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Dangers of unattended christmas lights? by glitch2004-12-14 07:17:16
  There are several ways to consider this by VCA2004-12-14 07:24:03
    hmmm. GFCI/AFCI? by glitch2004-12-14 07:29:08
      Depends by vampire 2004-12-14 07:47:26
I'm assuming you are in the USA. Electrical code is updated fairly regularly (usually on a yearly basis). There is a National Electrical Code, but local municipalities may impose stricter guidelines. Of course, there's not a single building in the USA that actually meets code, but that's another story. Anyhow, unless your abode is fairly old, all exterior outlets should be protected by a GFI outlet. Arc Fault breakers and In-Use covers were only introduced in the past couple of years (in code requirements, they've been around longer). In-Use covers are used for exposed outlets. While somewhat inconvenient to use, they are worth the trouble (IMO). Just because something is protected does not mean it can't start a fire. It's just less likely to. Leaving any appliance or decorative light unattended is not a good idea. His wife was right, turn the Christmas lights off when you go to bed or leave the house. Let's assume some of the wires were nicked while you were putting up the tree. While you're out of the house the cat bats at the lights with her paws and causes some of the nick wires to cross. The lights short spark and flame for an instant, tripping the breaker. But, the tree catches on fire. If you don't believe this can happen. Take the cover off of a light switch and cross the neutral and hot wires. It'll pop flame and melt some of the wires and whatever you used to cross it. The breaker WILL trip, but you'll still have generated enough heat to melt metal. If a short can melt metal, it can just as easily ignite a Christmas tree.

Happy Holidays?
[ Reply ]
        But there's not enough time to generate heat by VCA2004-12-14 08:03:14
          Yes, but by vampire2004-12-14 08:10:09
            Exterior AFCI protection? by glitch2004-12-14 08:24:39
              Arc Faults are a bit out of my experience.... by vampire2004-12-15 10:15:51

 

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