
8 Safety Tips for Putting Up Christmas Lights
The holiday season is all about spreading joy, and nothing captures the festive spirit quite like Christmas lights.
Whether you’re transforming your home into a winter wonderland − or perhaps a summer wonderland − or adding a touch of sparkle to your yard, decorating with lights is a tradition many of us look forward to.
But before you start untangling those strings of lights, it’s important to remember that safety should come first. Improper setup or faulty lights can lead to accidents, electrical issues or even fires − things no one wants to deal with during the festive season.
That’s why we’ve put together eight essential safety tips to help you create a stunning display without the risk. Follow these simple guidelines, and you’ll enjoy a beautiful, safe and stress-free holiday season.
1. Plan Your Lighting Design Before You Start
Before you untangle your lights and climb a ladder, take some time to plan your lighting design. A little preparation goes a long way in creating a stunning display while ensuring safety.
Here’s how to get started:
- Measure your space: Use a tape measure to determine how much lighting you’ll need for your roofline, windows, trees or yard. This prevents running out of lights midway.
- Check power sources: Locate your outdoor outlets and decide how you’ll connect your lights without overloading circuits. Use surge protectors or extension cords if needed.
- Choose the right lights: Decide on a theme, such as warm white or colourful lights, and ensure they’re appropriate for indoor or outdoor use.
- Create a layout plan: Sketch out where each string of lights will go to avoid tangled wires and unnecessary clutter.
A thoughtful plan ensures your setup is safe, efficient and stunning from the start.
2. Inspect Your Lights for Damage
Before you hang a single light, take the time to inspect every string carefully. Damaged lights are one of the biggest hazards when decorating for Christmas, as frayed wires, cracked bulbs or broken sockets can lead to electrical shocks or even fires.
Spread the lights out and look for any visible issues. Are there any exposed wires? Do the connections look loose or corroded? If you spot anything that seems unsafe, it’s best to replace the entire string.
Don’t forget to plug in the lights to ensure they work properly before putting them up. Flickering bulbs or strands that won’t light up could be signs of deeper issues.
Always use lights that meet safety standards, such as those with UL-AU certification, for peace of mind. A little extra care now can save you a lot of trouble later, keeping your holiday display both beautiful and safe.
3. Use Outdoor-Rated Lights and Cords
When decorating outside, it’s essential to use lights and extension cords designed specifically for outdoor use. Indoor lights may not be able to handle the moisture, wind or temperature fluctuations that come with being exposed to the elements.
Outdoor-rated lights are built to be more durable and weather-resistant, reducing the risk of electrical hazards.
Look for packaging labels that indicate the lights are safe for outdoor use, and make sure extension cords are heavy-duty and weatherproof. Never try to use an indoor cord or light set outside − it’s a recipe for accidents.
Additionally, avoid connecting too many light strings together, as this can overload the extension cord and create a fire risk. By choosing the right products for outdoor decorating, you’ll ensure that your holiday display shines bright while keeping your home and family safe from potential dangers.
4. Avoid Overloading Circuits
Overloading circuits is a common mistake when putting up Christmas lights, but it can lead to blown fuses, tripped circuit breakers or even electrical fires.
Stay safe with these simple tips:
- Know your circuit limits: Check the wattage rating for your outlets and circuits. Most household circuits can handle up to 15-20 amps; exceeding this can cause issues.
- Use energy-efficient LED lights: LED lights use far less power than traditional incandescent bulbs, reducing the strain on your circuits.
- Limit the number of strands: Avoid connecting more light strands than the manufacturer recommends, usually no more than three to five per string.
- Distribute the load: Spread your lights across multiple outlets rather than plugging everything into one. Use outdoor-rated extension cords if needed.
Being mindful of your circuit capacity ensures a dazzling display without risking your home’s electrical system.
5. Secure Lights Safely to Avoid Falls
Hanging Christmas lights can be a fun tradition, but it’s important to take precautions to avoid slips, trips, or falls.
Follow these tips to secure your lights safely:
- Use the right tools: Avoid nails, staples or tape, which can damage your lights and surfaces. Opt for plastic light clips that are easy to attach and safe for your home.
- Set up a stable ladder: Choose a sturdy ladder and place it on a flat, level surface. Always have someone hold the base for added stability.
- Avoid overreaching: Move the ladder as needed instead of stretching too far, which can throw you off balance.
- Avoid working at night: Try to get the work done during daylight hours. If you need to work a night, make sure you’ve got plenty of light (such as motion sensor lights).
- Secure cords and wires: Keep cords neatly fastened and away from walkways to prevent tripping hazards.
By taking these simple precautions, you can create a beautiful light display while keeping your Christmas decorating experience safe and accident-free.
6. Keep Electrical Connections Off the Ground
When setting up Christmas lights outdoors, it’s crucial to keep all electrical connections off the ground. Exposed plugs, extension cords and connections sitting on (potentially) wet surfaces or grass can quickly become a safety hazard, especially if it rains.
Water and electricity don’t mix, and even a small amount of moisture can lead to short circuits, shocks or other dangerous situations.
To prevent this, elevate your connections using outdoor-rated stakes, hooks, or other raised platforms. You can also cover connections with protective weatherproof boxes or wraps specifically designed for outdoor use. These safeguards will keep moisture away while ensuring everything stays securely in place.
Remember to check connections regularly throughout the festive season, especially if it happens to rain. By taking these precautions, you can enjoy your dazzling light display worry-free, knowing your setup is both festive and safe.
7. Turn Off Lights When Unattended
As beautiful as your Christmas lights look, it’s important to turn them off whenever you’re not home or heading to bed. Leaving lights on unattended increases the risk of electrical issues or even fires, especially if they overheat or come into contact with flammable materials.
It’s an easy step to forget, but it’s also one of the simplest ways to keep your home safe.
A great way to avoid the hassle of manual switching is to use timers or smart plugs. These handy devices let you schedule when your lights turn on and off, so you can enjoy the festive glow without worry. Plus, setting specific hours saves energy and helps keep your electricity bill in check.
This small habit not only ensures safety but also gives you peace of mind. With lights off when you’re away, you can focus on enjoying the season stress-free.
8. Be Mindful of Fire Hazards
Christmas lights bring joy and sparkle, but they can also pose a fire risk if not used carefully. Here are some tips to help you stay safe:
- Choose LED lights: LED lights stay cooler than traditional incandescent bulbs, reducing the risk of overheating.
- Inspect for damage: Check for frayed wires, broken bulbs, or damaged sockets. Faulty lights can quickly become a fire hazard.
- Don’t overload outlets: Plugging too many lights into one outlet can cause overheating or short circuits. Use surge protectors to manage the load.
- Keep lights away from flammable materials: Ensure lights are not touching dry trees, curtains or other flammable decorations.
- Turn off when unattended: Always turn off your lights before going to bed or leaving the house to minimise fire risks.
With these precautions, you can enjoy your festive display while keeping your home safe and sound.
Light Up Your Christmas Fun
Putting up Christmas lights is a beloved holiday tradition, but safety should always come first. By following these eight simple tips, you can create a dazzling display that’s as safe as it is festive.
From planning your design and inspecting your lights to securing electrical connections and avoiding overloaded circuits, these precautions help protect your home and family while spreading holiday cheer.
Remember, it’s not just about how your lights look − it’s about ensuring you enjoy them worry-free throughout the season. Whether you’re a seasoned decorator or a first-timer, taking a little extra care goes a long way in preventing accidents and keeping the holidays merry and bright.
Now that you’re equipped with these safety tips, it’s time to light up your home and make it a magical festive season.
Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See Cyber Electrical’s Terms & Conditions here.