Holiday lights make any Arizona home sparkle, but that sparkle comes with hidden risks. Faulty cords, overloaded outlets, or outdated wiring can turn your holiday decorations from festive to hazardous—leading to shocks, short circuits, or even fires. The good news? Most hazards can be avoided with a few careful precautions.
Follow these 12 tips to keep your decorations dazzling while protecting your home and family this holiday season.
1) Buy the right tree
If you’re shopping for a new artificial Christmas tree, find one labeled “fire-retardant.” This doesn’t mean the tree can’t catch on fire, but it slows the spread of flames and gives you more time to extinguish it. If you’re using a real tree, pick a fresh one with needles that bend rather than break. Cut the trunk to give it a new end, and water the tree all December long.
2) Read the labels on Christmas lights
Only purchase strands with the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) logo. This means the lights have been verified by this third-party testing company. Also, if you plan to use lights outside, make sure they’re rated for outdoor use.
3) Determine outlet locations before you begin decorating
You may have grand plans for decorating your house, but first, find out how many outlets you have available and where they are located. Then, plan your displays accordingly, remembering not to overload any outlets with too many lights.
4) Test your lights before hanging
Make sure the lights are functioning properly before hanging them up. If any bulbs are burned out, unplug the string before replacing them. Check for frayed wires or cracked cords, and throw away any strands that appear damaged.
5) Hang holiday lights on insulated hooks
Avoid using nails, screws, or tacks to secure your holiday lights—they can pierce the cords and create a shock hazard. Use insulated hooks, and make sure outdoor lights are fastened securely to withstand wind.
6) Use extension cords safely
Christmas lights don’t draw much power, but old extension cords can still overheat. Touch the cords periodically to make sure they don’t feel hot. Also, be careful not to run cords under furniture or rugs, which could lead to overheating. When using extension cords outside, keep the plugs clear of moisture or damp areas.
7) Don’t overload wall sockets with too many lights
The US Department of Energy says it’s safe to connect 25 energy-efficient LED light strands together. However, the Electrical Safety Foundation cautions against connecting more than three strings of old-fashioned incandescent Christmas lights. If you’re still using these, consider upgrading to LED lights this year, which use less energy, run cooler, and are easier to install because you can run so many end-to-end.
8) Plug outdoor lights into ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs)
GFCI outlets protect against electric shock if water enters the outlet. If you’re not sure whether your outlets are GFCI-protected, have an electrician take a look. It’s possible to replace your existing outlets with GFCIs so you can enjoy your outdoor holiday decorations without causing an electrical hazard.
9) Exercise ladder safety
Whenever possible, use a wood or fiberglass (not metal) ladder when decorating outdoors. Then, inspect your ladder for loose or missing parts before climbing it. Ask a friend or family member to serve as your spotter while you hang the lights.
10) Be cautious when decorating near power lines
Keep yourself and your tools at least 10 feet away from the lines at all times.
11) Don’t let the lights run 24/7
Not only does this waste electricity, but it also causes a safety issue. Unplug your lights when you leave home or go to sleep. You can also plug the decorations into a timer or light sensor, so they turn on and off automatically.
12) Store your lights properly
At the end of the season, pack up your lights in well-sealed plastic containers to prevent water intrusion and rodent damage.
Following these tips will help keep you—and your holiday decorations—safe and protected. But even when the right safety habits are in place, your home can still be vulnerable to electrical hazards like shocks or fires if the wiring is outdated, damaged, or overloaded. That’s why it’s smart to check that your electrical system is up to the task before decorating.
Schedule a Home Electrical Inspection Before You Decorate
Before plugging in lights or inflatables, it’s smart to make sure your home’s electrical system is ready for the extra load. A professional electrical inspection can catch hidden issues that pose fire risks, like outdated wiring, overloaded circuits, or damaged outlets.
If you notice flickering lights, tripped breakers, or outlets that feel warm, schedule an electrical repair right away to stay safe all season long.
Be Safe this Holiday Season with Penguin Air, Plumbing & Electrical
This holiday season, make your holiday lights sparkle—not spark.
At Penguin Air, Plumbing & Electrical, we’re proud to keep Phoenix homes bright, safe, and energy-efficient. Whether you’re hanging lights, adding outlets for decorations, or upgrading your home’s electrical panel or electrical system, our expert electricians can help. Let us help your season stay bright—call or schedule online!