Follow this safety guide if you’re putting up holiday lights

Published Jessica Vitullo - December 7, 2015

www.realtorpankajpatel.com

December is finally here! If you’re planning on decorating your home with holiday lights to celebrate the season, you’re likely not the only one on your street! But putting up lights can be dangerous. Consider working with a licensed electrician and be sure to follow our guide on how to stay safe.

Choose the right holiday lights

Indoor and outdoor lights aren’t the same. Some lights are rated for indoor use, some for outdoor. When you’re at your local home hardware store, read the package instructions to see which lights you’re buying.

It’s also important to pay attention to the recommended wattage. Don’t exceed the recommendation, or your holiday lights might blow out before Santa arrives!

Avoid damage and overloaded circuits

If you buy a bundle of string lights and notice the cord, plugs or ornaments are damaged, do NOT use them. Instead, simply replace them. Damaged electrical products can be hazardous to your home (and to you during the installation process).

You also want to make sure that you’re not plugging in too many lights into the same outlet. An overloaded circuit can overheat and start a fire. The only fire that should be happening in your home is a controlled one within the fireplace!

The same goes for using extension cords. Plugging in too many plugs into an extension cord can lead to overheating.

You do NOT want to be this guy!

Install holiday decor wisely

It’s easy to get carried away with holiday lights. After all, don’t you want your home to look like the homes in this video?

To make your home look like any of these, you have to be extra careful!

• No more than 3 light strings should be connected together. Be sure to read instructions on your lighting package to be sure.
• The bulbs themselves should NOT touch supply cords or wires.
• Secure the lights properly using power clips.

Lastly, remember the following:

• If the children are near you, watch to ensure they don’t place anything cords or lights in their mouths.
• Don’t let your pet get to the lights either.
• Turn them off when you go to bed or leave the house.

You spend so much time doing the decorations outside that you want to keep them around all year, right? WRONG. It’s important to take them down once the holiday season is over. They are not built for year-round use.

If you’ve never put up holiday lights before, then make this season your first year! This expert shows you exactly how to do it:

Need some help from an electrical perspective? There’s no shame in speaking to an expert, someone who knows and understands electricity! Reach out to an electrician using our directory to find someone who can ensure your home is lit properly. Hey, they might even be able to do the installation for you!