How To Keep Your Holiday Lights Bright and Safe
Holiday lights bring a warm, cozy glow to your home and Minnesota neighborhood, adding a touch of holiday magic to ordinary winter nights. Before you deck the halls and turn on your holiday display, take a few minutes to ensure you’re setting up safely. Here’s a comprehensive nine step holiday safety guide on choosing and maintaining the holiday lights so you can brighten the season without worrying about fire hazards or electric shocks.
Holiday Safety Tip #1: Pick the Right Lights for Your Setup
If you’re looking for long-lasting, energy-efficient lights, LED is the way to go. They use about 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, produce very little heat, and can last up to 25,000 hours. Compare that to incandescent lights, which use more electricity, generate heat, and typically last around 1,000 hours before burning out. While LED lights cost a bit more upfront, their longevity and safety make them a solid investment for years of holiday decorating.
Remember to consider bulb style and shape. Holiday lights come in all shapes and sizes. Whether you like mini-lights, large C7 and C9 bulbs, or something more unique, ensure you’re choosing bulbs rated for the environment in which you’re using them in. Packaging should tell you if they are safe for outdoor or indoor use. This affects how long they will last and minimizes safety risks.
Tip #2: Inspect Your Lights Before Decorating
Before you begin stringing lights around your home, check the wiring, bulbs, and connections. A little pre-check can prevent potential problems later. We also want to make sure the outlet works.
- Check for Frayed Wires or Exposed Connections: Fraying or exposure increases the chance of electric shock or a short circuit. Throw out any damaged strings to avoid risks.
- Look for Burnt-Out or Broken Bulbs: Even if you’ve stored them safely, bulbs can break or burn out. Replace any faulty ones to ensure a continuous, even glow.
- Test Each String: Plug each set of lights into an outlet to confirm they work before you start hanging them. What could be more frustrating than realizing there’s a problem after they’re already up?
Tip #3: Use the Right Lights in the Right Places
Holiday lights are designed with different settings in mind, so be sure to use outdoor-rated lights for exterior displays and indoor-only lights inside. Outdoor lights are built to withstand elements like rain, snow, and temperature fluctuations. Indoor lights, on the other hand, aren’t as tough. Using them outdoors can lead to electrical issues or even fires. Check each box for an outdoor rating before starting your setup.
Tip #4: Don’t Overload Your Outlets
Plugging all your holiday lights into one outlet can be tempting, but overloading a socket can cause overheating or fire. Here are some simple ways to keep your lights safely powered:
Follow the Manufacturer’s Instructions: Each set of lights has a recommended maximum number of strings you can safely connect end-to-end. LED lights can handle many strings (sometimes up to 50), while incandescent lights max out at around 3-5.
Use Surge-Protected Power Strips: These add a layer of safety by limiting the current if things get too hot.
Spread Out the Load: Instead of relying on a single outlet, distribute your lights across multiple ones in different rooms or use different circuits outside.
Tip #5: Secure Outdoor Lights Properly
If your lights need to reach outlets that aren’t nearby, use outdoor-rated extension cords designed to handle moisture and temperature changes. These cords are insulated to keep moisture out, which is important for avoiding electrical shorts.
Please skip the nails, staples, and tacks—they can puncture the wire and cause a fire hazard. Instead, opt for plastic light clips specifically made for outdoor holiday lights. These clips securely attach lights to gutters, rooflines, and other surfaces without damaging cords.
Safety Tip #6: Place Lights to Avoid Hazards
Avoid placing lights near anything that could easily catch fire, like curtains, dry leaves, or paper decorations. Keep lights away from flammable decorations, fabrics, and carpets. These easy precautions can help prevent accidents caused by overheating or sparks.
Run light cords in low-traffic areas to reduce the risk of people tripping or accidentally pulling them down. If you must place them in high-traffic areas, use cord protectors or tape them securely to the floor or wall to keep them out of harm’s way.
Tip #7: Use Timers and Smart Plugs to Save Energy
Holiday lights don’t need to be on 24/7. Use timers or smart plugs to automatically turn off your lights during daylight or late at night. Of course, this will help you save on electricity, but it will also prevent overheating. Some smart plugs let you control lights from your phone, making it even easier to manage your display.
Tip #8: Proper Maintenence Will Help Your Lights Last Longer
Remember that burned-out bulbs or blown fuses reduce the lifespan of the entire strand, so replace these as soon as you notice them. Most sets come with a few replacement bulbs and fuses.
Pack your lights carefully once the holidays are over to keep them in good shape for next year.
- Dry Them Thoroughly: Moisture left on lights can cause corrosion, so ensure they’re completely dry before storing.
- Wrap Carefully: Avoid tangled messes by wrapping lights around a cardboard or plastic spool. This helps prevent stretching or knotting, which can damage wires.
- Store in a Dry Place: Keep your lights in a cool, dry area—extreme temperatures or dampness can lead to quick deterioration.
Safety Tip #9: Keep Pets and Kids Safe Around Holiday Lights
Kids and pets are naturally curious and may find holiday lights and cords irresistible to tug or chew. To prevent accidents, keep cords safely out of reach or hidden behind furniture whenever possible. In high-traffic areas, use cord protectors to secure them in place to reduce the risk of tripping or pulling. Opt for shatterproof bulbs for added safety, which won’t create sharp shards if they break.
Read Our Blog To Learn More About Home Electrical Safety!
If you have enjoyed our safety tips for holiday lights, learn more with us. Our blog is packed with practical advice and insights to keep your home’s electrical systems safe, efficient, and up-to-date. Accredited Electric is here to empower you with accurate, reliable information for a safer, smarter home.
If you discover that an indoor or outdoor outlet isn’t working while setting up your holiday lights, or if you want to install a new outlet to better suit your needs, we’re here to help!
For hands-on support with any electrical needs, don’t hesitate to contact the Accredited Electric team! Our licensed professionals are ready to assist with upgrades to your home’s safety and efficiency. Call 763-355-5898 today!