The holidays are right around the corner, and that means it’s time to prepare your decorations. Holiday lights are festive additions to any home exterior, but it’s important to use them safely. While its always important to have your home inspected by an electrical contractor before hanging new lights, consider the following tips for properly handling string lights. 

Do:

Choose energy efficient lights. 

LED lights last 25 times longer and use 75% less energy than traditional lights, so they are a more efficient option for your holiday decorations. These lights are less likely to sustain damage over time and also produce less heat. This makes them a safer option to hang on your home.

Check the lights after opening them. 

It’s always essential to carefully inspect a new set of lights and all of your existing lights before hanging them. Check for broken bulbs, broken wire insulation, frayed wires, and damaged plugs. These issues could cause electrical shortages or even a fire. 

Use outdoor supplies. 

If you intend to hang lights outdoors all season, make sure that you use supplies that can handle the cold. All of the extension cords, outlets, and power strips should be labeled for outdoor use. If they are not, invest in replacements. The updated products will be able to withstand ice and moisture effectively.

Don’t:

Mix LED and conventional lighting. 

Incandescent lighting uses much more power than LED bulbs, so it’s safer not to use them on the same circuit. By putting them together, you will drain the LED bulbs and decrease their lifespan. And if there is too much strain the circuit, it could cause a fire. Homeowners who want to use LED and their older lights should contact an electrical contractor to set them up on separate circuits. 

Connect too many strings together. 

It’s generally best to connect no more than three strings of lights together. Connecting too many sets increases the amount of electrical power required and could cause a short. By using multiple outlets for every set of strands, you can balance your home’s electrical output. 

Leave your lights unattended. 

This is one of the most essential safety rules you can follow this holiday season. Turn your lights on when you leave the house and when you go to sleep at night. This prevents them from overheating and causing a fire. Unplug the lights on the tree in addition to those outside. 

To keep your home running properly during the holidays and all year long, contact the professionals at Osterwisch Company in Cincinnati, OH. Since 1946, this family-owned and -operated company has been saving customers time and money on their home maintenance. Their team of HVAC, plumbing, and electrical contractors are available to provide the maintenance and repair you can trust. To view a full list of services, visit their website. You can also call (513) 791-3282 to speak to a member of the team.