If you have seen gingerbread at the coffee shop or heard some familiar Christmas jingles at the supermarket, you’ve probably guessed what time of year it is. One of the great US traditions is decorating the house with warm glows of lights, letting the kids know it’s how Santa finds the house. As Ohio’s best-licensed electricians in Dayton, we wanted to talk about choosing and installing holiday lights.
We’ll discuss how to pick the right lights and what to look for, along with some quick safety tips to prevent electrical fires. While hanging lights is a wonderful Christmas tradition, the safety of your property and your loved ones is paramount. With this blog, you can safely install the lights, so you and your family can welcome the Yuletide with peace of mind.
Choosing Safe Holiday Lights
Following a short holiday lighting safety checklist, care must be taken when selecting wiring and bulbs. Purchase the lights from a reputable supplier, as some use counterfeit safety labels. In the US, you should be checking that the label reads UL (Underwriters Laboratories), as it indicates that the lights have been tested and meet specific standards. They will have been examined to meet durability requirements, shock resistance and withstand longer use.
Ensure that you are buying the correct type of lights, whether outdoor or indoor — the former will be built with endurance and weatherproofing in mind while the latter is specified for dry sheltered areas with practically no water resistance.
- Choose lights with safety certifications: Look for the UL (Underwriters Laboratories) label in the US to ensure lights have been tested for safety standards.
- Verify label authenticity: Purchase lights from reputable suppliers to avoid counterfeit safety labels.
- Select the right type for the location: Use outdoor-rated lights for exterior setups, as these are built for durability and weather resistance; indoor lights should be used in sheltered, dry areas only.
- Choose energy-efficient options: LED lights are longer-lasting, cooler to the touch, and reduce energy consumption, making them a safer choice for holiday decorating.
You may also be interested in energy-efficient holiday lighting as it is longer lasting and lowers electric bills. If you’re ready to start shopping for new Christmas decorations, let’s recap about choosing lights.
Holiday Lighting Safety Checklist
Perhaps you already have some lights and don’t want to purchase a new set. That’s completely understandable but it’s still important to follow a safety check every year whether new or used.
We’ve already covered double-checking for the UL label and checking whether you use outdoor or indoor lighting correctly. Next, we’ll cover checking the state of the bulbs and wires and how you’re powering them before you get to install them.
1. Inspect Each Light Strand Carefully
Examine for frayed wires, cracked insulation, or worn plugs, which can lead to sparks or short circuits. Replace any damaged parts immediately to reduce fire risks.
The insulation is the rubber protection around the copper wiring; you can use electrical tape for small tears or heat-shrink tubing for extensive damage. If you’re good with wire stripping and repairs, outlets can also be replaced if the prongs are bent, but ensure you know what you’re doing!
2. Inspect Each Bulb Carefully
Ensure all bulbs are intact and securely in their sockets and check for discolor on the glass. Loose or broken bulbs can expose wiring, leading to electrical hazards. Replace any broken or burnt bulbs before plugging in the lights.
If any are damaged, they can disrupt the electrical flow and pose a risk of overheating, potentially leading to fires. Bulbs can be easily purchased and replaced, just check the size like mini lights, C7, C9, or globe bulbs and the voltage match.
3. Test Light Functionality before Use
Testing the lights beforehand helps prevent surprises when it’s time to decorate. Plug them into a grounded outlet to check functionality. Turn them on and look for any burnt-out bulbs or sections that aren’t lighting up.
Pay attention to flickering lights, which can signal loose connections or wiring issues. If you find non-working sections, inspect the bulbs and wiring and replace any faulty components as necessary.
6. Replace Missing or Damaged Covers on Bulbs
Inspect each bulb for missing or damaged covers, which protect internal components. To replace a damaged cover, unplug the light strand first for safety, then remove the affected bulb by twisting it counterclockwise.
Purchase a compatible replacement cover that matches the bulb size. Slide the new cover onto the bulb securely, then reinsert it into its socket by twisting it clockwise. Replacement covers can often be found at hardware stores or online.
7. Check for Twisted or Tangled Wires
Lastly, ensure the Christmas lights’ safety by checking for twisted or tangled wires. Untangle any knots and lay the wires flat to prevent pressure points that can cause fraying or electrical shorts.
Also, ensure no wires are pinched between surfaces. If you find any frayed sections, replace the affected strands immediately to maintain safety and functionality.
Safe Christmas Light Installation
Now that your festive equipment is good to go, it’s time to hang them up. Let’s cover some things to remember for both outdoor and indoor installation. This way, once they’re installed, you can focus solely on enjoying them and not worrying about what could go wrong.
Indoor Christmas Light Safety
Once you’ve checked your lights and ensured they’re safe to use, it’s time to consider how and where they’ll be installed indoors. Follow these practical steps to keep your holiday setup secure, organized, and risk-free.
Be careful with outlets: Overloading your outlet is dangerous and more likely to cause a fire. Make sure you know the total wattage of the lights before installing them indoors, and be sure they don’t exceed the outlet capacity.
- Pro tip: Consider using a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet. This shuts the circuit down if there’s too much current. You can easily get hold of a portable GFCI outlet from a hardware store if your house is not fitted.
Secure cords: Prevent any tripping during festivities by keeping wires neatly organized. You can secure cords with indoor-appropriate tape, placing them along baseboards or walls. Extension cords will also be useful for better organization and versatility.
- Pro tip: Be aware of running cords under rugs and furniture, where they are more likely to overheat.
Keep away from flammable materials: Ensure that holiday lights are kept away from flammable materials like curtains, paper decorations, and furniture. This reduces the risk of fire should a malfunction occur.
- Pro tip: Use fabric or plastic cable ties to secure light strands to walls or furniture, keeping them elevated and away from flammable surfaces for added safety.
It may be exciting to get the lights out of the box and get straight to work, but remember even inside you need to take some simple precautions. Follow these instructions and enjoy the celebrations worry-free.
Outdoor Christmas Light Safety
When installing outside lights, ensure you have the correct weather-resistant type. You want to pick a day with fairer weather conditions and ensure the ladder is firmly planted, preferably a wooden or fiberglass one that won’t conduct electricity. A few more things to consider include the following:
Avoid using nails or staples: While it may be tempting to use nails or staples to hang your holiday lights, doing so can damage the wiring and create safety hazards. Instead, use hooks or clips designed for outdoor safety without compromising their integrity.
- Pro tip: Look for adhesive or magnetic clips that won’t damage your surfaces and can easily be removed after the holiday season without leaving marks.
Never run cords through doors or windows: Running electrical cords through doors or windows can create pinch points, leading to frayed wires and potential electrical hazards. It also compromises the seal of your home, allowing drafts or water to enter.
- Pro tip: Use an outdoor extension built with extra durable insulation for harsher weather and attach it to an outdoor outlet.
Use the correct power source: Ensure you use power sources specifically rated for outdoor use, such as heavy-duty extension cords and outdoor-rated surge protectors. This helps to minimize the risk of electrical shock and damage from moisture.
- Pro tip: Invest in a weatherproof power box that connects multiple devices while keeping connections safe from rain and snow. This is particularly useful for larger displays or when multiple circuits are required.
Energy-Efficient Christmas Lighting Tips
Limiting energy use provides some added safety and brings down the electric bill over the holidays. Here are a few small suggestions to power your Christmas safely and sustainably.
Consider using LED lights: LED bulbs are far more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent lights, using up to 90% less power. They also produce less heat, reducing fire risks and making them safer for prolonged indoor and outdoor use.
Set a timer for your lights: Installing a timer for your holiday lights can help you avoid running them continuously, saving energy and extending the life of your bulbs. Program the timer to turn the lights on at dusk and off before bedtime so you’re not lighting up the house unnecessarily.
Shut off your lights when not in use: If you’re out for the night, it might be tempting to entertain the neighborhood, but for energy savings and fire safety, you should only have them on while at home. It’s also recommended not to fall asleep with the lights on. This way, you’re on hand to react if there’s any short-circuiting.
Enjoy Christmas in Comfort and Safety with A-Abel
Have a bright and joyful holiday now that you’re all set to decorate the house. Putting up the Christmas lights shouldn’t be stressful or worrying, but just remember that some basic safety precautions will ensure a relaxed and safe time for you and your family.
If you have any questions or need help with anything electrical, A-Abel’s crew of expert electricians are happy to stop by.
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