Christmas is right around the corner but if you are thinking it is too late to put up Christmas lights, you are wrong. There is still time to make your days merrier with holiday lights. We have highlighted some holiday lighting safety tips so you can have a brighter and safer holiday.
This season is a time for joy, so do not let bad holiday light installation ruin your Christmas spirit. Revel in your light decorations while staying safe and warm. Keep on reading to learn about doing Christmas light installation safely.
1 – Watch the power lines
Keep your distance from overhead power lines when decorating outside your home. High-voltage power cables could be deadly. You do not ever want to accidentally touch them.
When decorating outside, keep your tools, Christmas lights, ornaments, and other decors away from power lines. You should also avoid hanging your light stings on trees that are near them.
2 – Switch to LED lights
Instead of using regular bulbs, why not consider energy-efficient lighting? They are an excellent alternative since they consume less energy and rarely overheat. Most LED lights also do not contain any toxic elements so they are so much safer to use, especially if you have kids or pets at home.
3 – Inspect your lights
Christmas light installation is a fun activity you can do with your family. But before making your home merrier and brighter, it is crucial to perform some precautionary measures.
Test the holiday lights before purchasing them. Look if there are any damaged bulbs. If you are using old ones, it is a smart decision to test if they are still in good condition before hanging them.
4 – Check the product reviews
Reviews and ratings say a lot about a product. If you are buying new Christmas lights, why not search the brand first. See the feedback of people who already used the item.
It is always good to read product reviews before paying for any type of Christmas decoration to avoid bringing home low-quality or hazardous items. It is highly recommended that you purchase electrical decorations only from reputable brands.
5 – Follow the fine print of the product
Read the product installation guide. Such a document exists to help consumers use the item properly and avoid it from causing harm. You do not really want your holiday decoration to ruin a happy moment.
Check the label that states the maximum wattage allowed and follow it. By reading the guide, you will learn if the Christmas light is safe to put on where you are planning to.
6 – Use a Holiday Light Timer
Turning your holiday lights off every now and then is important to prevent overheating its wiring. For this reason, you should have a light timer.
Generally, a light timer will not only cut down your electric bill but will also reduce the chances of accidentally setting your house on fire. Another advantage of installing a reliable timer is that you can have better control of the lighting system.
7 – Watch out for flammable materials
Be extra careful when hanging decorative lights that contain materials that can ignite easily. Keep in mind that Christmas lights can cause a fire since they’re made with wires where electricity passes through plastic materials that can easily burn.
8 – Plug in your lighting safely
A bad outlet can start a fire. Fix worn out sockets right away before plugging lights into it. You can purchase replacements in local hardware stores.
9 – Do not over decorate
When in doubt, do not over decorate. That is the rule of thumb when putting up holiday decorations. Christmas lights can bring holiday cheer, but hanging too much can be overwhelming. Instead of beautifying your home for the holiday, it might look crowded.
Plan ahead what you want and only put up what is needed so you can avoid dangerous circuit overload. Typically, you will only need less than 150 bulbs per vertical foot.
10 – Illuminate your home with the right voltage lighting
Landscape lighting can make your outdoor space look at its best after dark. It is often set up to make an area appealing especially when there is ice decor. Aside from that, it prevents intruders from trespassing your property.
When doing landscape lighting, use the right voltage bulbs. Check whether the voltage bulb matches the voltage supply. Do not use a very low one because it could affect their glow, and a very high voltage can make the bulbs explode.
11 – Take down your lights at the end of the season
It is highly recommended to remove your holiday lighting when the season is over. Bring them inside not only to avoid raking up your electric bill but also to prevent it from causing problems.
Once your electric decorations are brought back to the attic, you might even start feeling less anxious about having an accidental fire. Store them properly if you are planning on using them next year.
12 – Decorate professionally
If you are wondering how you can wrap Christmas tree lights professionally, the first thing you need to do is measure the tree. Measure the trunk or branches that you wish to cover with lights. And then, determine the spacing and the exact length of lights you need.
13 – Avoid using a staple gun when hanging the lights
A staple gun can tear the protective cover of the light’s strings and causes the wiring to be exposed. That really is unsafe and might cause electrocution. It can also damage the paint of your home and leave marks everywhere.
Instead, use adhesive tape which is so much easier to put or remove. Plus, it is safer to use. You can also try plastic clips which can be bought in local supplies stores.
14 – Consider where you are hanging the Christmas lights
You have a lot of options when putting up holiday lights. You can either hang it indoors or outdoors.
When decorating outdoors, use incandescent bulbs or decorative lights that are designed for the exterior. Make sure they are weather resistant and safer to use. Use an outdoor receptacle or protective cover when necessary.
On the other hand, indoor Christmas lights look good around a nativity scene or animated displays. It can make the decoration more alive and pleasing to the eyes. But be especially strategic when decorating indoors to avoid disasters from happening.
15 – Limit the number of lights plugged into your outlet
There is only so much electricity one outlet can handle. If you plug everything in the same source of electricity, there is a tendency that it will spark, tap the breaker, or worse, cause a house fire.
16 – Keep extension cords away
An extension cord is an essential item in the house. It is handy especially during the holiday season where decorations and lightings need to be plugged in. However, many people get injured from electric outlets lying around.
When using an extension cord, remember to keep it away from the reach of children or pets. Place it away from the walkways. But, do not run it inside the walls or ceilings because it might overheat. You should also place it far from water sources to avoid short-circuit.
17 – Stay away from metal materials
As much as possible, avoid attaching the Christmas lighting near or around a metal. There have been a lot of cases where people got electrocuted from lighting mistakes.
A decorated metal pole is one example. Keep in mind that metal conducts electricity, so if the lighting becomes faulty, it can make electricity travel through the metal and cause electric shock.
Have A Jolly And Safer Christmas
Holiday light installation is definitely a huge part of the Christmas celebration. To some families, it is a tradition that makes parents and children closer to one another. And who would not be captivated by the beautiful holiday decorations embellished with light strings everywhere?
Following the holiday lighting safety tips above will not only make heads turn but will also give you peace of mind knowing that you have done your Christmas light installation the right way.
