Bright decorative lights are part of the holiday season, but it’s important to remember that they can put a strain on your electrical system. In some cases, they can become a safety hazard. Whether it’s your exterior lighting or interior decorations, here are a few safety tips to make sure your electrical system holds up throughout the season.

Your Guide to Electrical Safety During the Holidays

1. Check for Damage

If your holiday decorations are tucked into your garage or attic throughout the year, they may have been damaged. Before you plug anything in, check each piece for issues, especially with the connectors and wires. Exposed wires should be fixed—even on your exterior lighting—as they can cause dangerous shocks or spark a fire. If you find damage, don’t attempt to fix it yourself—have an electrician handle the job to ensure that your decorations are safe for use.

2. Don’t Overload Outlets

With so many extra plugs needed during the holidays, it’s easy to fill up a lot of power outlets throughout your home. Plugging in too many items can cause fires and can also blow out your electrical system. Make sure to disperse appliances, exterior lighting, and other items evenly across your system, and always unplug other devices when using high-wattage items. 

3. Don’t Use More Than Three Lighting Strings

A bright lighting display can bring your neighborhood to life, but if you like to go all out, keep the three string rule in mind. Unless you’re using LED lights—in which case you can connect up to 25 strings—never plug more than three exterior lighting strings into one outlet. It’s a major fire hazard and can also trip your circuit breaker.

Sticking with these safety tips will help ensure that your home stays safe throughout the holiday season. If you do run into any issues with your interior or exterior lighting while preparing for the holidays, contact Stellmach Electric, LLC. Located in Crawford County, PA, their skilled electricians bring over 18 years of experience to the job. They can assist with standard electrical repairs or larger home addition and remodeling services. Visit their website to learn more about their services, or call (814) 282-7637 to speak with a member of their team.