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It’s the most wonderful time of the year – the season to string sparkling lights, hang stockings, and fill our homes with warmth and cheer. While decorating with festive lights brings joy to the holidays, Christmas light safety is key to keeping celebrations both merry and secure.
By following a few essential safety tips, you can enjoy a dazzling display without compromising on safety. Let’s dive into some practical, modern Christmas light safety tips to help you create a safe, bright and joyful holiday season.
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From outdoor holiday lights strung high to the star atop your tree, it’s almost impossible to avoid using a ladder. And while it may seem like it’s not a big deal, 40% of the 14,800 holiday decorating-related injuries treated in hospital emergency rooms during the 2022 holiday season were due to falls.
To help you stay safe while climbing, keep these Christmas light safety ladder tips in mind:
Always keep three points of contact (either two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand) on the ladder at all times. This helps maintain balance and prevents falls.
Use a ladder that’s tall enough for the job. If you have to stretch or reach too far, it increases the risk of falls.
Check for cracks, loose steps, or any signs of wear. If a ladder appears damaged, don’t use it.
Make sure the ladder is on level ground to prevent tipping. Use a ladder stabilizer if needed.
Climbing with heavy items can throw off your balance. Consider using a pulley or rope system to lift decorations.
If possible, have someone steady the ladder for you, especially on uneven ground.
For those tackling higher or trickier installations, wireless smart sensors that monitor ladder stability can add an extra layer of safety. These monitors can alert you on your phone if the ladder begins to slip, helping you stay secure during setup.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, 860 home fires each year are caused by holiday decorations. With that in mind, Christmas light safety means checking cords carefully:
The pre-install inspection is a must-complete item on our Christmas light safety checklist. Before stringing lights, carefully inspect each set for frayed wires, bare spots, broken sockets or loose connections.
Discard lights with exposed wires or damaged sockets immediately. A single faulty strand isn't worth the risk. While decorating, or at any time during the season, if you notice your cords are warm to the touch, immediately unplug and dispose of them.
Consider using LED lights, which are cooler, more energy-efficient, and less likely to overheat.
Advancements in holiday lighting technology have made it easier than ever to safely decorate while reducing energy costs. Consider these modern lighting options for enhanced Christmas light safety:
LED lights continue to be the safest choice, but smart LEDs add an extra layer of control and convenience. Smart LED string lights allow you to adjust brightness, set schedules, and even change colors remotely, helping to save energy and reduce risks associated with leaving lights on accidentally.
If you're looking to reduce energy costs and lessen your carbon footprint, consider solar-powered outdoor holiday lights. These lights charge during the day and illuminate automatically at night, adding a festive glow to your home without needing to be plugged in.
For those who want ultimate control and customization, app-controlled holiday lights let you create custom lighting designs and patterns while ensuring your lights turn off when they’re not needed. Look for weatherproof models specifically rated for outdoor use.
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If you’ve seen National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation where Clark Griswald (Chevy Chase) lights up the outside of his home with 25,000 lights, then you know exactly what it looks like to not follow Christmas light safety tips nor heed electrical limits. Funny, yes, but definitely not bright.
Most manufacturers recommend not connecting more than four to five incandescent light strands together, as these lights draw more power and can overheat when too many are linked.
LEDs are much more energy-efficient, allowing you to connect between 20 to 50 mini light strands, depending on the lights’ wattage and the manufacturer’s guidelines. Check the packaging for specifics to ensure safe connections.
Always read the manufacturer’s instructions and avoid overloading circuits. This is especially important for outdoor displays where moisture and weather exposure can add to electrical risks. When in doubt, err on the side of caution and use multiple extension cords to distribute power safely.
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While you can always use an outdoor extension cord inside, you can never use an indoor cord outside. Using indoor extension cords outside is not recommended for several reasons, primarily related to safety and the cord's design.
Here's a look at five main differences between an indoor vs outdoor extension cord:
For these reasons, when it comes to indoor vs outdoor extension cords, it's crucial to use the correct type for the intended environment to ensure both the safety of the user and the longevity of the cord itself.
According to Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), most deadly fires happen while people are asleep. That's why you should never leave lights on while unattended. If you’re leaving your home, even if only for an hour, or going to bed for the night, be sure to unplug your lights.
Timers and smart plugs are a great way to take advantage of modern technology for Christmas light safety:
Control your lights remotely using smart plugs and your smartphone. This means you can turn your lights on or off from anywhere, ensuring they're not left on accidentally for extended periods, which can be a fire hazard.
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Modern technology isn’t just for controlling lights – it can make installation safer and easier, too:
If you’re decorating a metal roof, railing or gutter, magnetic light clips eliminate the need for nails or staples, which can damage wires and create fire risks.
Cordless hanging poles with extendable arms let you place lights along high areas, reducing the need for ladders and preventing fall risks. These poles are especially helpful for decorating tall trees or rooflines safely from the ground.
When setting up outdoor lights, portable GFCI adapters (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters) provide an added layer of Christmas light safety:
GFCI adapters detect electrical imbalances and immediately cut power if an issue is detected, preventing electric shocks.
Many GFCI adapters are designed for outdoor use and protect against moisture, which can lead to electrical hazards.
Some adapters include overload protection to prevent surges, making them a key tool in Christmas light safety.
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Axcet HR Solutions is a certified PEO headquartered in Kansas City since 1988. As part of our lineup of comprehensive PEO services, we have a full team of risk management consultants who are workers’ compensation and workplace safety experts.
When you partner with Axcet – a trusted risk management PEO – you can be confident your employees and business are protected. To speak with one of our health and safety experts, reach out today >>
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