Electrical Safety Tips for Christmas Lighting

Christmas is a time for family and celebration, but some holiday festivities and traditions can pose a danger to you and your loved ones. Electrical accidents involving lights and other electric-powered decorations injure thousands of people every holiday season. However, following simple Christmas electrical safety tips in Florida could prevent many of these accidents. 

Check Every Strand for Damage 

When unpacking your holiday lights from storage, checking each strand for damage can prevent disasters. Broken bulbs and frayed wires are common, so looking over individual strands before connecting them to power will protect you. You can replace a broken bulb, but trying to repair a damaged wire isn’t a good idea. 

Use the Right Lights 

One of the most important Christmas electrical safety tips in Florida is to use the correct lights. Not all light strands are designed for outdoor use, and not all have the same voltage and current rating. Always read the labels on the boxes or tags to ensure you use the products according to their designated use and power rating. 

Invest in LED Bulbs 

LED (light-emitting diode) Christmas lights are an alternative to traditional incandescent bulbs. They use less power and don’t get as hot when they are illuminating your house for long periods of time. You can also link more strands together without creating a fire hazard. 

Avoid Overloading Outlets 

During the holidays, your home likely has more devices demanding electricity. Pay attention to how many decorations are plugged into a single outlet. Too much power coming through the outlet creates a fire hazard. Invest in power strips with surge protectors to protect your home. 

Beware of Extension Cord Hazards 

Extension cords can be hazardous if used incorrectly. Every cord has a rating or a certain amount of power. Only use those rated for the amount of power you’ll be using, and never place them under a rug. The rug blocks airflow, causing the cord to overheat. 

Need More Christmas Electrical Safety Tips in Florida? 

Christmas time is the perfect occasion to pull out all the stops with your decorations. But before you overload your home with lights, inflatable characters, and more, take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and others. 



If you’d like more safety tips to ensure your home remains hazard-free, contact Electrical Experts!