When it comes to holiday lights there are a few questions. How long is it acceptable to keep your lights up? For the record, the generally accepted answer is mid-January, but we think it is whenever you have the time to take them down. More importantly, you need to ensure that when you install holiday lights, both inside and outside, that you do it safely. Safety doesn’t just mean not using a bad ladder (although you shouldn’t do that), but it means avoiding electrical issues. 

Hanging Holiday Lights Safely

The first thing we need to talk about is the correct way to hang lights. For indoor lights, you need to make sure lights are not going to cause a fire. This means you should not hang lights over sinks, showers, or other areas that can get wet. Do not hang lights directly above heaters. And do not hang your lights near flammable materials. If you have a Christmas tree, keep it well watered throughout the holiday season. Outdoor lights need to be securely fastened. Do not overtax your home’s electrical system. Most light manufacturers agree that you should not attach more than three or four light strands together. 

Turn Your Holiday Lights Off Periodically 

A common question we hear relative to holiday lighting is “can I leave my lights on all night”. The short answer to this question is that you shouldn’t. Most homeowners use timers to ensure that the lights go off after a few hours. It is recommended to not have your hanging lights on for longer than an eight-hour interval. It is also recommended that you turn off your lights when you are not home or when you are asleep. That way if things go wrong they can only go wrong when you are home. 

Use a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupting (GFCI) Outlet

GFCI outlets are an added level of protection for outdoor lights. If there is a short or overload in your lights a GFCI outlet will trip before your breaker does. That way if your lights have an issue it will not cut power to your home but only to the outlet. We recommend that homeowners with a lot of lights get GFCI outlets to ensure safety to their electrical system.

Learn More On Electrical Safety From Cardoso Electrical

Cardoso Electrical Services is the leader in emergency electrical services throughout the Wakefield area. We work hard to help businesses and families throughout Massachusetts have a safe holiday season. If you need an electrical inspection or want to know more about electrical safety, contact us online.