Holiday lights are a great way to turn your property into a magical, enchanted wonderland. However, installing outdoor lighting on your own presents several dangers, including electrical shock and fire hazards. Taking specific safety measures when stringing together outdoor lights will reduce the risk of accidents.
Inspecting Lights Before Installation
Inspect all of the light bulbs, sockets, and cables for signs of wear and tear or damage. The risk of shocking yourself increases any time there is faulty wiring, and there’s also a higher risk of fire. Storage can cause lights to lose some of their effectiveness, so be sure to inspect them each time you use them. Each bulb needs to be working to achieve the best displays. Replacing broken, missing, or burnt-out bulbs is usually pretty simple.
Choosing Weather-Resistant Outdoor Lights
Buying holiday lights intended for outdoor use should be a top priority. Inclement weather, such as rain, snow, and freezing cold temperatures, will damage and destroy indoor lighting if you try to use it outdoors. The insulation of weather-resistant outdoor lights prevents them from short-circuiting and protects them from moisture.
Using Proper Extension Cords for Outdoor Use
You shouldn’t use just any old extension cord to power your outdoor lights. Instead, you need to use outdoor-rated, heavy-duty extension cables. Thanks to the insulated cords, you can be confident that your lights will remain powered no matter the weather. Extension cords made for indoor use are more likely to deteriorate in outdoor environments, which may cause electrical shorts. Never risk damaging the cable by stretching it; instead, make sure it’s long enough for your project when selecting it. Pick an extension cable with a sufficient power rating; overloading it might cause it to overheat and even catch fire.
Securing Lights to Avoid Damage or Fire Risks
A key part of preventing accidents with holiday lights is securing them tightly. Avoid using anything sharp that can penetrate the wires and produce a short circuit, such as nails or staples. Plastic holiday light clips or hooks are a safe and secure alternative. Also, you should ensure that the lights don’t brush against anything sharp or abrasive that might damage them. Securing your lights plays a big role in making sure they don’t swing in the wind and break.
Preventing Overloading Electrical Circuits
Adding more lights than a circuit can safely handle can cause a circuit breaker to trip or even start a fire in your house. To avoid this, be cautious that the combined wattage of all your lights does not exceed your circuit’s maximum rating. To distribute the load more evenly, you may need to use separate circuits for each string of lights if you’re using more than one. Investing in energy-efficient LED lights—which use a fraction of the energy of incandescent bulbs—can reduce the probability of a circuit overload.
Grounding Electrical Connections
Grounding eliminates the danger of electrocution and short circuits by providing a secure pathway for surplus power to pass through. It’s best to ground all your electrical connections, including power strips and extension cables. Many extension cables designed for use outside include three prongs on each end to help with grounding. The grounding pin is an integral component of the system’s safety mechanism; never remove it or attempt to bypass it. It’s also wise to use outlets that have ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). The rapid shutoff feature of these outlets helps reduce the risk of shock in case of a problem.
Positioning Lights Away from Flammable Materials
Holiday lights can easily catch fire, so be sure to keep them far away from dry leaves, wooden structures, and fabric decorations. Wreaths and Christmas trees are especially vulnerable to catching fire when they dry out after a hard rain or snowfall. A good rule of thumb is to place all electrical holiday decorations at least three feet away from any flammable materials. You should also place big light-up yard decorations in an area that won’t catch fire if a short circuit occurs.
Ensuring Proper Waterproofing of Electrical Components
If you want your lighting system to last through rainy and snowy weather, you must waterproof it. If electrical components are not adequately waterproofed, damage may cause shorts, malfunctions, or even fires. Make sure to use outdoor-rated electrical covers for all of your plugs, extension cables, and outlets to keep them dry. Keep them above the ground to avoid water gathering around connections.
Using Timers and Smart Plugs for Energy Efficiency
Several different kinds of timers are available for use with outdoor holiday lights. Mechanical timers have simple dials that let you program particular on-and-off intervals. With digital timers, you can configure various schedules for different times of the week, giving you greater flexibility. Smart timers provide convenient scheduling and remote access via mobile applications. For maximum energy efficiency, install photocell timers to automatically switch the lights on at sunset and off at sunrise. Timers are great for preventing electrical dangers like fires and overheating by turning off the lights when they’re not in use.
Maintaining Proper Distance from Power Lines and Trees
Position your lights at least 10 feet away from any adjacent or above power lines to avoid electric shock and other threats. Dangerous circumstances might arise if the decorations get entangled with power wires or high winds. Remember that tree branches can swing in the wind, so be extra careful when setting up the lights.
Safe Storage of Lights After the Holidays
After the holiday season ends, storing your lights correctly is just as crucial as proper installation. You can protect them from moisture by keeping them in a cool, dry area when not in use. You might want to wound them around a cardboard tube or put them in containers to keep them from tangling. Make sure to label the boxes so that you can quickly access certain sets when redecorating the following year. Keeping the original package is another good practice for storing holiday lights. The packaging can help you stay organized and keep lights away from other items.
When to Call a Professional for Installation
Call a professional if you have any doubts about your ability to install your holiday lighting safely. A qualified electrical expert can install the lights using the latest safety measures while also giving you helpful decorating tips. If there are any problems, the expert will know exactly what to do. For example, a professional will know to shift the load or establish a separate circuit to guarantee safety when dealing with an overloaded circuit.
High 5 Plumbing, Heating & Cooling is here to keep your home safe when using outdoor holiday lighting. We also work on HVAC systems, drain and sewer systems, gas plumbing, tankless water heaters, and more. Customer satisfaction is our priority on every project. We’ve proudly served the Denver, CO, area since 2012, and we work hard to ensure every service ends with a High 5!
Call High 5 Plumbing, Heating & Cooling today to schedule help with your outdoor lighting or need an electrical panel upgrade this holiday season.
