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.
Bill Quinn is the Christmas tree expert at ChristmasTreeForMe.com To learn more from Bill, please review our Christmas Tree Buyer's Guide.
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