Top 10 Pre Lit Artificial Christmas Tree Safety Tips
by James Allen, Holiday, Home & Family Tradition
1. UL Listed Christmas Lights
UL Listed means that the lights are certified by
Underwriter Laboratories, Inc. (UL). UL knows a thing
or two about Christmas lights as they have certified
Christmas lights since 1905. Make absolutely certain
the lights installed on the Christmas tree are UL
Listed. Each string of Christmas lights on a pre lit
Christmas tree should have the "UL Listed" tag
attached near the plug.
2. Non-Twist Light Sockets
The bulbs in cheap Christmas lights can easily twist
in their sockets. Ensure the bulbs on the Christmas
light strings have an anti-twist mechanism in the bulb
and socket. This provides safety and reliability by
preventing the bulb from twisting in the socket. Most
inexpensive Christmas lights are easily twisted in the
socket causing the light and string to go out. In the
worst cases, a twisted light could create a fire
hazard.
This is particularly important in homes with small
children.
3. Single Pole versus Frame Tree
The majority of residential Christmas trees are"Single Pole" construction which means there is one
pole in the center of the tree where all branches
attach. This method of construction can be used for
trees up to 12-14 feet high.
Above 12-14 feet, "Frame Tree" construction is the
preferred method. Frame Tree construction means there
is a steel frame resembling a cone-shaped jungle gym
with branches attached to the frame. Frame Tree
construction trees are a must for outdoor Christmas
tree installations. The high quality frame trees are
designed so the frame can be secured to the ground or
a structure.
4. Steel versus Plastic Tree Stands
Many manufacturers use plastic for the base of their
trees. Plastic bases should be avoided as the base of
the tree must securely withstand the weight of the
tree. Plastic tree stands may flex or break.
5. Rolling Christmas Tree Stand
A decorated Christmas tree may weight 30-60% more
than an undecorated tree. For this reason, it is
recommended that a Christmas tree stand with wheels
attached is used if there is any chance you will need
to move your tree. A fully decorated Christmas tree is
too heavy to safely move without a rolling stand.
6. Weight Distribution
The weight distribution of a Christmas tree is
critical. The weight of the branches should be
distributed over the center pole or frame of the tree.
Weight distribution is critical for homes with small
children and for outdoor commercial Christmas trees.
7. Flame-Retardant Materials
The materials used to manufacture the Christmas tree
should be flame retardant to ensure the tree does not
become a fire accelerator. The most common materials
used on a flame-retardant Christmas tree are polyvinyl
chloride (PVC) and polyethylene.
8. Christmas Light Maintenance
Many miniature light strings manufactured today stay
lit if one or two bulbs burn out. It is important to
look once or twice a week for burned out bulbs.
Consequently, if a bulb burns out, the other lights
take on more power. For example, if 5 lights burn out
on a 25-light string of lights, each remaining light
takes on 25% more electricity. This causes all
remaining lights to burn out very rapidly and ruin the
sockets as well.
9. Wash your hands
It does not matter if you have an artificial
Christmas tree or a real/fresh cut Christmas tree, you
should wash your hands after you decorate the tree.
Both artificial and fresh cut trees are not something
you want to put in your mouth.
10. Use a surge protector
A pre lit Christmas tree is not as important as the
home computer but at least plug the tree into a surge
protector. This protects your investment in the tree
from power surges. Most importantly, the switch on the
surge protector makes it easy to not forget the most
important point of pre lit Christmas tree safety --
Shut off the lights before leaving the house or going
to bed!!!
Have a safe and happy holiday season.
About the Author
James Allen is the Christmas tree expert at Christmas Tree
For Me, LLC. To learn more from James, please visit the
Christmas Tree Buyer's Guide on www.ChristmasTreeForMe.com.
Otherwise, call 877-241-3593 or email
service@ChristmasTreeForMe.com
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