Since you only have holiday lights up for a few weeks every year, it’s worth the effort to ensure they light up safely and correctly so they can turn your home and neighborhood into a twinkling spectacle! Unfortunately, using the wrong cords for your holiday display and lights could have serious consequences.
While we’re not trying to dampen your holiday spirit, the reality is that using the wrong cords for your holiday display could cause electrocution or start a fire. To ensure your display is safe and properly powered, the experts at Mr. Electric have put together this handy guide to ensure you have the right cord(s) for your holiday display.
Best Cords for Outdoor Holiday Lighting
Hanging Christmas lights on the exterior of your home is a tradition for families all over the country. It’s a great way to get into the holiday spirit! However, to do it safely you need to make sure you have the right cords for your lights and other decorations.
Here are some safety tips to follow when preparing your outdoor holiday display:
- Use a heavy-duty extension cord rated for outdoor use. These are the best cords for holiday lights because they are thick and durable, which helps protect the electrical element from winter weather and unwanted pests.
- Ensure all outdoor outlets are equipped with a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). This special type of outlet helps prevent electrocution in areas where water and electricity are more likely to meet, including outside. You can identify GFCI outlets by the little “test” and “reset” buttons in the face. If you don’t see these indicators, call an electrician to upgrade your outlets.
- Plug an extension cord into a GFCI outlet fitted with a foam gasket and plastic dome to protect the outlet from rain, snow, ice, and wildlife. If your home’s exterior outlets lack these features, upgrading them is easy and inexpensive. This little extra effort ensures optimal electrical safety.
- Plug your holiday lights into the extension cord. Make sure the lights and other holiday decorations you choose are approved for outdoor use. Look for words like “all-weather” or “outdoors” on the packaging.
Use appropriate hardware, such as an all-purpose light clip, to secure the lights so they don’t fall or blow around in the wind. Place lights and other display items away from areas where water may puddle or drain from the roof and downspouts.
Cords for Indoor Holiday Lighting
Indoor lights are also a big part of many holiday displays. They add a fun element that can be enjoyed while snuggled up by the fire. Here are some tips to follow to ensure your indoor display is enjoyable and safe.
- While you can use small gauge cords intended for indoor use, it’s better to use a heavy-duty cord for added safety.
- Always check extension cords and light strands for exposed wiring before plugging them in. Even new cords you pull straight out of the box can be damaged, so always double-check. If you notice damage, return it or throw the cord or light strand away.
- To keep the insulation around the wires in good shape for years to come, avoid twisting and bending extension cords and light strands whenever possible. Also, take extra care when storing lights, cords, and other holiday decor for next season.
- Keep pets away from extension cords and light strands. If they’re installed where your pet can reach them, spray the cord with Bitter Apple to discourage chewing.
- Make sure extension cords don’t run under rugs where they could overheat or in front of doorways where someone could trip over them.
Don’t Overload the Circuit
Whether you plan to hang holiday lights inside or outside this season, be kind to your circuits. Don’t make the mistake of stringing an entire extravagant display together using a single outlet. Doing so puts extra stress on the circuit, which can result in blown fuses or a tripped breaker. It’s best to draw power from multiple outlets on different circuits.
A good rule of thumb is a three strands maximum of mini lights per extension cord. You can connect more strands together (up to 5) if you use efficient LED lights, which draw less power. Check the product packaging for recommendations.
Get Your Home Holiday Ready with Help from Mr. Electric®
Now that you know the best cord for holiday lights, all you need to do is set up your display and wow the neighborhood! To ensure your home’s electrical system is holiday-ready, contact your local Mr. Electric for help.
For more tips on holiday lights or to have your outlets upgraded before installing holiday lights, please contact Mr. Electric today!
