Holiday lights can be a beautiful part of the holiday season. Unfortunately, they can also pose a fire hazard, especially when homeowners fail to take proper precautions. Keeping important tips in mind ensures that you can have the gorgeous, festive lights you love without a high fire risk.
Use GFCI Outlets Outdoors
Ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets are essential for outdoor use. They reduce the risk of electrical shock and fire, especially in areas exposed to moisture. Always plug outdoor lights into GFCI outlets and use weather-resistant covers to protect the connection. For the safest setup, have a professional install the outlets and covers.
Turn Off Decorations
You should never leave your holiday lights on when you’re not home or while you’re sleeping. If a fire erupts, no one will be awake or home to notice. Timers are a safe way to ensure lights aren’t left on accidentally, but manual control can also be effective if you’re diligent.
Use LED Lights Instead of Incandescent Lights
LED lights run much cooler than incandescent lights, which helps reduce fire risk. If you reuse the same light strings each year, check to see whether they are LED and consider replacing any that are not. As a bonus, LED lights use less electricity, helping keep your utility costs down.
Don’t Overload Outlets, Power Strips, or Extension Cords
Just because an outlet or power strip has multiple receptacles doesn’t mean it can handle multiple high-wattage decorations at the same time. Plugging too many lights and displays into a single source can cause overheating behind the wall or inside the strip. It’s also unsafe to connect extension cords together. This practice creates extra resistance and heat along the length of the cord, increasing the risk of shocks and fires. Use one extension cord per outlet, and choose cords that are rated for outdoor use.
Avoid Overloading Your Electrical Panel
Your home’s electrical panel is designed to handle a specific amount of power at one time. When holiday lights and everyday appliances run simultaneously, the system can become overloaded. This can lead to tripped breakers, flickering lights, or dangerously overheated wiring. If you notice these signs during the holidays, it’s a good idea to reduce the load.
Use Indoor and Outdoor Products Properly
Holiday lights are generally labeled as being for indoor or outdoor use. While you can use outdoor lights inside, you should never use indoor lights outside. Outdoor lights can withstand the elements, whereas indoor lights can’t. Using them incorrectly could lead to a fire or electrical shock.
Inspect All Lights and Decorations Before Use
Look over all your lights and electrical decorations before displaying them. This is important to do for both new and used lights. Check for problems like loose connections, cracked bulbs, and frayed wiring. If you spot any issues, it’s best to forego using those items. Even minor problems could result in a fire or personal injury.
Get Older Decorations Professionally Inspected
Vintage and antique holiday decorations are increasingly popular. However, they can also come with serious fire risks. For example, they may have hidden wire damage, even if they appear fine. If you really want to display them for the holidays, have a professional electrician inspect them first. Depending on the findings, you may be able to use them as is, or they may require repairs.
Schedule a Professional Inspection
We typically recommend scheduling a professional electrical inspection every three to five years. However, older homes should have them every one to three years. If it’s been a while since an electrician inspected your system, it’s a good idea to book an appointment before the holiday season. We can assess the condition of your electrical system and determine if you need to schedule any repairs. It’s also a good opportunity to talk with us about your holiday decorating plans. We’ll be happy to provide suggestions for decorating safely while reducing fire risk.
Contact Your Local Experts
Don’t put your life and home at risk this holiday season. E&W Electrical Solutions in Paris and Jackson, TN, offers comprehensive electrical services, including maintenance and inspections. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced electricians.
