Holiday lights can add brightness and festive cheer to your home's landscape. While you don’t have to be a licensed electrical contractor to set up holiday lights, it’s wise to be careful when handling electrical displays of any size. Improper use of electrical equipment can create fire hazards and shock risks that ruin the joy of the season. If you’re planning on stringing holiday lights this year, follow these tips to keep them safe and bright.

4 Safety Tips for Powering Your Holiday Light Displays

1. Avoid Sharp Fasteners

The wires for holiday lights come encased in a protective non-conductive coating. This stops moisture from getting in and electrical flow from getting out. As such, using a stapler or other sharp instrument to hold light strands in place can puncture this coating and release the electrical current, creating an unsafe display. Instead, use smooth plastic clips or hooks to hold up the lights.

2. Spread the Load Out

Chaining all your light strands together and attaching them to a single extension cord can easily overload that circuit. As a result, the lights will fail to power up, and dangerous sparks could fly. In addition to using multiple outlets for the light strands, check to make sure they aren’t sharing a circuit with a large appliance like the oven or furnace to avoid overloading the power line.

3. Use GFCI Outlets

Since light strands are exposed to the elements, they can easily get wet or damaged, leading to potential power surges. Designed to cut off power if there are any strange surges in the circuit, GFCI outlets are typically installed in kitchens, outdoor areas, and bathrooms but can also be used for safer holiday displays. Using them will reduce the risk of electrical shock and protect your property in the event of a power-related issue. If your home doesn’t have enough GFCI outlets to support your holiday dream display, contact an electrical contractor to get a few more installed. 

4. Don’t Leave Them on Non-Stop

Electricity produces heat, so leaving your lights on night and day can sometimes lead to fires. To avoid this hazard, unplug the lights any time they’ll be unattended, whether it’s when you’re in bed sleeping or while you’re out of the house buying gifts. Not only does this make the displays safer, but the lower energy usage also helps keep your utility bills from skyrocketing and reduces your home's carbon footprint.

If you run into any electrical issues while setting up your holiday lights, contact Bonham Electric, Inc. in Dayton, OH. This 24-hour electrician has served the area since 1959 and has an excellent reputation in the community, including an A+ rating from the BBB^®. Whether you’re trying to string a single strand of lights or create an eye-catching display and run into an issue, they have the tools and experience to get the job done safely. Call (937) 233-7662 to make an appointment, or learn more about this electrical contractor online.