors and are usually used to create more outlets. Surge protectors add more outlet space in addition to protect your devices.

How Long Can a Surge Protector Last?

Surge protectors are great devices, but they have their limits. Surge protectors can only handle a certain number of joules, which a unit of measurement for energy. Normally, surge protectors can last between 3 to 5 years, however they can be worn out quickly if they face several or strong power surges. It is best to replace them every two years just to be on the safe side.

What Kind of Surge Protector Should I Get?

There are numerous surge protectors on the market, which is why it is important to look for the one that is best for you and your needs. Generally, you should get a surge protector that:

  1. Has Many Outlets

Go for one that has more outlets as you will always need more in the future. If you predict an increase in technology or gear, make sure your surge protector has enough outlets!

  • Has Properly Spaced Outlets

Next, make sure your surge protector has outlets with enough space between them for bigger plugs.

  • Is Portable

If you are a frequent traveler, consider getting a surge protector that is portable. It may not be able to take on as much power but will definitely be more efficient on travel days.

  • Has a Higher Joule Capacity

If your surge protector can handle more joules of power, it is most likely the better option.

Have anymore questions about surge protectors and how they can protect your home and your treasured appliances? Get in touch with the pros at Roman Home Services. Our team of experts are highly qualified in all things electrical and would be more than happy to assist you and answer your questions. Call us today at 414-369-3798 or schedule a service with us on our website.

Electrical Safety Tips for Kids

Published on
electrical safety tips for kids

Knowing the basics of electrical safety allows you to protect your kids from dangerous electrical mishaps. One way to practice electrical safety is to childproof your house. However, if you have older kids, you can take a few minutes to sit them down and run down a list of electricity-related dos and don’ts. To help you get started, the pros at Roman Home Services have prepared a list of important electrical safety tips for kids.

Tip #1: Water and Electricity Don’t Mix

As you already know, water and electrical appliances don’t mix. That is actually why we have ground-fault circuit interrupters installed in areas where exposure to water is high, such as your bathroom, kitchen, outdoor area or basement. If an appliance is exposed to a lot of water, the circuit interrupters, or GFCIs, will sense the difference in the current and immediately shut off the circuit. Now this is interesting and all, but you certainly can’t explain this to a kid! Try to make it a rule of thumb to keep water away from appliances. To make things fun, try playing this informative online game with your child.

Tip #2: Stay Away from Power Lines

Staying away from power lines means:

  • Not touching broken or fallen powerlines
  • Not climbing power poles
  • Not climbing or playing on trees close to power lines
  • Never flying kites near power lines

Those all seem like a lot of “Nos” and your child might react with a lot of questions. It’s important to tell them that exposure to power lines can put them at risk of electric shock or electrocution. If you are having trouble telling them about this in simple terms, watch this 2-minute animated video with them on electrical safety.

Tip #3: No Fingers Inside Outlets

Putting anything inside outlets, whether its your fingers or a pencil can be dangerous. This is a very easy way to receive electric shock, which can even be fatal. Make sure you include this in your electrical safety talk with your kids because it’s pretty tempting for little ones to stick their fingers into outlets and sockets.

Tip #4: Don’t Yank Chords

Yanking chords out of outlets can at best, damage the chord, the wire or the outlet. At worst, it can cause an electric fire or electrocution. Kids might be tempted to yank on wires, so make sure they know that this is a big no-no.

Child-Proofing Tips

Even if your kids are a little older, there is no harm in taking steps to child-proof your home.

  • Get plastic plug-in outlet covers for open outlets and sockets
  • Don’t leave charger chords around—wrap them up safely and place them somewhere out of reach
  • Store bathroom and kitchen appliances out of reach
  • Test your GFCIs every month!

Have any more questions about how you can teach your kids electrical safety tips? Get in touch with the pros at Roman Home Services. You can call us at 414-369-3798 or schedule a service with us on our website!

Holiday Decorating Safety Tips to Keep Your Family Safe this Winter

Published on

 

With the holidays fast approaching, many families are starting to put their decorations up in their homes. While this is a fun and willing distraction from the problems the COVID pandemic is bringing us, it’s important to keep decoration safety in mind. If you don’t know what that means, keep reading this blog about holiday decorating safety tips from the pros at Roman Home Services!

1. Use GFCIs

First things first, it’s important that you use ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets. GFCIs can monitor the flow of electricity using sensors—if they sense electricity spiking or flowing down the wrong path, they will shut the plugged-in appliance down. GFCIs can prevent electrical fires and electric shocks, which is why it is important you have GFCI outlets, especially outdoors, in your kitchen and bathroom. If you don’t have GFCI outlets, get in touch with your electrician to install them.

2. Use LEDs

If you want to ensure safety as well as savings, make sure you use decorative LED lights. LEDs use at least 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than their incandescent counterparts. They also don’t heat up like incandescent bulbs, meaning they are okay to touch and won’t risk overheating.

3. What is Indoors, Belongs Indoors

If you’re thinking of stringing up indoor lights or using indoor extension cords outdoors, think again. Indoor decorations are not as durable as outdoor ones and are vulnerable to moisture and extreme weather. If you want to use décor outdoors, make sure you get material that has been rated for outdoor use—check the packaging to be sure as it will safe “Safe for Outdoor Use” or something similar.

4. Use Fake Candles

While candles add a nice touch, they can certainly be dangerous and pose a risk of fires. That’s why you should consider using fake candles—they create the same effect without the fire and danger!

5. Do Not Hammer Nails

When putting up your lights, be sure you don’t hammer them in with nails or use staples as this can damage your light’s wiring. Use safe, plastic hooks or clips to put them up instead.

6. Don’t Use Broken Lights

Broken lights or those with exposed wiring can not only look bad but they can also be dangerous and lead to overheating and electrical fires. Before you put them up, make sure the lights are intact and the wiring isn’t exposed or broken.

Have any more questions about holiday decorating safety tips? The pros at Roman Home Services are here to help you out. Whether you need assistance with electrical services or even plumbing, heating and cooling, our team of professionals will be here to provide you the best service possible! Call us today at 414-369-3798 or schedule a service with us on our website! We are looking forward to hearing from you and working with you.

Kitchen Electrical Safety Tips

Published on
kitchen electrical safety tips

The kitchen is the place in your home where you use a myriad of different appliances. That’s why it is important you are aware of all the ways you can practice electrical safety whether you are using your microwave, your electrical stove or your fridge! To help you out, the pros at Roman Home Services have come up with an important list of kitchen electrical safety tips.

1. Use GFCI Outlets

GFCIs, or ground fault circuit interrupters, are meant to protect you and your family from electrical shock. If you are using an appliance plugged into a GFCI outlet and your appliance is exposed to a lot of water, the GFCI will sense this and shut off the circuit in less than a second. A GFCI outlet can literally save your life so be sure you plug in your appliances in GFCI outlets. If you don’t have any in your kitchen, contact an electrician you trust immediately and have it installed. If you do have GFCIs, be sure to test them every month—you can do this by pressing the “Test” button on the outlet.

2. Don’t Use Extension Cords or Power Strips Permanently

While extension cords are great if you’re plugging in appliances at a distance, make sure you don’t do this permanently. All your kitchen appliances must be plugged directly into grounded outlets, which can protect you from electrical fires and electrocution. Extension cords and power strips are meant for temporary use.

3. Unplug Appliances not in Use

Countertop appliances like coffeemakers, blenders and electric kettles must be unplugged immediately after use. Leaving them plugged in can increase your energy bill as a lot of these appliances are “energy vampires”. This means they use energy even if they are not being used if they are plugged in. In addition to that, if you have your appliance plugged into a non-GFCI outlet and it is exposed to water or falls in the sink, you might be risking electrocution.

4. One Appliance Per Outlet

Ideally, you should plug one appliance in an outlet. This might seem burdensome but plugging in more than one appliance can overload your outlet or circuit breaker. If you don’t have enough outlets, have them installed by a trusted electrician.

5. Don’t Leave Appliances Unattended

This is an important tip especially for those with little children. Once you have an appliance in use, keep your kids out of the kitchen as much as you can and stay close to the appliance. Kids can often tamper with appliances by putting objects or utensils in outlets and toasters or by touching a device that is still hot.

Have any more questions about kitchen electrical safety tips? Get in touch with the professionals at Roman Home Services! Whether you need electrical services or heating, cooling and plumbing, our technicians will be there to help you out. Call us today at 414-369-3798 or schedule a service with us on our website. We are looking forward to hearing from you!

Halloween Lighting and Extension Cord Safety

Published on
halloween lighting and extension cord safety

Halloween is a great time to spook your neighborhood out with exciting decorations and festive lights. However, the true horror would be doing all of that without practicing electrical safety. The last thing you need is an electrical fire on your hands. But you don’t need to worry too much about that because the pros at Roman Home Services are here to tell you all you need to know about Halloween lighting and extension cord safety!

1. If Using Old Lights, Be Sure to Inspect Them Before Use!

It’s smart and cost-effective to use older decorations. However, before you put them up, be sure to look at them and see if there are no frayed or loose wires, broken bulbs or loose connections. If ignored, these seemingly small problems can turn into major fire hazards.

2. If Putting Up Outdoor Lights, Use an Outdoor Extension Cord

Many people make the mistake of using indoor extension cords outdoors—do not make this same misstep! Indoor extension cords do not have proper insulation, which often protects outdoor cords from temperature changes and moisture outdoors. In addition, indoor extension cords have lower amperage ratings, meaning they would not be able to power outdoor lights and decorations. Use an outdoor extension cord for your outdoor decorations as it will be a much more durable option. You can easily find an outdoor cord at your nearest home improvement store—make sure you check the label for the UL (Underwriters Laboratory) approved outdoor rated cord.

3. Make Use of Your GFCI Outlet

Make sure you plug your decorations into GFCI outlets. GFCI stands for “Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter”—an outlet with a GFCI can protect people from electrocution. If you plug an appliance into a GFCI outlet and the appliance is exposed to a lot of water, the GFCI can sense this interruption and shut power off immediately. A GFCI outlet can quite literally be lifesaver, so be sure to make use of it this Halloween.

4. Use Weatherproof Outlet Covers

The weather can be quite unpredictable these days—that’s why it’s important to take the right precautions to protect your Halloween decorations from it. One way you can do that is to use weatherproof outlet covers. A lot of these outlet covers can protect your outlets while decorations are still plugged in and in-use.

5. Use Hooks to Hang Up Your Lights

Make sure to never nail in your string lights on trees or walls. Instead, use insulated hooks while hanging your Halloween lights and decorations.

6. Use LED Candles for Your Pumpkins

To avoid risk of burns or even a fire, use an LED candle instead of a real, wax candle. It will have the same spooky effect while being completely safe to use!

Have any more questions about safe Halloween lighting? Our team of professionals will be more than happy to help you out! Call us today at 414-369-3798 or schedule a service with us on our website!

Why Does Electricity Have to Be Grounded?

Published on

does electricity have to be grounded

“Grounded electricity” is a bit of a difficult concept to grasp for many homeowners. Fortunately, the pros at Roman Home Services are here to help answer all your questions about what grounded electricity means and how it works.

Difference Between “Grounding” and “Grounded”

While “grounded” and “grounding” sound the same, they have different meanings, specifically in the world of wiring and electricity. Before we get into the specifics, it’s important to know a bit about how electricity flows through your home. There are two wires that are needed to complete a circuit and the wiring in your home is no exception to this rule. Essentially, there are two wires you need to be aware of. The “hot” wire, which is black in color, carries the negative charge and the neutral or “grounded” wire, which is usually white or gray, carries the positive charge. These wires run side by side and do what they need to do to supply electricity into your home.

The wiring and electric system in your home is designed to discharge negative energy into the “ground” or basically the earth on which your house is standing. The “grounded” or neutral wires primarily have the job of returning the current to the ground. However, if there is a problem with these “grounded” wires (they have been chewed through, there is wood or a flammable material in its path), your electrical system has a backup plan. This is where the “grounding wires” come in—these backup wires run parallel to the hot and neutral wire, creating an alternative pathway for the electric current to follow just in case a fault, breakdown, short circuit or electrical fire occurs.

So, in short, the “grounded” wire is a neutral wire, connected to the earth, which helps supply electricity to your home. It is white or gray in color and is uninsulated. A “grounding” wire is part of a complex backup system underground. It provides an alternative pathway for the current, just in case there is an issue with the “grounded” wire.

How Do I Know if I Have Grounding Wires?

One way to tell if you have grounding wires is by looking at your outlets. If the outlet has a grounding connection, it has a round slot for the third prong of the plug—this slot is indicative of a system of grounding wires. While most homes have the complex system of grounding wires complete with circuit breakers, some older homes may not have this. If most of your outlets don’t have a third slot, chances are your home electrical system does not have a grounding connection.

Why Does My Home Need a Grounding Connection?

There is a simple answer to this question: Because it protects you and your appliances. Having a grounding connection prevents the likelihood of electrical fires and electrocution, which can be fatal for you and your family. Your power lines have a great deal of excess current and it’s best that there is a safe and separate pathway away from your home and its inhabitants.

Have More Questions about “Grounded” Electricity? Get in Touch with Roman Home Services!

This was a bit of a complicated blog, so we understand if you still have questions about whether electricity needs to be grounded or not and how you can add a grounding connection. Contact us with your concerns and our experienced electricians will be more than happy to help you. Call us at 414-369-3798 or schedule a service online!

Child-Proofing Your Home for The Holidays

Published on

child-proof your home

If you have any guests staying over for the holidays, chances are you’re going to have double the amount of kids running around your home (think Home Alone!). And while the decorations around your home are probably very fun and festive, they can pose serious harm to curious children. That is why you should take some time to properly child-proof your home, so you don’t have any during the holidays! To help you get started, the pros at Roman Home Services have created a quick guide.

1. Add a Toilet Lock

This is especially helpful if you’re going to have some curious toddlers exploring your home. A toilet lid lock can prevent a child from getting in some scary situations such as falling into the toilet or getting stuck. There are several toilet lid locks on the market, ranging from $7-$15.

2. Babyproof Electrical Cords

If you have a lot of decorations up, it’s likely that you have a lot of electrical cords being used. That is why it’s important you find a way to clear them up as they can create tripping hazards for kids. To prevent this from happening, make sure your cords run through a duct cord cover. These covers look like speed bumps made of rubber, can fit many cords and cost $10-$20 depending on their size.

If you want to prevent access to the cord, consider getting a cord shortener. This product prevents cord entanglement, shortens the excess of a long cord and can even come with outlet covers. You can purchase these from your nearest home improvement store—they are usually priced within the $4-$10 range.

3. Get Outlet Covers

It’s common knowledge that by poking metal utensils in outlets, toddlers can experience electric shock. It’s never a good idea for a child to be poking anything into an outlet, which is why it’s important to get outlet covers. These covers are usually plastic pieces that can be directly inserted into the outlet’s sockets. If you have any power strips, consider getting covers for them too. You can purchase in-use covers which allow cords to be plugged in, while encasing the entire power strip.

4. Be Careful in The Kitchen

Don’t leave anything unattended on the stove and don’t leave the stove on. Children can easily reach over and burn themselves or topple a heavy pot or pan over. You can also prevent this from happening by placing pots or pans near the backend of the stove.

5. Use Battery Operated Candles

If you absolutely must use candles, try using battery operated candles. They are cheap and safe to be around children as well as upholstery and curtains. If you use scented candles, switch to air fresheners, diffuser sticks or essential oil diffusers just for the holidays.

Keep Your Home Safe for The Holidays with Roman Home Services!

If you want more tips on how you can childproof your home for the holidays, contact the pros at Roman Home Services! Call us today at 414-369-3798 or schedule a service with us on our website!

 

 

Electrical Safety: Indoor Holiday Decorations

Published on

electrical safety during the holidays

While indoor holiday decorations are fun and festive, they can also pose a danger to your home if they are not handled properly. One little mishap with a worn-out wire or an outlet and you might be dealing with electrical fires or shocks. Luckily, the pros at Roman Home Services are here to help you out. Here is a quick guide to electrical safety during the holidays so you can have a safe and restful break!

1. Indoor Lights Should Not Be Near Curtains

Indoor lights are creative and fun and add to the holiday ambiance you want in your home. However, it is important to keep these lights away from drapes, curtains and any kind of flammable items—especially if these lights have incandescent bulbs. Incandescent bulbs can heat up easily, increasing the chance of something in your home catching fire. If you’re tired of this risk with incandescent bulbs, try making the switch to LED bulbs! LED’s last 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs and use 75% less energy! They also don’t radiate heat and if you purchase LEDs with epoxy lenses, they aren’t prone to shattering either.

2. Discard Frayed Cords

Keep any eye out for any lights or decorations with frayed or worn-out cords. While it might not seem like a big deal, frayed cords can lead to the live wire being exposed. This poses a serious danger to users as it increases risk of electrocution and electrical fires. It’s not worth it to use frayed cords—if you find several parts of the indoor light cords are frayed and exposed, it is best to discard them. In addition to looking out for frayed cords, making sure none of the bulbs are cracked or broken.

3. Choose Battery Operated Candles

Unless you’re using the Christmas or holiday themed scented candles, it is best to use battery operated candles for decoration purposes. Actual candles look nice, but they are risky, especially if they are placed near flammable items. Battery operated candles are safe, affordable and achieve the same effect!

4. Check for Underwriters Laboratory Sign

Before you purchase indoor lights and decorations, make sure to check for the “UL” sign on the packaging—this sign indicates that the lights have been approved by the Underwriters Laboratory and are safe to use whether it is indoors or outdoors. The Red UL sign indicates that the lights are safe to be used indoors and outdoors and the green UL sign marks that the lights are only safe for outdoor use.

5. Use Clips Instead of Nails

Instead of hammering the cords in with nails or thumb tacks, use clips or adhesive hooks. This way you can ensure your lights are hung properly and are in place without damaging the cords.

Practice Electrical Safety During the Holidays with Roman Home Services!

We hope this guide to electrical safety during the holidays is helpful! If you want more electrical safety tips, get in touch with the pros at Roman Home Services! Call us today at 414-369-3798 or schedule a service with us on our website!