The Joy of Holiday Lights—Without the Risk
The holiday season brings twinkling lights, festive displays, and unfortunately, an increase in electrical fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association, December is the peak month for home electrical fires. At First Choice Electric, we want your holidays to be merry and bright—not marred by preventable accidents.
Indoor Holiday Light Safety
Inspect Before You Hang
Before decorating, carefully examine all light strings for:
- Frayed or bare wires
- Cracked sockets or loose connections
- Broken or missing bulbs
- Signs of melting or discoloration
Pro Tip: If a strand is damaged, replace it entirely. Electrical tape is not a safe fix for holiday lights.
Avoid Overloading Circuits
Most household circuits handle 15-20 amps. Holiday lights can quickly overload them when combined with normal usage.
| Warning Signs of Overloaded Circuits |
|---|
| Flickering lights when decorations turn on |
| Warm or discolored outlet covers |
| Frequently tripping breakers |
| Burning smell near outlets |
Solution: Spread decorations across multiple circuits or contact First Choice Electric to assess your electrical capacity.
Use Indoor-Rated Lights Indoors
Never use outdoor lights inside. They operate at higher temperatures and can pose fire risks in enclosed spaces.
Outdoor Holiday Light Safety
Weatherproof Connections
St. Charles County winters bring snow, ice, and rain. Protect your outdoor connections:
- Use outdoor-rated extension cords (marked for outdoor use)
- Keep all connections elevated off the ground
- Use weatherproof outlet covers
- Ensure GFCI protection for all outdoor outlets
Ladder Safety
More injuries occur from falls while hanging lights than from electrical issues. Always:
- Use a sturdy ladder on level ground
- Have someone spot you
- Never overreach—move the ladder instead
- Avoid hanging lights in wet or icy conditions
Timer Usage
Leaving lights on 24/7 increases fire risk and energy costs. Use outdoor timers to:
- Automatically turn lights off overnight
- Reduce wear on light strands
- Save up to 50% on holiday lighting costs
When to Call a Professional
Contact First Choice Electric if you notice:
- Sparking when plugging in decorations
- Circuits that repeatedly trip
- Outlets that don't work
- The need for additional outdoor outlets
Our licensed electricians serve St. Charles County with 24/7 emergency service. Don't let an electrical issue ruin your holidays.
Free Holiday Safety Inspection
Concerned about your home's electrical capacity for holiday decorations? First Choice Electric offers free estimates for electrical assessments. Call (636) 240-2966 to schedule yours before the holidays.