News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Overloading your power strips and wall outlets while decorating for Christmas can be a fire hazard without the right precautions.
Sparta Fire Chief Kirk Young said using extension cords with the correct wattage ratings is a good first step when decorating.
“They make tree Christmas extension cords that have like two or three sockets,” Young said. “That would be my suggestion to anybody that wants to put a lot of lights on it.”
Young said it is recommended to use a 16-gauge cord if running a distance of less than 25 feet. Young said any distance further than that, a 14-gauge cord should be used.
“It will say on there how many plugs, or you can look it up online,” Young said. “There are some that are green with three different sockets, and you can put up to two per socket.”
Young said check first for cord damages, never place your extension cords under furniture or rugs and always unplug the extension cord from the end of the wall socket. Young said the amount plugs used all depends on the rating of your outlet.
