Holiday Lighting Safety: Avoiding Overloads And Hazards

 Holiday decorations bring warmth and cheer to the season - but they also bring a surge of electricity use . Overloaded circuits , faulty lights , and unsafe practices can quickly turn festive fun into a fire hazard. Here's how to enjoy your holiday lighting safely and worry-free.

1. COMMON HOLIDAY LIGHTING RISKS

- Overloaded Circuits: plugging too many lights into one outlet can trip breakers or overheat wires

- Damaged Light Strands: Frayed cords, broken bulbs , or loose connections increases fire risk

-Indoor/Outdoor Mix-Ups: Using indoor lights outside exposes them to water and weather damage

-Extension Cord Misuse : Old or thin cords can overheat under heavy load 

2. SAFETY TIPS FOR HOLIDAY LIGHTING

- Check labels : only use lights that are UL-listed ( safety tested and certified ) 

-Inspect before hanging: Replace broken or cracked bulbs , and discard lights with frayed wires

-Use the right lights :Outdoor rated lights are for outdoor and indoor rated lights are for indoor 

-Spread the load: Don't connect more than 3 strings of incandescent lights together. Consider switching to LEDs, which use less power and last longer

- Use timers or smart plugs : Automate lights to turn off overnight , reducing fire risk and saving energy

-Keep cords safe : Avoid running cords under rugs, across walkways , or through doors 

3. AFTER THE HOLIDAYS 

- Unplug before taking down : Always disconnect lights before removing down 

-Store properly : Wrap and store in a dry container to prevent damage for next year 

- Inspect each season : Don't reuse lights without checking them - especially if they've been stored in damp or pest-prone areas