Holiday Decorations and Power Outages: How to Stay Bright and Safe

As the holiday season approaches, you’re getting ready to make your home twinkle with festive lights and decorations.

However, we all know that sometimes, holiday decorating can lead to unexpected power outages, tangled lights, and safety hazards.

Top Things That Can Go Wrong When Decorating:

Moisture Mishaps: Holiday lights and water don’t mix! Rain or dew can lead to power interruptions and fire hazards.

Overloaded Circuits: Plugging in too many decorations and lights into a single circuit can trip the breaker, causing a blackout.

Electrical Shorts: Older or damaged lights with frayed wires and insulation issues create electrical shorts, causing power losses and safety concerns.

 

What You Should Do Instead:

Choose Your Lights Wisely: Opt for UL-listed lights approved for outdoor use. Check your strings for damage and discard any with: 

  • cracks 

  • frays 

  • exposed wires 

Remember to unplug the lights before changing bulbs.

Install with Care: Position your lights so they’ll dry out if water gets in. Use insulated staples to secure them without damaging the insulation. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe installation.

Plug into a GFCI Outlet: Ensure your outdoor outlet is GFCI-protected to prevent potential water and electricity hazards. A GFCI outlet monitors the flow of electrical current to prevent electrocution. 

Prevent Overloads: Avoid plugging appliances with your holiday lights, and consider using LED lights to reduce power consumption. Adding a dedicated circuit for your outdoor decorations is a smart move.

Protect Outdoor Outlets: Use in-use weatherproof covers for outdoor outlets to shield them from the elements.

Upgrade Your Electrical Before the Holidays!

Whether you need a: 

  • new GFCI outlet 

  • dedicated circuit for your outdoor decorations 

  • or new interior fixture 

Our team of professional licensed electricians is here to help!

Harness the holiday spirit, keep the lights shining bright, and enjoy a stress-free and safe holiday season. Contact New London Electric to schedule your electrical upgrade today!

Joanne O'Neill