Holiday Lighting

Decorate your business and celebrate the season with energy-saving and safety tips from FPL:

1. Use LED lights whenever possible. Not only do they burn at a cooler temperature, but they use 90 percent less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs.
2. When using ladders to install lights, look up and look out! Be aware of the location of overhead power lines and stay at least 10 feet away from them, including anything you are holding.
3. Inspect all lights prior to installation and encourage your employees to report any defective lights to a supervisor. Discard any lights with broken sockets, frayed or bare wires or loose connections.
4. Replace burned-out bulbs with ones of the same type and wattage as recommended by the manufacturer.
5. Check your business's lighting display to ensure it doesn't present a trip hazard for customers. String lights and extension cords should never run across walkways.
6. Don't hang holiday lights on metal ornamental trees. This will help reduce the possibility of electric shock.
7. Follow manufacturer recommendations and use the right lights for your application - only use indoor lights inside and outdoor lights outside.
8. Ensure your outdoor outlets are GFCI-protected (ground fault circuit interrupters) to protect against electric shock hazards. Portable GFCIs can be purchased where electrical supplies are sold and permanent GFCIs can be installed by a qualified electrician.
9. Appropriately sized timers will help you control your lights when your business is closed. Don't leave holiday lights on overnight. It's safest to switch them off when you leave your premises.
10. Never pull or tug on strings of lights; this could cause stress on connections, which might create a fire hazard.
11. What's the best way to store your lights for next season? Choose a dry, secure place, away from damp or potential water damage. Cardboard boxes deteriorate and can encourage insect or rodent infestation. Sealable plastic storage boxes make good alternatives.