When it comes to holiday decorating, lighting is a big part of the fun. But with so many options available, it can be hard to know what’s safe, what’s not and how much light you need.
Here are some tips to help you stay safe and enjoy your decorations this holiday season:
Use the right lights
Only use lights that are approved by a recognized testing laboratory such as UL or ETL. In addition, use outdoor-rated extension cords and light strings. These cords are designed to withstand outdoor use, so they won’t overheat when in use for extended periods of time.
Check cords before using them
Check all cords for damage or wear before plugging them in and turning them on. Replace damaged cords immediately to reduce the risk of electrical shock.
Follow instructions carefully when installing lights on trees
Use heavy duty staples or nails to fasten light strings securely onto tree branches so they can’t be pulled down by small children or pets who might climb them (or run into them).
Choose bulbs carefully
Light bulbs can get extremely hot while they’re turned on — especially incandescent bulbs which generate more heat than LED bulbs do — so be sure not to touch them while they’re lit up.
Don’t overload circuits
Many homes have fewer electrical outlets than needed for all their holiday lights. If you need more outlets, talk to an electrician about installing more.
Use GFCI outlets and extension cords with surge protectors
A GFCI outlet will shut off power if it detects water on its contacts or if there’s a short circuit within the outlet itself. Extension cords should be plugged into GFCI outlets whenever possible because they have built-in safety features that help protect your home from electrical fires caused by faulty wiring or damaged extension cords. If there are no GFCI outlets nearby, buy a surge protector for each extension cord and plug only one string of lights into each surge protector.
Make sure that all electrical cords are in good condition
If they appear frayed or worn out, replace them before using them with holiday lights.
Keep all wires away from heat sources like radiators or furnaces
This includes extension cords as well as wires inside walls or power strips where they can be exposed to heat sources such as ovens or fireplaces.
Never let children play with extension cords or Christmas tree lights while they’re plugged in. It’s easy for kids to get hurt by touching exposed wires and getting shocked by electricity if they’re playing with something live.
Never leave holiday lights on
It’s not worth taking the chance that someone will trip over one of the cords and get hurt by tripping over it or by falling onto something sharp like broken glass.
Test your electrical connections
Make sure that power cords are in good condition and securely connected before plugging them into an outlet.