Decorating your home both inside and out can make the holiday season even more joyous. When working with Christmas lights, electricians recommend that homeowners carefully approach the task. Safely hanging lights reduces your risk of fire and electric shock. Before you begin decorating, take a look at the following tips to ensure your property is safe.

How to Safely Hang Christmas Lights

1. Test & Inspect Lights Before Hanging

A burned-out bulb is not only an eyesore, but also a safety hazard. Before you spend hours hanging up lights, check for damaged bulbs and plug in each set before getting started. You should also look for other issues, such as frayed insulation and exposed wires. Defective lights have a higher risk of malfunction, which can lead to painful shocks when plugging them in. While you can replace bulbs, any problems with the wiring are best solved by purchasing a new set. 

2. Choose the Right Wattage

Electrical appliances must not exceed the capacity of the outlet they're plugged into. In homes, the average outlet is 120 volts and 15 amps, which measures the capacity of the circuit breaker before it shuts off. Check the amp listed on the package to avoid frequent outages and tripped circuits. You can also opt for LED lights, which require less power. 

3. Use Timers

Although Christmas lights at night look pretty, leaving lights unattended increases the risk of fire. Set a timer so the lights come on immediately after sunset and turn off before you typically go to sleep. A timer can also help you save money on utility costs—especially if you have decorations both inside and outside. 

If you need electrical repairs or upgrades before setting up your holiday lights, reach out to the electricians at State Electrical Contractors. Located in Maricopa County, AZ, they have a reputation for excellence developed over the past 34 years. They can also help with outdated wiring and outdoor lighting. They even provide emergency assistance for urgent issues. Call (480) 837-9765 to schedule an estimate from an electrician. You can also visit the website to learn more about their residential services.