Lighting it up for the Holidays

[Rich Thomas]

  The Christmas season is by far the most Electric in more ways than one. Please be aware that the most lethal source of accidental electrocution in the US is common household 120/130 volts A.C.. While we celebrate the season lets also make sure that we use good judgement with our decorations. If decorating with lights make sure they are appropriate for the application. Use out door lights for out doors and indoor lights in side. 

  If you plan to decorate out side with lights make sure you use an approved ground fault interrupting outlet or a stand alone power plug ins with built in G.F.I..found where you purchase out door lighting such as Lowe's, Walmart and others  

  If you plan on decorating your camper it can be a double edge sword, For most but not all of us in Classic RV's should be thinking about metal siding, water(rain) and electric. I don't want to scare anyone out of decorating their camper but please make sure you are plugged into a power source that is G.F.I. protected and test it. When you plug strings together use a good quality plastic electrical tape like Scotch 33 and double wrap the gap where the two meet. Also inspect each strand for abrasions,bare wires and missing bulbs. If found discard them it's not worth taking a chance. For inside lighting keep bulbs from ignition sources like wrapping paper and of coerce water is still a hazard in side as well. Modern LED lights have greatly reduced the hazards from heat but they still use and are just as prone to shock if they get into a water source or bare wire's in contact with metal siding especially wet metal siding.

 We can all have a safe and enjoyable Christmas season with just a little bit of preparation and do diligence.

Please Have a Safe and Marry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah 

  

 

[Lakota Wolf]

Excellent advice Rich,, You hit it right on the head with Bare metal,rain and electricity.. RV's are NOT Perfect grounds when connected to Shore power, There are several Rv'ers here that have strung a few lights and the majority of them took the SAFE path when lighting them up. They are plugging directly into the Power meter box ,that already have GFI's installed in them.. The power box is already *grounded, and the GFI's are an added security measure the RV park put in to save from roasting outlets when over loaded with 2 or 3 window a/c units running off a 50 ft, low grade extension cord,, (yes, people will do that and not think twice). Your advice on using exterior for outside and interior for inside is great advice,,  and if people are going to use the old school exterior bulbs,, take into consideration that those bulbs do get warm/hot and can ruin some of the newer plastic sidings, or even scar metal siding along with paint and striping.. Just an F.Y.I... don't turn your lights on during heavy rains,, electricity loves water and can actually energize the exterior of your RV, especially if its metal.