It has been part of the Filipino Culture to play Christmas Music and set up Parols, Christmas Lights and the Christmas tree during the Christmas Season. In order for us to enjoy setting up the lights, parols and the wonderful Christmas tree, we should always make sure that we are knowledgeable on the possible dangers and accidents that we can prevent.
There may be some electrical issues and problems that you may face while or even after setting up your Christmas Decorations. Here are some Safety Tips that you need to know so you can Joyfully and Safely Celebrate Christmas.
Extension cords can overheat and cause fires when used improperly. Overloading or connecting appliances that consume more watts than the cord can handle is the usual cause of Overheating. A Damaged Extension can also cause fires. Extension cords are made to be used temporarily. Keep it away from Children’s reach and unplug the extension cord when not in use.
Check the whole extension cord, if any part of the extension cord is damaged, dispose/replace the cord with the right wires.
If any part of the extension cord is hot while being used, this could be a warning sign that it is overloaded. Check if the Extension Cord is properly rated for the products plugged into it.
Avoid plugging-in multiple products in one wall socket. Octopus Connection causes fire when the total current that passes through the wires exceeds the indicated rating, this can cause heat inside the wiring and ultimately cause fire.
Mr. PHELPS’ TIPS TO PREVENT FIRE CAUSED BY OCTOPUS CONNECTION:Distribute the chargers, appliances, and other products across the different outlets in your home.
Additional Tip, if your extension cord is plugged inside the house while it is being used outside. DO NOT use a window as a passage as it may damage the cord if the window is closed, pinching the wire.
If you are planning to put outdoor decorations at home. Make sure that the decorations you will use are rated for outdoor use. This is to ensure that the decorations are safe in sunny or rainy conditions.
Check the Packaging of the product if it was able to pass the Standard Quality Checking of the Bureau of Philippine Standards where you can find a “PS Mark” if it was made in the Philippines. If it is imported, you should be able to see an ICC Sticker. This ensures that the products you used passed the Import Commodity Clearance or the quality checking being done by the Philippine National Standards.
Avoid Installing/placing Christmas Lights and other decorations that need electricity or fire near materials that can easily catch fire, such as Wood, Paper, Wool, Curtains, and other flammable materials. As much as possible, avoid installing Christmas Lights on the roof. As it is usually made up of Metal, this can lead to short circuits that can make the whole roof, grounded with electricity.
As much as possible, avoid letting your Christmas Lights be exposed to rain/water. If this is unavoidable, you can use a piece of plastic or electrical tape to wrap around it to repel water.
When using old/reused Christmas lights and other electrical decorations, check first if all of the bulbs are working well. If there are more than two light bulbs or functions that are not working, don’t use it. This might cause overheating of the other bulbs and internal wires that can initiate a short circuit and eventually start a fire.
Inspect the wires of your Christmas lights and other electric decorations especially for open insulation as this might cause a short circuit that could electrocute you and your loved ones.
Inspect the plugs if it is properly connected and ensure that there is no trace of fire or melting of its wire connections.
It is better to install Christmas Lights, Parols and Decorations that use LED Lights. It is safer to user because it produces LESS heat compared to incandescent lights. LED Lights also help you save money as usually LED Lights have a lower wattage level.
Whether it’s time for bed or a planned night out with the family, always make sure to shut off your electric Christmas Decorations and remove their plugs from the socket. Don’t leave your Electric Christmas Decorations turned on without a person to respond to any emergency situations that may cause fire.
Setting an alarm might help remind you to turn off your Christmas Light Decorations
Make sure the plugs of the electrical decorations are visible and not hidden in between your furniture.
As we have mentioned earlier, Electrical Christmas Decorations must pass the quality testing standards set by different global and local institutions to guarantee a safe and quality product, this includes the wires and cables being used for these decorations.
Phelps Dodge Philippines’ testing laboratory has been accredited by the Philippine Accreditation Bureau of the Department of Trade and Industry. This ensure a well-equipped and technically-competent testing laboratory that ensures all products follows world class quality standard testing procedures that will ensure the products’ quality, safety, performance and durability.
Christmas day is just around the corner! For those who have already set up their Christmas decorations, it’s not too late to practice these tips on how to maintain a safe home this Christmas. For those who are yet to set up their Christmas Decorations, make sure that the whole family knows these tips and tricks to maintain a safe, joyful and festive Christmas this 2021! #SafeHolidaysWithPD!
Always remember that prevention is better than solving problems – It’s cheaper too!
#staysafe #safeholidays #merrychristmas #phelpsdodge
