Introduction
In Los Angeles, we may not get snow, but we make up for it with dazzling holiday displays. From festive palm trees to decked-out rooftops, LA neighborhoods light up every December. But behind all that cheer is a serious safety risk—faulty lights, overloaded outlets, and DIY wiring are among the top causes of holiday-season electrical fires.
At Clear View Electrical Services, we want to help you stay safe while lighting up your home. Here are our top holiday lighting safety tips to keep your season bright, secure, and stress-free.
1. Inspect Your Lights Before You Hang Them
Whether they’re fresh out of the box or stored in the garage for years, inspect all your lights before use. Look for:
- Frayed wires
- Cracked sockets
- Broken bulbs
- Bent or missing prongs
- Signs of overheating (melting or scorch marks)
If you spot any of these, replace the strand. A damaged wire or exposed filament could arc or catch fire.
2. Use Lights Rated for Outdoor Use—Outdoors Only
It’s tempting to use whatever you have on hand, but indoor lights don’t have the insulation or water resistance needed for LA’s cooler, damp nights. Always:
- Check the manufacturer label for “indoor” or “outdoor”
- Use waterproof extension cords and power strips rated for exterior use
- Avoid placing connectors where they could sit in puddles or irrigation paths
3. Don’t Overload Circuits or Outlets
Your home’s outlets are only rated to handle so much. Overloading them with lights, inflatables, and extension cords can cause breakers to trip—or worse, wiring to overheat.
General rule of thumb:
- One outlet = no more than 80% of its rated load
- Limit each circuit to 1,500 watts max (typically 15 amps)
- Avoid chaining more than 3 light strands together unless labeled safe for it
If your lights dim when other devices turn on, it’s time to rethink your setup.
4. Upgrade to LED Holiday Lights
LED lights are more than energy efficient—they’re safer. Compared to traditional incandescent bulbs, they:
- Run cooler, reducing fire risk
- Use less power, allowing more lights per circuit
- Last longer, saving you money season after season
Most LED sets also have shatterproof bulbs and insulated wires, making them safer for kids and pets.
5. Use GFCI Outlets for Outdoor Displays
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets shut off power instantly if they detect a ground fault—like water exposure or a short. These are required by code for any outdoor electrical use and should be:
- Installed by a licensed electrician
- Tested monthly using the “test/reset” buttons
- Protected with weatherproof covers if exposed to rain or moisture
If your outdoor outlets don’t have GFCI protection, call Clear View before hanging any lights.
6. Secure Cords and Strands the Right Way
Avoid nails, staples, or metal tacks—they can pierce the wire and create shock or fire hazards. Instead, use:
- Plastic clips
- Zip ties
- Command hooks or outdoor-rated fasteners
Keep cords away from walkways and driveways to avoid trip hazards. If needed, use outdoor-rated cord covers to protect from foot traffic and pets.
7. Set a Timer (and Don’t Leave Lights On Overnight)
Use a timer or smart plug to control your display. This:
- Saves energy
- Reduces risk of overheating
- Ensures lights are off while you sleep or when you’re away
Set them to run from dusk to around 10 or 11 p.m.—long enough to enjoy, but not so long that your electrical system stays under strain.
8. Avoid DIY Power “Solutions”
We’ve seen it all: daisy-chained power strips, light strands run from bathroom outlets through cracked windows, even indoor extension cords powering outdoor displays. These shortcuts can lead to shock, shorts, or fires.
If you don’t have enough outlets or GFCI protection, the best solution is a professional installation. We can add circuits, upgrade panels, or install weatherproof power sources where you need them.
9. Store Lights Properly After the Holidays
How you store your lights can make a huge difference next year. Avoid tangling, crushing, or bending cords by:
- Wrapping strands around a plastic spool or piece of cardboard
- Storing them in airtight containers (not cardboard boxes)
- Keeping them away from moisture and heat sources
Label indoor vs. outdoor lights for easier setup next season.
10. Schedule an Electrical Checkup Before You Decorate
If your home’s electrical system is older, hasn’t been inspected recently, or struggles with power during the holidays, let us take a look. Our licensed technicians can:
- Evaluate your circuits and panel capacity
- Test your GFCI outlets
- Add dedicated circuits if needed
- Ensure your system is holiday-ready and safe
Light Up the Holidays—Safely
At Clear View Electrical Services, we love seeing LA neighborhoods sparkle during the holidays. But we want every homeowner to celebrate with confidence, knowing their electrical system can handle the extra load.
Schedule a holiday electrical checkup today at https://clearviewelectricalservices.com.
Clear View Electrical Services: Brightening homes across Los Angeles, safely and professionally.
