Electrical Safety Tips During The Holiday Season

As the holiday season approaches, many homeowners will begin to decorate their homes with festive lighting displays. While this is a time-honored tradition, it also presents certain electrical risks. 

Ensuring electrical safety while decorating is essential to prevent accidents and damage. Here are some key electrical safety tips to follow as you deck the halls this holiday season.

1. Replace Missing or Broken Bulbs

Before you start decorating, inspect your string lights carefully. Look for broken sockets, frayed cords, or damaged plugs. If you find any defective bulbs or components, replace them right away to avoid electrical hazards.

2. Use UL-Listed Holiday Lights

When purchasing or using holiday lights, make sure they are UL-listed. UL (Underwriters Laboratories) is a trusted safety certification that ensures the lights meet rigorous safety standards. UL-listed lights are designed to withstand moisture, humidity, and other environmental factors, making them safer for both indoor and outdoor use.

3. Turn Off Your Lights

To reduce the risk of electrical hazards, always turn off your Christmas lights before going to bed or leaving the house. Consider using an automatic timer to control when the lights turn on and off. This not only conserves energy but also provides an added layer of protection against electrical risks when you're not around.

4. Distribute the Load

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that U.S. fire departments respond to an average of 835 residential fires each year due to Christmas decorations. One way to prevent overloading circuits is to distribute the electrical load. Avoid plugging multiple strings of lights into a single extension cord or circuit, as this can strain the outlet and increase the risk of overheating or fire.

Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the maximum number of light strings that can be safely connected. Exceeding the recommended wattage can overload the circuit, leading to potential fire hazards.

5. Plug Into GFCI Outlets

If you’re using lights outdoors, make sure they are plugged into a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlet. GFCIs can detect dangerous voltage surges and shut down the circuit before an electrical hazard occurs. If you don’t have GFCI outlets installed, contact a licensed electrician to install them. A professional electrician can provide additional electrical safety tips and ensure that your setup complies with current safety standards.

6. Place Your Lights Strategically

When hanging lights, be mindful of where you place them. Avoid draping strings of lights over bushes, tree branches, or utility poles, as this can lead to accidental damage or electrical hazards. Instead, use anchoring pins or ground staples to secure lights safely. Additionally, avoid letting light strands touch the ground, as they can pose tripping hazards when not in use.

Planning your light placement ahead of time is a good idea to ensure both aesthetic appeal and electrical safety. If you're unsure about how to set up your lights safely, consider consulting a licensed electrician.

7. Safeguard Your Trees

A beautifully decorated Christmas tree can be a centerpiece of your home, but it's important to ensure that it’s set up safely. Keep your tree away from heat sources such as fireplaces, radiators, and TVs. 

To ensure your tree is safe for decorating:

• Avoid using candle-lit decorations.
• Never leave lights on unattended.
• Routinely check your outlets to ensure they are not overheating.
• Inspect for faulty wiring or loose bulbs.
• Make sure your artificial tree is fire-resistant.
• If you have a real tree, recycle it after the holidays and remove any lights as the tree begins to dry out.

8. Have A Designated Outdoor Circuit

Avoid running extension cords through windowsills or door cracks, as this can damage the cords and create a fire risk. A safer solution is to install a designated outdoor circuit for your holiday lighting. A licensed electrician can install an outdoor GFCI outlet and help you set up a safe, dedicated circuit for your outdoor lights.

9. Take Down Your Lights 

While it might be tempting to leave your holiday lights up year-round, it’s not recommended from a safety perspective. Check the manufacturer’s guidelines to determine how long you can safely leave your lights up. After the season ends, take down your decorations promptly to avoid wear and tear on the lights and reduce the risk of electrical hazards. 

10. Be Aware Of Children And Pets

During the holidays, households often see more traffic from children and pets. It's crucial to keep them safe from electrical hazards. Avoid allowing pets or children to tug on or play with string lights. Also, ensure that light strands aren’t hidden under rugs or passing through door cracks, where they could become damaged or pose a tripping hazard.

Practice Electrical Safety With Randy’s Electric

Holiday lights are a wonderful way to express your festive spirit, but safety should always be a priority. At Randy’s Electric, we understand the importance of electrical safety during the holiday season. If you need assistance with safely installing your Christmas lights or have concerns about your home’s electrical system, don’t hesitate to contact our licensed electricians. We can help ensure your holiday season is both joyful and safe.