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Holiday Lighting Resources
Holiday Lighting News and Resources
EnergyIdeas Features
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Holiday Lighting in the News
Purchasing LED Holiday Lights
More and more retailers throughout the region are carrying LED holiday lights, and there continue to be new colors and styles introduced. If you are planning to purchase a large quantity for a commercial display, we recommend that you place your order February-May to ensure availability during the following holiday season.
Ask about LED lights at your local retailers. Let them know you are interested and they just might purchase them for next year. Tell them to contact the EnergyIdeas Clearinghouse for objective technical information or vendor information..
Warranty:
LED lights are expected to last a long time and the warranties offered vary. They run from one to ten years. They may require returning to place of purchase, or returning to the distributor with proof of purchase. In case you need to exercise the warranty keep a copy of the one that comes with your lights, the receipt and proof of purchase together with your lights. If you have a lot of sets from various sources identify each string to match with the above information. Be sure to read any limitations on the warranty. Seasonal products are not intended for year around exposure to weather and sunlight.
For online ordering, visit the following websites.
You can search the Internet for other suppliers by using combinations of these keywords in your favorite search engine:
- holiday light
- led
- Christmas light
- rope light
- Halloween light
- holiday display lighting
- energy efficient
Commercial Design Resources
Be Safe, Be Smart !
(Tips compiled from the California Energy Commission and Alliance to Save Energy)
- Make sure all lights you purchase contain the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) label, which means they meet UL safety requirements.
- While you're reading labels, be sure you're buying the right set--for indoor use, outdoor use, or both.
- Before installation, check for frayed wires, damaged sockets, or cracked insulation. If you find any defects, replace the entire set.
- All outdoor cords, plugs and sockets must be weatherproof. Keep electrical connections off the ground, and make sure wiring is kept clear of drainpipes and railings to prevent any risk of shock. Use a ground fault circuit interrupter on each circuit.
- Don't overload your electrical circuits. Circuits in older homes carry a maximum of 1800 watts each. Most newer homes can handle 2400 watts each. To determine how many watts you're using, multiply the number of holiday bulbs by the number of watts per bulb. (If you're not sure of the wattage, use 10 watts per bulb just to be safe!) When you're calculating the total, don't forget to include appliances, normal lighting, and other electrical equipment already running on the same circuit.
- Remember that hot bulbs can ignite dry tree branches. To avoid disaster, keep trees well watered and keep extension cords and light strings away from the water. For safety's sake, light your tree only when you are at home and awake to enjoy it. As an extra precaution, keep a fire extinguisher handy, and be sure your home's smoke detectors have new batteries and that they're working properly.
- Turn Christmas lights off during the day or when you are away or when you are asleep. Timers are a simple way to do this and also are a safety measure since lights can cause fires if not used properly. For safety's sake: Always unplug your lights before going to bed or leaving home.
- Protect little fingers: Make sure there's a bulb in each socket. If a bulb is burned out, leave it in until you have a replacement.
- To prevent electrical shock, never use electric decorations on artificial trees with metallic needles, leaves, or branches. Instead, place colored spotlights above or beside the tree-never attached to it. Make sure artificial trees are flame retardant.
- Take the lights down after the holidays! No need to light up the night until spring!
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