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can you leave an artificial tree plugged in

by Felicita Huels Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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"Although Balsam Hill trees are all fire-resistant, we still recommend not to leave your artificial Christmas trees plugged in overnight for the safety of your trees and ornaments while you are asleep or not around."

Fire risks are present when using an artificial tree due to the electrical component of lights built into an artificial tree. Because of this, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends always turning off Christmas tree lights of any kind "before leaving home or going to bed."Nov 19, 2019

Full Answer

Are artificial trees safer than live trees?

While artificial trees pose fewer safety concerns than live trees, they don't really have the same look, feel, and smell as live trees. Whether you choose live or artificial, each type of tree comes with its own set of fire safety concerns.

Should I buy a live or artificial Christmas tree?

When choosing a Christmas tree, the biggest decision most people have to make is whether to purchase a live tree or to pull the artificial tree from the attic. While artificial trees pose fewer safety concerns than live trees, they don't really have the same look, feel, and smell as live trees.

Can artificial trees catch on fire?

Even flame retardant or flame resistant artificial trees can eventually succumb to a fire as their resistance wears off when completely consumed in flames. By following the instructions on light packaging, you can determine how many light strings you can safely connect.

Are pre lit Christmas Trees Dangerous?

Even if not recalled, pre-lit artificial trees can pose electrical shock hazards and fire risks from exposed wiring, wiring that is too short, or cords that aren't plugged in completely. The longer it sits after the holidays, the drier your tree gets and the higher your fire risk becomes.

When Should You Unplug Your Artificial Tree?

Why do Christmas trees burn?

Do artificial trees have cords?

Can artificial trees prevent fires?

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Should I unplug my Christmas tree at night?

Don't Leave Lights on Overnight or While Gone From Home Whether your tree is live or artificial, unplug the tree lights before leaving the house or going to bed. If you have these holiday decorations, watch out for these fire hazards.

Can Christmas tree be lit all night?

Turn them off before bed and when you leave the house. If Christmas lights are left on for too long, they can get hot and become a fire hazard. For this reason, Sharon Cooksey, fire safety educator at Kidde, says to turn your lights off when you go to sleep or leave your home.

Can you store artificial tree in garage?

The best place to store your tree is in a dry, clean and temperature-controlled location. This is why a basement or a closet is a better place to store your tree than in an attic or in a garage, assuming your basement remains dry.

How long can you leave Christmas lights plugged in?

The truth is, it depends on many factors, including how often you turn them off. We recommend leaving lights on for approximately 4-6 hours each evening rather than flicking them on and off throughout the day.

Will my fake Christmas tree catch fire?

Replace artificial trees to maintain fire retardant Real trees are more dangerous when it comes to fire, but artificial trees are also vulnerable to fire. Depending on the age of the tree, even flame-resistant artificial trees can be a fire hazard as the flame retardant can wear off over time.

What is the best way to store an artificial tree?

Regardless of which bag you choose, make sure it's water-resistant. Carefully place each piece of your tree into the bag. If your tree is on the larger side, err on the side of an extra-large storage bag-you don't want to squish your branches. Finally, store your bag in a cool, dry place.

How long should you keep a fake Christmas tree?

Most Americans plan to keep their artificial trees for ten years; however, the average usable lifespan is six years. It's a good idea to research the company and product quality before making your purchase. Artificial trees can last for years and even come with 1-10-year warranties.

Where do you store fake Christmas trees?

Because the decorated tree cannot be disassembled to store, it needs to be stored upright, fully decorated with all parts intact. The best way to store and protect a permanently-decorated tree is by using a decorated upright tree storage bag.

Should you leave your Christmas lights on all night?

It's okay to leave outdoor Christmas lights on all night. However, using a timer to turn them off late at night saves energy. LED Christmas lights are safer to leave on than traditional lights because they produce much less heat. Leaving outdoor Christmas lights on all night usually does not pose any safety issue.

Can you leave your artificial Christmas tree lights on all night?

Fire risks are present when using an artificial tree due to the electrical component of lights built into an artificial tree. Because of this, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends always turning off Christmas tree lights of any kind "before leaving home or going to bed."

How long should Christmas lights be on at night?

You can take them down anytime after New Year's Day, but before January 6th—that's Three Kings Day and the last of the 12 days of Christmas. Even if your lights celebrate a different faith this holiday season, the Black-Friday-to-Three-Kings-Day window is still a great guideline.

Is it safe to leave Christmas lights on a real tree?

But, did you know that a real tree can catch fire a lot quicker than a fire retardant artificial one, so consider buying one of the fabulous fakes that are available - the only time Electrical Safety First will advise you to buy a "fake"! If you do have a real Christmas tree: Make sure that you keep it well watered.

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How to keep a tree alive?

Keeping the tree alive starts with choosing one that hasn't turned into firewood before it leaves the lot. Your best bet is to buy a tree that is still growing and cut it yourself (or have someone cut it for you). If you are buying a pre-cut tree, make sure it is still alive and healthy. Pull on the needles. If they come off easily, it's not in great shape. The trunk should be sticky and the limbs should be very flexible. Lift the tree and bounce the cut end on the ground. If a significant number of needles fall off, it isn't a safe tree to take home.

Can you burn a tree after the holidays?

The longer it sits after the holidays, the drier your tree gets and the higher your fire risk becomes. Never dispose of your tree by burning it. A burning tree is hard to control and may burn much faster than you expect. Burning tree clippings in a fireplace can result in a chimney fire. Pine and fir trees also produce a lot of creosote when burning, which can lead to deposits on the chimney that can cause fires later.

Can artificial trees catch fire?

It's easy for any tree, real or artificial, to catch fire when decorators overload electrical sockets with lights. Even flame retardant or flame resistant artificial trees can eventually succumb to a fire as their resistance wears off when completely consumed in flames. By following the instructions on light packaging, you can determine how many light strings you can safely connect.

When Should You Unplug Your Artificial Tree?

Because of this, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends always turning off Christmas tree lights of any kind "before leaving home or going to bed."

Why do Christmas trees burn?

The cause of one in every four home Christmas tree fires stems from electrical problems, the NFPA reported. This can definitely become an issue quickly with artificial trees that use electricity to keep the lights on, and become especially dangerous and damaging if you are not home or are asleep when a fire begins.

Do artificial trees have cords?

The cords of artificial trees are where much of the danger can lie, according to Austin. "Inspect cords for physical damage prior to use after unpacking," he says. "Also be careful of cord placement, and do not create a tripping hazard by placement across walking areas."

Can artificial trees prevent fires?

When purchasing an artificial tree, there are steps you can take to help prevent a fire from igniting. A representative from artificial tree manufacturer Balsam Hill explained to Romper via email that looking for an artificial tree with certain safety elements can help reduce fire risks, including purchasing a tree that features a flame retardant compound.

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