Safe Use of Christmas Lights
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Dry trees and improper use of Christmas lights can lead to holiday tragedy. Here are some ways you can minimize chances of trouble:
* Use lights and bulbs approved by Underwriters Laboratories. These burn cooler and meet stricter safety requirements.
* Do not use outdoor bulbs indoors; they generate more heat, which dries the tree faster and may cause it to ignite.
* Minilights generate less heat and are safer.
Minilights
Watts: 0.72 each
Maximum heat
UL-approved: Cannot exceed 194 degrees
Non-UL-approved: Varies, could exceed 230 degrees
Some decorations, usually tree toppers, are equipped with special 12-volt minilights. Do not use these bulbs in combination with lower-voltage minilights.
Large bulbs
Watts: 7-9 each
Maximum heat
UL-approved: Cannot exceed 194 degrees
Non-UL-approved: Varies, could exceed 300 degrees
Fire Facts
A dry tree can be totally consumed by fire in three seconds, generating such intense heat that surrounding furnishings, walls and window coverings ignite in less than a minute.
More Information: Orange County Fire Authority Web site at https://www.ocfa.org; Underwriters Laboratories Web site at https://www.ul.com .
Tree Tips
* Purchase a tree that has been treated with flame-retardant material.
* Needles should be springy and difficult to pull off the tree.
* Position the tree away from fireplaces, heaters, sunny windows or other sources of heat.
* Do not block exits with the tree or rearranged furniture.
* Keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
* Dispose of the tree once it becomes dry. Do not burn it in your fireplace.
* Allow space around the tree to ventilate heat generated by lights
* Check cords for loose plugs and frayed or exposed wires; when in doubt, throw them out.
* Do not allow pets or children to chew cords.
* Small replacement bulbs are a choking hazard; keep away from children.
* Tighten bulbs in sockets to prevent arcing.
* Make sure exterior lights are approved for outdoor use.
* Do not link more than three strands of lights to one extension cord.
* Plug lights into a multiple-socket surge protector or ground-fault circuit interrupter, which acts as a safety fuse.
* Turn off lights before leaving the house or going to bed.
Celebrating the Season on a Massive Scale
Big Christmas trees like the 115-foot one at Fashion Island require careful calculating and balancing of electrical load. It is lighted using multiple, heavy-gauge cords and larger light bulbs than those used for residential decorations. Power comes from a main transformer beneath the tree.
* In an average home, five to seven wall receptacles are connected to each 15-20 amp circuit breaker. If the combined power use on all of those outlets exceeds capacity, the circuit breaker trips.
Amperage Comparison:
Less than two amps: average home Christmas tree with three 100-light strings of minilights
300 amps: Fashion Island Christmas tree with 17,000 lights
Source: Orange County Fire Authority; Underwriters Laboratories; Matt Segal, maintenance director, Fashion Island
Graphics reporting by JANICE JONES DODDS and PAUL DUGINSKI / Los Angeles Times
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