5 Tips for Holiday Light Safety

Decorating your home with holiday-themed lights is a wonderful way to create a festive mood for the Christmas season. However, to be able to celebrate the holidays safely, it’s important that you are familiar with some of the safety procedures involved in decorating with holiday lights. If you’re not careful, your holiday lights could become a serious safety hazard.

Tip #1 – Read the Package!

Before purchasing the least expensive type of decorative lights, it’s best if you first read the packaging! Some lights are not rated for outdoor use or are manufactured by companies that are notorious for producing faulty products. In general, it’s always best to look for a package that states, “Tested by UL” or “Tested by ETL”, both of which are reputable testing laboratories.

Tip #2 – Mini Lights are Best.

The “classic” style of Christmas lights is the large-bulb type that is still available at most home good stores. However, this type of light burns hot, and has a greater risk of being a fire hazard. Unless you are prepared to take extreme safety precautions, it’s highly recommended that you stick to the mini-Christmas lights, which have a much cooler operating temperature.

Tip #3 – Inspect your Lights Before Use.

Whether you are purchasing new holiday lights, or using a previously owned set, it’s always highly recommended that you give them a thorough inspection before using them to decorate. When checking your lights, pay attention for:

• Loose Connections
• Broken or Missing Bulbs
• Frayed Wire
• Cracked Sockets
• Exposed Wire
• Defective Operation

By checking your lights, you can reduce the risk that your holiday lights will present a safety hazard. If you find a defect in your lights, either return them to the manufacturer for a refund, or simply throw them away. It’s usually best not to attempt to fix a damaged set of Christmas lights on your own, unless you are a skilled electrician.

Tip #4- Smart Light Schedules

 Smart light schedules can help you automate your lights to turn on and off at specific times, creating a festive ambiance without the hassle.

How it works:

• Set a Schedule: Use a smart home app or voice assistant to program your lights to turn on and off at desired times.
• Customize Your Display: Create dynamic lighting effects, such as fading in and out or pulsing to the rhythm of holiday music.
• Energy Savings: By automating your lights, you can reduce energy consumption and lower your utility bills.

With smart light schedules, you can enjoy the beauty of your holiday lights without worrying about manually turning them on and off. It’s a simple yet effective way to enhance your holiday experience.

Tip #5 – Hang Lights Safely Outdoors.

Before hanging holiday lights outside, it’s best if you first check to make sure that your lights are rated for outdoor use. Some holiday lights aren’t properly insulated for outdoor use and may be damaged by exposure to moisture. To prevent your lights from becoming an electrical hazard, always use insulated staples or metal hooks to hang your holiday lights. Be careful not to staple through the insulated wire casing on your lights, since this can present a safety hazard.