With a string of holidays from fall to December — Halloween, Thanksgiving, and all the festive days that follow — there’s always something demanding our attention. Amid all the hustle, it’s easy to overlook the systems behind the scenes that make everything work, like your home’s electrical panel. While you’re busy planning the perfect holiday gatherings, your electrical system is quietly working overtime, and it’s important to make sure it’s ready for the season ahead.
As the temperatures drop, it’s a good time to take a closer look at your electrical system to make sure it’s ready for the added load of the season. In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to prepare your electrical panel for the holidays, so you can focus on enjoying this festive time of year.
Why Your Electrical Panel Needs Attention During the Holidays
During the holiday season, your electrical system gets a real workout. With more devices and appliances plugged in than usual, along with holiday lights both inside and outside, it’s critical to make sure your home electrical panel can handle the load. Most older panels are built to manage an average amount of electrical usage, but the holidays can put extra strain on even newer systems.
- This increased electrical load can lead to issues like:
- Tripping circuit breakers
- Flickering or dimming lights
- Electrical faults or fires
- Power surges
No one wants to deal with a power outage during Christmas dinner or while setting up the Christmas lights. The good news is that by taking the time to prepare your electrical system for the holidays, you can avoid these potential headaches.
Inspect Your Electrical Panel Before the Holiday Rush
One of the first things you should do before the holiday season ramps up is inspect your home’s electrical panel. While you might not be an electrician, you can still check for warning signs that something’s not quite right.
Here’s what to look for:
- Flickering lights: If you’ve noticed your lights flickering, especially when you plug in certain appliances or lights, that’s a sign that your panel might be overloaded.
- Scorch marks: Black or brown marks around your outlets or on the panel itself are clear signs of electrical problems.
- Hot spots: Feel your panel — if it’s warm or hot to the touch, that’s a red flag.
- Frequent breaker trips: If you’re constantly resetting breakers, your circuit breakers could be working overtime to keep up with the load.
These issues could mean it’s time to call in experienced electricians to evaluate your system and potentially recommend an electrical panel upgrade. Hickey offers electrical panel upgrades in Lynchburg, VA, and the surrounding areas, so don’t hesitate to give us a call.
Test Your Circuit Breakers
Your circuit breakers are the first line of defense in protecting your home’s electrical system from overload. A breaker trips when the electrical load exceeds the capacity of the circuit, preventing overheating and reducing the risk of fires. However, if your breakers are tripping frequently, it could signal an underlying issue with your panel’s capacity.
Before decking the halls with holiday decorations, take some time to test your circuit breakers. Flip each one off and on to make sure they reset properly. If any feel loose or don’t reset correctly, it may be time to replace them or consult with a professional about your panel’s overall condition.
Circuit Breaker Tips for Holiday Lights
Holiday lights can quickly add up to a big electrical draw, especially if you’re going for an elaborate display. Spread your holiday lighting across multiple circuits to prevent overloading a single one. This will help avoid tripping your breakers and keep your light display twinkling all season long.
Consider Upgrading Your Electrical Panel
If your home electrical panel is more than 15 to 20 years old, or if you’ve noticed frequent power surges or flickering lights, it might be time to think about an upgrade. Older electrical panels aren’t always equipped to handle the increased load of modern electrical devices and holiday decorations.
An upgraded panel will not only help you get through the holidays without any electrical issues, but it will also make your home safer and more efficient all year long. If you need help with a panel upgrade, Hickey’s team of electricians in Lynchburg is ready to assist.
Install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) for Outdoor Lights
Although it’s important to know how to prepare your electrical panel for the holidays, other parts of your electrical system also deserve some attention. For instance, if you’re hanging outdoor lighting or running electrical decorations outside, make sure you’re using ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). These devices automatically shut off the power if they detect a problem, such as moisture or a short circuit, making them essential for preventing electrical shocks and electrical fires.
In fact, GFCIs are now required by code for outdoor outlets and other areas prone to moisture, such as kitchens and bathrooms. If your home doesn’t already have them installed, it’s worth the investment to have an electrician put them in before setting up your outdoor holiday display.
Use Extension Cords and Power Strips Safely
With all the extra decorations and lights, it’s tempting to grab a few extra extension cords or power strips and call it a day. However, overloading these devices can lead to overheating, power outages, or worse — house fires. To stay safe, follow these tips:
- Don’t daisy-chain extension cords together. This can lead to overheating and electrical faults.
- Only use extension cords and lights that are rated for outdoor use if you’re decorating outside.
- Avoid overloading power strips by spreading your decorations across multiple outlets.
Remember, your home’s electrical system is designed to handle a certain load. Exceeding that load, especially during the holidays, can lead to serious safety hazards.
Watch for Warning Signs of Electrical Problems
It’s easy to get caught up in the holiday spirit and overlook the warning signs of electrical trouble. Here are a few to watch out for as you plug in your holiday decorations:
- Flickering lights: This could indicate an overloaded circuit or failing panel.
- Burning smells: Never ignore a burning odor coming from your outlets or panel — it could be a sign of an electrical fire.
- Hot outlets or switches: If any outlet or light switch feels warm to the touch, it’s time to call an electrician.
- Tripped breakers: As mentioned earlier, frequent trips may be a sign that your panel can’t handle the load.
If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s a good idea to call a professional electrician to inspect your home’s electrical system and make sure everything is safe.
Schedule a Professional Inspection With Hickey!
While holidays bring joy and celebration, they can also put a lot of extra strain on your home’s electrical system. When you take time to prepare your electrical panel for the upcoming holidays, you can avoid issues like power outages, overloaded circuits, or electrical fires.
If you’re unsure about the condition of your home electrical panel, it’s best to leave the inspection and repairs to the professionals. Hickey’s experienced electricians can inspect your panel, test your circuits, and identify any issues that need addressing before the holiday season kicks into high gear. Whether you need a simple repair or a full electrical panel upgrade, Hickey has the expertise to get your home ready for the festivities ahead.
Don’t Let Electrical Issues Spoil Your Holiday Fun
The holidays should be a time for enjoying family, friends, and festive decorations — not worrying about electrical problems. By taking a few steps now to prepare your electrical system for the holidays, you can focus on making memories with your loved ones.
If you need help getting your home electrical panel ready for the holiday season, don’t hesitate to reach out to the team at Hickey. Now that you know how to prepare your electrical panel for the holidays, schedule an inspection or panel upgrade with us today! Hickey is here to make sure your home is safe and ready to handle all the holiday excitement.