🎄 Deck the Halls Safely: Holiday Lighting & Outdoor Electrical Tips
It’s officially December — 25 days until Christmas and 31 days until 2026.
The holiday countdown has begun, and so has the decorating frenzy.
Whether you’re going full-Clark-Griswold or keeping it simple with warm white string lights, outdoor electrical safety matters. A few smart choices now can save you from tripped breakers, damaged wiring, or fire hazards (and keep the magic glowing all month long).
Here’s how to deck the halls safely this season.
✨ 1. Choose the Right Lights for Outdoors
Indoor lights aren’t designed to handle moisture, wind, or freezing temperatures.
Look for:
UL-rated outdoor or indoor/outdoor lights
Waterproof extension cords
Weatherproof connectors
If you’re unsure, check the tag near the plug — it’ll tell you.
🔌 2. Use GFCI Outlets Only
Any outdoor lighting plug should go into a GFCI outlet (the kind with a reset/test button).
These outlets cut power instantly if moisture or a short occurs — a must in winter weather.
If your exterior outlets aren’t GFCI, it’s time to upgrade.
🎅 3. Don’t Overload Your Circuits
Holiday cheer is great.
Holiday breaker trips? Not so much.
Keep these rules in mind:
Use LED lights — lower power + brighter + safer
Avoid running multiple large decorations on the same outlet
If lights flicker or cords feel warm, unplug and redistribute
Remember: even LEDs add up when you’re decorating the whole house.
🌧️ 4. Weatherproof Every Connection
Rain, sleet, snow — December brings it all.
Protect your electrical setup by:
Elevating plugs off the ground
Using cord domes or weatherproof covers
Keeping connections sheltered under eaves when possible
Moisture is the #1 cause of holiday electrical failures.
🪜 5. Ladder Safety: Don’t Become a Holiday Statistic
If you’re climbing on ladders to hang lights:
Have someone hold the base
Never lean too far to the sides
Only use ladders rated for outdoor use
Keep ladders away from icy ground
Every year, ERs fill with “just putting up the lights real quick” injuries.
Be smarter than that.
🌲 6. Secure Your Lights Against Wind
December winds love to yank lights off gutters.
Use:
Plastic light clips (never metal staples)
Zip ties
Gutter-specific clips for a clean, safe look
A securely installed display survives storms—and looks better.
🔥 7. Inspect Older Decorations
If you reuse lights every year, check for:
Brittle cords
Cracked insulation
Loose bulbs
Damaged plugs
If something looks questionable, upgrade.
Holiday lights are cheap; electrical fires are not.
đź’ˇ 8. Add Smart Timers for Safety & Convenience
Timers save energy and prevent overheating from lights staying on all night.
Bonus: they make your home look lived-in, even when you’re away visiting family.
