How Electrical Grounding Keeps Holiday Lighting Safe
Holiday lighting can transform your property into a stunning wonderland that puts everyone in the festive spirit. However, it’s important to take the necessary precautions when creating a luminous display. Not only can poorly installed outdoor electrical decorations create a serious fire hazard, but they also increase the risk of electrical shock. Here are some essential safety tips to keep in mind.
Why Is Electrical Grounding So Important?
When stringing together outdoor lights, grounding your electrical connections helps eliminate the danger of short circuits. There needs to be a secure path for surplus power to pass through. Be sure to always plug your lights into a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlet. If too much current is being drawn, this feature instantly shuts off electrical power.
What Are Some Other Important Safety Tips for Outdoor Holiday Lights?
1. Inspect the Lights for Damage
Don’t forget to carefully inspect your holiday lighting for signs of wear and tear. Check the light bulbs, sockets, and wires. Although your lights may be brand new out of the box, we still advise you to perform a thorough inspection. It’s not uncommon for items to become damaged during shipping. Remember, even a seemingly small fray can be a fire risk.
2. Weather-Resistant Lights
Be sure to always install weather-resistant lights that can withstand the elements. Using ones that are not intended for outdoor use is a major safety hazard. Weather-resistant lights feature insulation that better protects against moisture and colder night temperatures. This ultimately means you’re far less likely to experience short-circuiting.
3. Use an Outdoor-Rated, Heavy-Duty Extension Cord
Don’t make the mistake of using just any old extension cord to power your holiday lights. You need a heavy-duty version that can handle outdoor environments. Also, be sure to use extension cables with an adequate power rating. Exceeding the rating may cause overheating, thus making the cord more prone to catching fire.
4. Avoid Nailing and Stapling Electrical Cables
In an effort to make everything look neat, some homeowners opt to nail down the electrical cables. Unfortunately, this is a big no-no. It’s easy to accidentally puncture the insulation. The exposed wiring could shock someone or start a blaze. Instead of taking any chances, use plastic clips to hang holiday lighting.
5. Safe Placement
Be aware of where you place your outdoor electrical decorations. Dry leaves are extremely flammable, so keep them far away from any wires. You also need to maintain the proper distance from tree branches and power lines. On a windy evening, unsecured holiday lights can easily become tangled. 
6. Consider Using Timers
Photocell timers are convenient. They automatically switch the lights on at dusk and off at dawn. However, smart plugs give you even more control. With your smartphone in hand, you can simply shut off the lights at any time. A built-in overcurrent protector and surge protector make smart plugs even more worthwhile.
7. Prevent Overloading Electrical Circuits
You need to avoid adding too many lights to a single electrical circuit. When the combined wattage of all the lights exceeds the circuit’s maximum rating, trouble is bound to occur. Using separate circuits for each string of lights will help evenly distribute the load. Experts also recommend using energy-efficient LED lights as opposed to traditional incandescent bulbs. Because LED holiday lighting doesn’t consume as much power, a circuit overload is less likely to occur.
If you have any doubts about the safety of your holiday lighting, you need to consult a qualified electrical expert. Don’t put up with any malarky, call Mister Sparky. We have a team of licensed electricians who can help. From electrical inspections to circuit repair, we offer a wide range of services.
