Safety Tips for Holiday Lighting
Always plug the outdoor lights into GFCI outlets.
Everyone eagerly looks forward to the holiday season to meet family and friends, share gifts, prepare delicious home-cooked meals, and illuminate their homes with an array of attractive lights. Lighting is an inseparable part of the holiday season. It adds magic, warmth, and festivity to the seasonal celebrations.
While decorating the home with holiday lights is fun, it poses various electrical hazards that can compromise the home and family’s safety. When installed incorrectly, holiday lighting increases the risk of electrical shock and house fires. Holiday lights and other decorative lighting result in hundreds of home fires yearly, and thousands of Americans end up in the ER due to injuries involving extension cords and holiday decorations. Follow these holiday lighting safety tips to ensure a safe and merry season.
Inspect the lights
After taking out holiday lights from storage:
Inspect each light strand thoroughly for signs of wear and tear. If the lights have broken bulbs, frayed wires, loose connections, and other damages, do not use them.
Buy new LED lights to prevent short circuits.
Check the extension cords for tears or abrasions.
Use lights appropriate for the intended use
Buy new holiday lights that are high-quality, safety-tested, and approved by a recognized organization. Always buy LED lights as they are more durable, do not overheat, and use significantly less energy than incandescent bulbs. Purchase lights and extension cords approved for outdoor use to decorate the exteriors. Using indoor lights outdoors can result in electrical failures. Outdoor lights and cords have appropriate materials and safety features to withstand external situations.
Avoid overloading electrical outlets
Do not plug in too many lights into a circuit to prevent overloading. Check the manufacturer’s instructions and circuit label to know how many lights the circuit can handle. Too many string lights in a single outlet can lead to overheating. Use power strips with surge protection and stay mindful of the total wattage to avoid tripped breakers.
Use GFCI outlets to plug outdoor lights
Always plug the outdoor lights into GFCI outlets. GFCI outlets are weather-resistant and provide valuable protection by automatically shutting down the power supply to the lights upon detecting wet conditions. This automatic shutdown feature prevents electric shocks.
Install lights safely and correctly
Safe installation should remain the top priority. Use proper equipment and safety gear while hanging lights and secure them correctly. Avoid using nails or metal staples to install the lights. Consider plastic clips, hangers, or hooks to protect the wiring and insulation from damage. These are available in various shapes and sizes and are easier to install and remove.
Additional tips
Consider programmable timers to avoid leaving them on accidentally and regulate energy usage.
Turn off lights at night and when away from home
Keeps combustibles away
Always keep a fire extinguisher handy
Do not run extension cords under rugs or near walkways
Take down the lighting after holidays to protect them from damage caused by inclement weather.
Take adequate measures to protect lights against pet damage.
Safely light the home with holiday cheer!
Homeowners should take the necessary precautions when installing lighting to ensure a safe and enjoyable festive season. Contact a local electrician for more safety tips and assistance lighting up the home for the holidays.
If you need a fast, affordable electrician for your home or business, call RSB Electrical at 480-485-4284.
