Holiday Lighting Electrical Safety Tips

1. Inspect Your Lights Before You Hang Them

Whether you’re using lights from last year or buying new ones, inspect each strand for cracked wires, broken bulbs, or loose connections. Damaged strings can spark, overheat, or trip your breaker. If you notice any frayed wiring or exposed copper, replace the strand immediately.

2. Use Outdoor-Rated Lights & Extension Cords

Not all lights are meant for the outdoors. Make sure anything exposed to snow or moisture is specifically labeled for outdoor use. The same applies to extension cords. Indoor cords can crack in the cold or absorb moisture, creating shock or fire hazards.

When in doubt, look for the UL Listed or ETL Certified mark.

3. Avoid Overloading Circuits

Plugging too many lights into one outlet can overload your electrical system. This is especially common in older Minnesota homes with limited circuits. Spread your display across multiple outlets and avoid using multiple high-draw decorations on the same circuit.

If your breaker trips frequently, it’s a sign that the circuit is overloaded and needs attention from a licensed electrician.

4. Keep Connections Off the Ground

Snow and slush create wet conditions around your home’s foundation. Keep plugs, timers, and extension cord connectors off the ground to prevent water exposure. Use outdoor covers or mounting clips to keep connections elevated and protected.

5. Use Timers or Smart Controls

Timers help prevent overheating by limiting how long your lights stay on. Smart plugs or lighting systems can also automatically turn your display on and off, saving energy and reducing electrical strain.

Permanent systems like Gemstone Lights make this even easier with built-in scheduling through an app, ensuring your lights run safely and efficiently.

6. Consider Permanent Lighting for Improved Safety

Traditional string lights require climbing ladders, handling extension cords, and managing exposed wiring, all of which increase the risk of accidents. Permanent outdoor lighting eliminates these hazards with professionally installed, weather-sealed LED tracks.

With systems like Gemstone Lights from H&S, all wiring is enclosed and custom-fitted to your home for a clean, safe, and long-lasting setup that’s ready for every season.