Most consider Christmas the most wonderful time of the year. But it’s also one of the most dangerous times of the year. In fact, An average of 790 fires are caused by Christmas lights every year, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
In winter months, countless people suffer injuries from slips, shocks, burns, and rooftop mishaps. In especially bad cases, poor Christmas décor choices even harm houses.
One primary thing you can do is make sure your home is properly set up to handle your lighting plans. We offer a variety of services that will help prepare your home for more intensive power demands for Christmas light safety.
Outdoor Christmas Light Safety
While both indoor and outdoor lights come with their own sets of challenges, outdoor lights tend to require a bit more attention. Hanging outdoor lights from a ladder or working on the roof, especially in colder or icier conditions, can be treacherous. The key is to prioritize your safety while still creating the festive atmosphere you’re aiming for.
1. Choose the Right Christmas Lights
When it's time to hang up Christmas lights outside, be sure to use bulbs that are specifically rated for outdoor use. While indoor lights are just as flashy and beautiful, they aren't designed to withstand the elements and present potential hazards. Outdoor lights, on the other hand, are built to be weather-resistant.
When looking for outdoor Christmas lights, check for the UL seal on the packaging. This seal indicates that the lights have been tested for safety. If you don't have the original box, check the product label for the outdoor rating. These lights should either be wet-rated (for wet, dry, and damp areas) or damp-rated (for dry and damp areas).
If you can't find that information, try to verify with the manufacturer, as using indoor lights outside can lead to risks like short circuits or fires.
2. Replace Damaged Christmas Light Bulbs Before Stringing Up
One of the easiest ways to avoid issues with Christmas lights is to make sure all the bulbs are in working order before you begin hanging them up. Inspect each bulb for cracks or damage to find bad Christmas light bulbs and replace them.
If you find that bulbs or a string of lights are frequently burning out, it may indicate an underlying electrical issue, such as a loose connection or an overloaded circuit.
3. Be Mindful of How Many Christmas Lights You String Together
It’s important to be careful when wrapping your house in holiday cheer. Stringing too many lights together can overload your electrical circuits. While most Christmas lights are designed to be strung together in a series, there's a limit to how many Christmas lights you can safely connect.
Check the packaging for instructions on how many strings of lights can be connected. Too many lights on one circuit can make your Christmas lights blow fuses or, worse, create a fire hazard. Always err on the side of caution when planning your display and make sure to use extension cords rated for the load.
4. Stay Away from Overhead Power Lines
When hanging outdoor lights, be mindful of any nearby overhead power lines. Never use a ladder or a long object to reach the power lines, as this can lead to dangerous electrical shocks. Keep yourself and the Christmas lights at a safe distance from any exposed electrical wiring.
5. Using LED vs Incandescent Lights (Indoors and Outdoors)
LED lights, which generate far less heat than traditional incandescent lights, should be used inside and outside whenever possible. Provided they are rated for outdoor use, LED lights are a great option to use around trees, shrubs, and other areas where incandescent lights might be a problem. This reduces the risk of fire could result from hot incandescent bulbs contacting dry material. As an added bonus, LED lights are often brighter and more vibrant than incandescent lights.
If you're using incandescent lights as part of your holiday display, avoid placing them near anything that is flammable. Make sure not to drape incandescent lights over dry leaves, bushes, or wooden structures that could potentially ignite.
6. Use The Proper Extension Cords for Outdoor Christmas Lights
When it comes to giving your outdoor Christmas lights the juice they need to shine bright, it’s essential to use extension cords designed for outdoor use. These cords are designed to endure various outdoor conditions, including rain, snow, and extreme cold.
Heavy-duty extension cords feature added insulation that protects against moisture and prevents electrical shorts. Some outdoor extension cords are even resistant to UV rays, which have the potential to degrade and damage standard indoor cords over time.
Look for extension cords labeled “outdoor” or “heavy-duty.” If you’re unsure if an extension cord is meant for outdoor use, check the packaging for the voltage and amp rating, and always match the cord to the power requirements of the lights.
7. Keep Your Christmas Light Extension Cords Dry
Water and electricity don’t mix. So be sure to keep your extension cords dry when setting up outdoor Christmas lights. Make sure the cords are not exposed to standing water or heavy rain, which could cause short circuits or even shocks.
If running cords outside across pathways or yards, consider using waterproof cord covers, or elevate the cords above ground level to prevent water from getting in. Keeping cords dry will ensure the longevity of your lights and the safety of your home.
Indoor Christmas Light Safety
While you may only think of safety related to outdoor lights, there are things that you can do to make your interior Christmas decoration process safer too. You need to pay attention to the bulbs that go on your tree, where cords are placed, and whether or not children and pets can access electrical hazards.
8. Choose the Right Lights for Your Christmas Tree
Choosing the correct type of light for your Christmas tree is essential for safety. Make sure to use UL-approved lights that are rated for indoor use, and always check for visible damage to the cords or bulbs before setting them up. If you're using lights on a live tree, double-check that the lights are rated for damp locations since trees can release moisture.
If you’re using incandescent light indoors, keep them away from curtains, paper decorations, or other flammable items. A little extra attention to placement can go a long way in preventing accidents.
LED lights are often safer because they produce very little heat. This makes them a great option to use on a live Christmas tree. Choose lights with low voltage to reduce potential electrical risks and avoid overloading circuits by keeping the number of strands within the manufacturer's recommendations.
9. Ensure Your Lighting Setup is Childproof
When decorating indoors, it’s important to think about child safety, as your little ones are probably naturally curious and drawn to bright, colorful objects. That’s why it’s so important to keep cords and plug connections out of reach of their tiny hands.
To prevent any accidents, use cord covers or place them in areas where children can’t easily grab or tug on them. Avoid hanging lights where children can pull them down, such as near the edges of the tree or in areas they might try to climb.
If you use battery-operated lights, be sure the batteries are securely enclosed to prevent children from accessing them. Lastly, consider using childproof outlet covers for any exposed outlets near your decorations, and always turn off your lights when the kids are playing nearby.
10. Store Your Holiday Supplies Safely
Safety also extends to how you store your lights, ornaments, and other seasonal decorations. Falls from ladders and accidents related to electrical cords account for a significant number of holiday injuries each year, so it's essential to follow safety guidelines when using ladders.
Choose a ladder that extends at least 3 feet above the working surface, place it on solid, level ground, and make sure it has slip-resistant feet. Never use a metal ladder near power lines, and always have someone hold the base of the ladder while you climb. And be cautious when handling electrical cords—make sure they’re safely out of reach of children, who are at higher risk for electrical burns or shocks.
When taking down lights, always unplug them properly and avoid tugging on the cords, as this could lead to unintentional contact with power lines. It’s best to let the lights cool off before storing them away, and never leave them unattended where children could reach them. If you're worried about tangled cords, consider using a Christmas lights storage reel or a simple light cord wrap. Proper storage not only keeps your lights safe for next year but makes setup much easier.
For your ornaments and displays, always store smaller, fragile items out of reach of children. A great way to store ornaments is by using recycled materials like egg cartons or wine boxes, or you can invest in specialty ornament storage boxes. For artificial trees, a duffle bag designed for Christmas trees or the original box will keep it safe and protected. Taking the time to store everything properly can save you time and frustration when it’s time to decorate next season.
Make Sure Your Home is Safe with Help from Mr. Electric
Making your home safe for the holidays should always be priority number one. However, with everything that needs to happen this time of year, a few things always slip. If you need some help ensuring your home’s electrical system is ready for all the holiday festivities, reach out to your local Mr. Electric pro for help. Our home electrical safety inspection service will ensure your home is safe and ready to power your holiday spirit. And with our Neighborly Done Right Promise™, you can have peace of mind knowing we’ll get the job done right! Contact your local Mr. Electric to help make your holidays safer and more successful. Schedule an appointment today!
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your home and property. Mr. Electric is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact the Mr. Electric location nearest you for a comprehensive, on-site assessment.
Christmas Light Safety FAQs
The safety of you, your family, and home are the top priority of every Mr. Electric service professional. Our safety-first commitment to solving your electric-related challenges and needs includes meticulous attention to detail on every job. This commitment also includes using our years of experience to answer your electric-related questions. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Christmas light safety.
