This time of year is filled with joy and celebration, but it’s also when electrical decorations and devices are used the most! Keep your home and loved ones protected with these essential electrical safety tips.

Choose Safe Products

• When purchasing gifts or decorations, ensure all electrical products have a recognized Canadian electrical approval mark.
• You can review a list of approved marks on the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) website.
• Report any incidents or hazards with consumer products to Health Canada.

Inspect Before You Decorate

• Check all electrical decorations for signs of aging, fraying, or damage.
• Dispose of and replace anything damaged, faulty décor can overheat circuits and start fires.
• Confirm your decorations have recognized Canadian electrical approval marks.
• Never use modified an electrical product.

Choose the Right Décor for the Location

• Outdoor-rated products are weatherproof and UV-resistant; they can be used indoors or outdoors.
• Indoor-rated products should never be used outside. They can degrade and create shock hazards.

Install Lights Safely

• Be mindful when connecting light strings together.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Use clips, not staples or nails, to secure lights. These can damage cords and create hazards.
• Keep bulbs away from cords, wires, cloth, or paper.

Extra Precautions Outdoors

• Check for overhead powerlines before using ladders.
• Plug decorations into GFCI-protected outlets.
• Keep all electrical connections above ground and away from water.
• Never remove the third prong on plugs. It’s a critical safety feature.

Manage Power Wisely

• Avoid overloading extension cords or circuits.
• Use power bars, not multi-outlet adapters.
• If fuses blow or circuits trip often, reduce the load immediately.
• Never run extension cords under carpets, through windows, or where furniture can damage them.

Turn Off Lights When Away

• Always turn off holiday lights before bed or leaving the house.
• Consider using timers for convenience and safety.

Protect Children and Pets

• Keep cords and decorations out of reach.
• Never allow children or pets to play with electrical items.

After the Holidays

• Take down decorations promptly. Most are not designed for year-round use.
• Store them in a cool, dry place, loosely wrapped and organized.