Important Safety Tips for Installing Holiday Lights Indoors and Outdoors

The holidays should embrace the spirit of the season, gatherings with friends and family, and festive decorations that light up your home for a cozy atmosphere. Ideally, you want a worry-free experience where your home is illuminated on demand. Beyond all the holiday cheer, it’s crucial to prioritize holiday light safety and avoid potential electrical hazards. 

Whether you’re a DIY decorator or want to turn to the pros for Christmas light installation in Colorado Springs, we’re here to help. The team at Basset Heating & Air Conditioning offers all of the electrical repairs, installations, panel upgrades, and inspections you need to keep your home safe. We also have essential safety tips to keep your holiday bright and safe.

1. Use Lights Rated for Your Environment

Homeowners aren’t always aware that not all holiday lights on the market are designed for outdoor use. It’s important to look over the packaging or product label to confirm that the lights you want to use outdoors are weather-resistant and safe for exterior conditions. If you use indoor-only lights, you don’t have the same level of protection against moisture and temperature changes. You end up with an increased risk of electrical hazards in cold outdoor climates. 

2. Inspect Your Lights and Cords Before Installation

Before deciding to hang your holiday lights, examine each string carefully to ensure your household’s holiday light safety. Look for frayed wires, cracked insulation, or broken bulbs. It’s better to toss out those old strands of light and invest in new ones than leave your home up to chance. Damaged lights pose a significant safety risk, especially if you plan to hang them near flammable materials. 

3. Avoid Overloading Electrical Outlets

It’s a common mistake to overload your outlets with holiday lighting, which will quickly trip your circuit breakers. Overloading outlets is more than a nuisance; they can also lead to overheating, tripped breakers, or even electrical fires. Avoid plugging too many lights or decorations into a single outlet and spread them across different circuits.

4. Secure Your Holiday Lights with Safe Fasteners

Don’t reach for the staples, nails, or sharp objects to secure your holiday string lights, or you could puncture the wiring and leave your home vulnerable to electrical issues. Instead, opt for plastic hooks, clips, or other non-metallic fasteners to safely attach your lights. Whether you’re hanging lights from the wall or roof, you’ll minimize the damage to your wires and keep your household safe.

5. Use Extension Cords Properly

Extension cords are a common part of holiday light displays but must be rated for outdoor use if used on the exterior of your home or property. Take the time to place your cords where they won’t pose a tripping hazard. You should also avoid running them under rugs, doormats, or through doorways where they can be pinched and frayed. The team at Basset are also here for professional Christmas light installation in Colorado Springs for a safe, secure setup. 

6. Protect Outlets and Connections from Moisture

Connect all your outdoor lights and extension cords to outlets equipped with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection. You’ll reduce the risk of shocks and keep your entire household safer. It’s also wise to invest in some simple waterproof covers for your outdoor outlets. You want to keep as much moisture out of your connections as possible to avoid short circuits and electrical hazards. 

7. Turn Off Lights Before Going to Bed or Leaving Home

Do your part to reduce the risk of electrical fires by turning off the holiday lights before bedtime or leaving home. If you lead a busy life and can’t remember to turn them off manually, you can also use a simple timer to automatically switch your lights on and off. It’s a small step to enhance the safety of your home and conserve energy to lower your bills while extending the life of your lights.

8. Consider LED Lights for Greater Efficiency and Safety

LED lights are a savvy choice for holiday displays for their lower energy consumption and reduced heat output. Unlike traditional incandescent bulbs, choosing LED options helps your displays stay cool to the touch and decreases the risk of burns and fire hazards. If you have a large display, we offer the lighting services you need for safe, effective LED lighting installation and design.

9. Keep Indoor Lights Away from Flammable Materials

Whether you’re decorating indoors or outdoors, avoid placing your lights near flammable objects, including curtains, paper decorations, or dry foliage. When your lights heat up, especially in older displays that don’t use LED options, it’s easy to ignite nearby materials. Keep a safe distance from anything flammable and turn off your lights when you’re away from home or when going to bed. 

10. Call the Pros for Complicated Holiday Displays

If you love the idea of an elaborate holiday lighting display but want to stay as safe as possible, call the experts for help. The lighting team at Basset will come out to safely set up and install your lighting safely and correctly with all safety precautions in place. Beyond lighting safety, professional installation also eliminates the risk of falls or accidents associated with high or difficult installations.

Call Basset Heating & Air Conditioning for All of Your Holiday Light Needs

Ready to decorate for the holidays safely and efficiently? Call the team at Basset Heating & Air Conditioning for all of your Christmas light installation in Colorado Springs. We offer all the services you need, from design to installation. We can also fix any outlets, upgrade your electric panel, and look over your set-up to ensure your home is safe and ready for the season. Schedule your appointment today!