Holiday lighting makes our homes and neighborhoods shine, but every year as we decorate our spaces, it's important to consider the electrical safety, energy consumption, and other factors involved with seasonal decorating. This year, This Old House reports that 51% of homeowners will be decorating before Thanksgiving and budgeting an average of $175. As investments in decor expand, it's worth considering how these seasonal accessories may influence your home.
“Decorating your home and yard ahead of the holidays is a great way to get into the spirit of the season," agrees Jen Wilbert, AVP of Property at Travelers Insurance, "but we do see a slight uptick in fire-related homeowners insurance claims around Christmas. It's important to make sure that you’re following home safety best practices while putting up your décor."
Dan Mock, Vice President of Operations at Mister Sparky also speaks to electrical safety tips. "Electrical shorts occur when electricity is traveling along an unintended path, which can happen if the insulation on your lights’ wiring is old, damaged, or intentionally spliced or cut. Your electrical breaker often trips when there is an electrical short, cutting off power. When pulling out your box of string lights from years prior or buying new ones, check all the strings for damage. The cords shouldn’t have cracks, frays, or bare wires. If you're decorating outside, make sure to select strings of lights that are UL-listed and approved for outdoor use."
So, let's dive in. Review these holiday light safety tips so your indoor and outdoor decorations are both magical and safe.
Should I leave my holiday lights on all night? In the rain?
The allure is undeniable, but consider using timers or smart plugs. Setting decor to turn on at dusk and off at midnight can save you in energy usage from outlets.
Additionally, hanging electric lights during wet weather can pose electrical hazards, even leading to electrical shocks. "[Lights should] be dry as often as possible to avoid nuisance outages and safety hazards throughout the holiday season," says Mock. "As you connect strands together, consider sealing the connections between the lights and use weatherproof covers for outlet connections while the lights are plugged in. Plugging into a weatherproof outlet will reduce contact with water, thereby reducing the possibility of the GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) cutting off power to the stringed lights and other potential hazards."
Is it safe to bury outdoor extension cords under the dirt?
The urge to conceal outdoor extension cords is understandable, but it's not recommended. Burying extension cords can lead to damage, increased fire risk, and safety hazards. A safer option is to use outdoor-rated heavy-duty extension cords and protect them with cord protector cable covers.
What does it cost to hire a light installation service?
Jealous of the neighborhood that collabs on a news-worthy decorative lighting display? According to a new survey by Angi, 42% of homeowners who decorate for the holidays are considering hiring a company for help to avoid the hassle of tangled strands, burnt-out light bulbs, and sheer difficulty of securing them well; however, the convenience of a Christmas light hanging service comes with a cost. The price varies based on several factors including the size of your home, the pitch of the roof, the complexity of your decorative light display, the number of light strands, and your location. On average, it can range from $200 to $800.
Are outdoor bulbs safe?
Electrical decorations are safe, but according to a recent Travelers survey, 33% of respondents use holiday lights that are at least three years old when decorating for the holidays. "Older strands are more prone to damage – we recommend replacing them every four years," shares Wilbert. "Look for products that have been tested for safety with certification marks from UL, CSA, ETL, or other nationally recognized organizations. You should also consider using LED lights when possible as they run cooler, use fewer watts of energy and last longer than incandescent lights.”
Remember that the key to safety is to do annual inspections for frayed wires, and damaged connections, and identify potential issues early on to avoid decoration fires. Mock adds, "Do not use extension cords that are taped up or spliced. Further, they should be 3-wire grounded cords – identified by the product label and the three prongs rather than two." Following safety guidelines minimizes the risk of electrical load problems and accidents.
How can you tell if a fuse if blown on holiday lights?
A sudden outage in your Christmas lights might be attributed to a blown fuse. Check for loose connections, and inspect the fuse in the plug. If it's clear or exhibits a broken filament, it's blown. Replace it with a fuse of the same type and rating. If replacing fuses doesn't resolve the issue, carefully examine for damaged bulbs that might require attention.
Will my electrical system be able to handle my lighting display?
It's important to avoid overloading your home's system. "Consider [the circuit rating] and what is already plugged into the circuit you’ll be plugging in your lights and holiday decorations. If you have an appliance like a refrigerator or deep freezer in your garage, adding the lights might cause an overload," says Mock. "The electrical breaker could trip and cut off power to the circuit. It’s best that an appliance and a large amount of holiday lights aren’t plugged into the same circuit, so consider using another circuit if possible."
"Whichever electrical breaker will be powering your holiday lights and decorations, you should exercise it by flipping it off and on," he adds. "This is especially important with older breakers. Like any mechanical device, the components need to move regularly to stay operational. Exercising circuit breakers helps them to work properly should they need to cut off power. If power still runs when you flip the breaker to the off position, it likely needs to be replaced by a qualified electrician. Remember, although counter-intuitive, a breaker’s primary job is to cut off power, not to allow electricity to flow haphazardly. While a tripping breaker can be disruptive to your daily life, it is most often doing its job to keep you and your family safe."
Do inflatable decorations use a lot of electricity?
Inflatable decorations contribute to higher energy costs. While individual inflatables may not be major power hogs, the collective effect of multiple decorations can increase your electricity bill. To strike a balance between festivity and energy efficiency, consider setting them on a timer or using smart plugs.
Can you use an extension cord for LED holiday strip lights?
Using an outdoor extension cord for LED bulbs is not only acceptable but often necessary to reach desired locations; however, it's important to use an outdoor-rated electrical cord that can handle the power requirements of the lights. Opt for a single extension cord with a sufficient gauge to prevent voltage drop, and don't layer on any additional power strips if you can help it.
How do you sync your lights to the radio?
Synchronized lights are captivating and add a little something more to the holiday spirit. Achieving this effect requires a homeowner to purchase a controller compatible with your lights. From there, it's connected to your music source and programmed with the desired effects. Some controllers come with software that allows precise synchronization to your chosen music, offering a customizable and dynamic display.
How do you hang holiday lights on gutters?
Hanging holiday lights on gutters can be seamless with the right tools and techniques. "To secure the lights, use fasteners that will not damage the wire insulation, such as insulated staples. And of course, always follow the directions from the manufacturers." Exercise caution to avoid direct property damage as you attach exterior light strings to your gutters. Never rely on a gutter to hold your weight if you're gripping it from the ladder. For high or hard-to-reach areas, use a light-hanging pole.
Is it tacky to leave holiday lights up year-round?
The debate surrounding the decorum of leaving outdoor lights up year-round is... subjective. While some may view it as tacky, others perceive it as a year-round celebration (especially if it's only white lights). That said, companies like Hampton Bay are manufacturing low-profile permanent string lights for smart homes that can stay up under your eaves and gutters year-round, and they don't look bad at all.
If you keep your lights up into February or year-round and intend to keep them lit, consider using subtle, non-seasonal lights that seamlessly transition beyond the holiday season.
