Each year we remind DIYers to play it safe when hanging lights outdoors for the holiday season. So if you’re planning to decorate over the long Thanksgiving weekend, review these tips and suggestions to keep your home and family safe while showing you’re ready to welcome the holidays.

                                       

Use Only WEATHERPROOF Outdoor Outlets

Wet weather and electricity don’t play well together. That’s why it’s important to know the difference between “weather resistant” and “weatherproof” outlets.

 

Weather resistant outlets are only “weatherproof” when not in use. The sockets are only protected when a cap or cover is snapped into place, blocking access to the outlets. On the other hand, weatherproof outdoor outlets, often called “bubble covers,” are designed to keep connections safe and dry while in use. And since your outdoor holiday lights will likely be plugged in 24/7, even if they’re on a timer or photocell, this a must-have for both safety and convenience. In fact, most electrical codes require them now.

 

Be Sure Your Outlets are GFCI-Protected

Current codes require any damp area outlets to have GFCI protection to prevent electrical shock.

Besides outdoor locations, basements and garages in newer homes usually have GFCI protection but be sure they do before using them for outdoor connections. It’s much safer to avoid using them since trouble can go unnoticed until it’s too late.

 

Protect Cords from Damage

Avoid running cords through window or door openings where they might become damaged. Make sure any cords are run safely away from areas where snow and ice removal or vehicle traffic can cause damage.

 

Protect Cords from Trip Hazards and Pets

Run cords away from places they could trip family and visitors. Dogs and cats love to chew on things, and an exposed cord can be a real temptation. Same goes for many wild animals like squirrels and mice. Aside from the risk of accidental electrocution, gnawed-away insulation presents the danger of short circuits and fires. Pets and other critters roam the neighborhood at all hours, so check your electrical cords periodically for damage.

 

Don’t Exceed Extension Cord Capacity

When choosing extension cords, be sure to use ones rated for outdoor use. They’re often colored green to blend in with vegetation but check the packaging to be certain.

 

Extension cords are rated to carry a specific load. When that’s exceeded, the cords can become overheated, melting insulation and causing short circuits and fires. Feel your cords when all the lights have been on for a while. If they feel warm to the touch, replace them with higher capacity cords. Better yet, arrange your lighting near outlets so you don’t need extension cords at all.

 

Don’t Overload Circuits

Typical household branch circuits are 15 amps, and this is plenty of capacity for normal household use but adding large numbers of holiday lights and accessories, especially larger C7 and C9 incandescent bulbs, can put more load on a circuit than it’s designed for. This can lead to annoying trips to the breaker 

box but it’s also a warning sign that trouble is lurking. If you keep tripping breakers, if outlets or cords feel warm, or if you notice any off smells around outlets or service panels, disconnect the lights and move them to another circuit to avoid creating a fire hazard.

                    

If your outdoor circuits are overloaded, consider having a licensed electrician upgrade them rather than running cords unsafely.

 

Use LED Lights to Lessen the Load

LED lights come in nearly all sizes, colors, and shapes for holiday lighting, including replicas of the incandescents of yesteryear. They last longer, burn cooler, draw much less current than incandescent bulbs, and may keep you from overloading a circuit. We highly recommend them for all your outdoor lighting needs.

 

Be Safe When Hanging, Maintaining, And Removing Outdoor Lights

Make sure ladders are resting on firm footing and don’t overextend your reach. Nonmetallic ladders like fiberglass or wood are safest around electrical wiring. Regardless of ladder type, always stay safely away from power lines when using and moving ladders and tools.

 

Snow can hide ice, loose dirt, and gravel, and whether you’re on foot or on a ladder, icy spots are accidents waiting to happen.

 

Need help? We’re just a click away

If you need upgraded or additional outdoor outlets or any other electrical work to get ready for the holidays, give Allstar Electrical Services a call at 303.399.7420 or visit our website. We’re top-rated by the Better Business Bureau and a preferred contractor by Angi’s Home Advisor.

 

The pros at Allstar Electrical Services want to extend our best wishes to you and your loved ones for a wonderful and joyful holiday season. We look forward to serving your electrical needs through the remainder of the year and for many more to come.