In the video above, Kevin O’Connor and master electrician Heath Eastman meet back at the shop to talk about holiday lights. After assessing O’Connor’s improper light storage techniques, Eastman helps him check each strand’s condition and teaches him how to check the fuses should a strand not light. This guide will walk you through the basics of safely enjoying holiday lights.
Inspecting and Testing Christmas Lights
Before adorning your home with holiday lights, you should inspect and test each strand thoroughly. This process promotes both safety and functionality, preventing potential hazards.
Checking for Damage
When retrieving holiday lights from storage, take the time to carefully examine each strand for signs of wear and tear. Look for frayed wires or exposed copper, which can pose electrical hazards. Check for broken or missing bulbs that may affect the strand’s functionality. Inspect plugs and sockets for any damage that could compromise their safety.
Finally, confirm the insulation along the cord is intact to prevent short circuits. This thorough inspection helps ensure that your holiday lighting display is festive and safe. If you notice any of these issues, it’s best to discard the damaged strand and replace it with a new one. Attempting to repair frayed wires or damaged cords can lead to electrical hazards. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International, every year 150 home fires start with holiday lights.
Testing Functionality
Once you’ve confirmed the physical condition of your lights, it’s time to test their functionality:
- Plug each strand into a working outlet.
- Verify that all bulbs illuminate properly.
- Check for any flickering or inconsistent lighting.
- Listen for unusual buzzing or crackling sounds.
In the video above, Heath demonstrates how to check the fuses in the plug if a strand fails to light. Many light sets come with spare fuses, which can often be found in the original packaging.
Replacing Faulty Bulbs
If only a few bulbs are out, you can often replace them individually:
- Unplug the strand before replacing any bulbs.
- Gently remove the faulty bulb.
- Insert a new bulb of the same wattage and type.
- Test the strand again after replacing the bulb.
Remember that some older light sets may go completely dark if one bulb burns out. In these cases, you’ll need to identify and replace the faulty bulb to restore functionality to the entire strand.
Choosing the Right Holiday Lights
If you’re shopping for holiday lights, Eastman advises you to go for LED (light-emitting diode) lights. Selecting the appropriate Christmas light type can significantly impact safety and energy efficiency. LED lights have become increasingly popular due to their numerous advantages over traditional incandescent bulbs. LED lights are cool to the touch, compared to traditional incandescent Christmas lights, and use less electricity. Eastman also suggests only using lights tested, rated, and approved by Underwriters Laboratory (UL).
Benefits of LED Christmas Lights
LED lights offer several benefits for holiday decorating:
- Energy efficiency: LEDs use up to 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs
- Longevity: LED lights typically last much longer than traditional bulbs
- Safety: LEDs generate less heat, reducing fire risk
- Durability: These lights are more resistant to breakage
- Versatility: Many LED sets offer color-changing options and effects
Early LED lights could have harsh, bluish light, but manufacturers now produce modern versions with warmer color temperatures that closely mimic the soft glow of traditional incandescent bulbs.
Considerations When Mixing Light Types
When updating your holiday lighting, it’s important to consider compatibility. Eastman advises against mixing LED and incandescent lights on the same circuit. The differing power requirements can lead to inconsistent lighting and potential overloading. Additionally, the visual difference between LED and incandescent lights can be noticeable, potentially detracting from your display’s overall aesthetic.
Safe Christmas Light Installation Methods
Proper installation and control of your Christmas lights enhance their appearance and contribute significantly to safety.
Outdoor Installation Safety
Use only lights and extension cords specifically rated for outdoor use to withstand the elements. Adhere to manufacturer guidelines for the number of strands you can safely connect to avoid overloading circuits.
Lastly, use proper mounting methods, such as plastic clips or hooks designed for holiday lights, to prevent damage to your home and the light strands. Eastman recommends using plastic light clips instead of nails or screws to secure lights. This method prevents damage to your home’s exterior and reduces the risk of puncturing wires.
Protecting Electrical Connections
Employ weatherproof covers for outlet connections, use cord protectors to shield plugs from rain and snow, and elevate connections off the ground whenever possible. These steps help provide safer and more reliable outdoor electrical setups.
In the video, Eastman demonstrates a clever solution—a weatherproof cord connector that seals the junction between two cords, preventing moisture infiltration and reducing the risk of GFCI trips.
Using Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)
Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) are essential for holiday light safety, especially with outdoor installations. These devices protect against electrical shock by shutting off power when they detect an imbalance in the electrical current.
Importance of GFCIs
GFCIs provide a layer of safety in moist or wet conditions, such as during rain or snow. Connecting all outdoor light setups to GFCI outlets minimizes the risk of electrical shocks. If your home does not have GFCI outlets outdoors, consider using a portable GFCI adapter.
How To Test GFCIs
We recommend regularly testing your GCFI outlets. To test:
- Plug a nightlight or similar device into the GFCI outlet and turn it on.
- Press the “Test” button on the GFCI outlet. The nightlight should turn off.
- Press the “Reset” button. The nightlight should turn on again.
If the nightlight does not turn off or on, you may need to replace the GFCI outlet.
Safely Decorating Indoors
Indoor holiday lights require careful handling. To reduce fire risks, avoid running extension cords under carpets or rugs, keep lights away from flammable decorations, and opt for battery-operated candles to further minimize fire hazards. Properly securing indoor lights and decorations can prevent trips, falls, and other accidents, making your home safer for family and guests.
Child and Pet Safety
Children and pets are naturally curious, especially during the holiday season, so keeping lights and cords out of their reach is important. Use cord clips to secure any loose wires, and always supervise young children when they are near holiday decorations.
Smart Christmas Light Control Options
Modern technology offers convenient and safe ways to control your holiday lights:
- Plug-in timers: Set specific on/off times for indoor or outdoor lights
- Wi-Fi-enabled power strips: Control lights remotely via smartphone apps
- Photosensor-equipped devices: Automatically activate lights at dusk and turn them off at dawn
These control options add convenience and enhance safety by preventing users from leaving lights on unnecessarily.
Proper Holiday Light Storage for Longevity
Proper storage of Christmas lights is important for maintaining their condition and making sure they’re ready for use year after year.
Organizing and Storing Lights
To keep your lights tangle-free and in good condition, wind them carefully around a sturdy cardboard tube or spool, and store different types of lights in separate containers. Label the containers clearly for easy identification, and keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This will also make future use easier.
Investing in dedicated storage solutions, such as light reels or specialized containers, can make putting away and retrieving lights more manageable.
Protecting Lights During the Off-Season
Remove batteries from battery-operated lights and wrap fragile or specialty lights in tissue paper. Use dividers or compartments to keep different strands separated, and avoid storing lights in areas with extreme temperatures or high humidity to help them remain in good condition.
Dealing with Emergency Situations
Knowing what steps to take can prevent further damage if electrical issues arise.
Handling Electrical Shortages or Fires
If you experience an electrical short or a fire due to holiday lights:
- Unplug all holiday lights immediately if safe to do so.
- Use a fire extinguisher rated for electrical fires to put out any flames.
- Call emergency services if the situation is unmanageable.
First Aid for Electrical Shock
If someone experiences an electrical shock:
- Do not touch the person if they are in contact with the electrical source. Unplug or switch off the power first.
- Call emergency services immediately.
- Keep the person still and monitor their breathing until help arrives.
Safety precautions and preparedness for emergencies help your holiday remain joyful and incident-free.
Our Conclusion
By following these inspection, installation, and storage tips, you can create a beautiful, festive display while minimizing risks. Remember to prioritize safety, choose energy-efficient options, and properly maintain your lights to enjoy them for many holidays to come.
