Electrical Safety Tips for Holiday Decorating

The holidays are a time for warmth, light, and celebration. But every string of twinkling bulbs brings a hidden risk. The team at LintPro Electric has seen firsthand how quickly a cheery home can turn hazardous when electrical safety is overlooked.

Every winter, emergency calls spike for overloaded outlets, flickering lights, and even fires. That’s why we’re sharing essential safety tips for decking your halls—so your season stays merry and bright, not risky.

Holiday Hazards: The Shocking Truth

Before you untangle those lights, let’s look at what can go wrong:

• Overloaded outlets: Plugging in too many decorations can turn an outlet into a fire hazard.
• Faulty lights: Damaged or old strings spark easily.
• Unsafe extension cords: Wrong cords, frayed wires, or indoor cords used outside spell trouble.

The U.S. Fire Administration reports hundreds of house fires each year from holiday lighting. Here’s how to stay out of those statistics.

Indoor Decorating Safety: Light Up, Not Burn Down ⚡

Your living room shouldn’t be a jungle of extension cords. Follow these steps:

• Inspect every string: Look for cracked sockets, exposed wires, or loose connections. If in doubt, toss them out.
• Don’t piggyback plugs: Never daisy-chain power strips or plug too many devices into one outlet. This can easily trip a breaker—or worse.
• Use the right outlets: Make sure your outlets aren’t warm to the touch. If they are, unplug everything and call an electrician.
• Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs run cooler and use less power, lightening the load on your lighting circuits.
• Test smoke detectors: Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors work before you start decorating.

Outdoor Decorating Done Right: Weatherproof and Worry-Free

Outdoors, your decorations battle the elements. Here’s how to stay safe:

• Use only outdoor-rated lights and cords: Indoor decorations can’t handle moisture or temperature swings.
• Plug into GFCI outlets: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) are your best defense against shock. If you don’t have outdoor GFCIs, schedule an upgrade with your local electrician.
• Keep connections off the ground: Lift plugs and cords away from puddles or snow.
• Cover plugs with weatherproof boxes: This simple step shields your setup from rain and melting ice.
• Avoid metal ladders: Electricity and metal don’t mix. Use fiberglass or wood ladders for hanging lights high.

Quick Electrical Safety Checklist

• Inspect all cords and lights for damage.
• Never overload outlets.
• Use GFCI protection outside.
• Keep decorations away from water sources.
• Replace any flickering or hot bulbs immediately.

Common Mistakes That Spark Trouble

It’s easy to get swept up in the holiday spirit and make risky choices:

• Ignoring wattage limits: Every outlet and extension cord has a maximum load. Exceeding it is like stuffing too many presents in one bag—it’ll burst.
• Using old, recalled, or homemade decorations: Only use decorations with a label from a recognized testing lab (like UL or CSA).
• Running cords under rugs or doors: This can wear down insulation and start fires.

Understanding Your Home’s Limits

Not every home is wired for a winter wonderland. If your lights dim when you turn on decorations, you may need Outlets & Switches upgrades or additional circuits. This is especially true in older homes.

When to Call a Professional Electrician

If you spot:

• Repeated breaker trips
• Hot outlets or switches
• Flickering lights after plugging in decorations

It’s time to call for professional help. These are warning signs your system is struggling and may not be safe for holiday loads. LintPro Electric’s team is trained for seasonal work, including Safety Checks.

Ladder Safety: Avoid a Holiday Trip to the ER 🪜

Decorating the roof? Follow these ladder rules:

• Always set ladders on stable, level ground.
• Have someone hold the base.
• Never reach farther than arm’s length.
• Don’t decorate in high winds, rain, or snow.

GFCIs: Your Shield Against Outdoor Shocks

The National Electrical Code (NEC) requires GFCI protection for all outdoor outlets. They sense tiny leaks in current and shut off power before you get shocked. If your exterior outlets aren’t GFCI, call an electrician to upgrade before hanging lights.

Choosing the Right Extension Cord

Not all cords are created equal. For outdoors, pick heavy-duty, weather-resistant cords with a tag showing “for outdoor use.” Indoors, use cords rated for the load of your decorations. Never run cords under carpets or through doorways.

Surge Protection: Safeguard Your Festive Investments

Holiday lights, inflatable figures, and sound systems can be expensive. A power surge from faulty wiring or a lightning strike can fry everything in seconds. Install surge protectors at key outlets, or ask about whole-home surge protection.

Preventing Fires: More Than Just Smoke Detectors

While smoke detectors are vital, prevention starts before the first spark. Keep flammable materials (like curtains or wrapping paper) away from bulbs and cords. Unplug all decorations before bed or leaving the house.

Signs of Trouble: What to Watch For

• Lights that flicker, even when new
• Outlets that feel warm, buzz, or spark
• Fuses blowing or breakers tripping with decorations on
• A faint burning smell near outlets or cords

If you notice any of these, stop using the circuit and call LintPro Electric for a safety inspection.

Post-Holiday Teardown: Taking Decorations Down Safely

When the season’s over, don’t rush the cleanup:

• Unplug everything before removing lights or decorations.
• Inspect cords and lights as you pack them—damaged items should be thrown away, not saved for next year.
• Coil cords loosely to avoid kinks or breaks.
• Store lights in dry, rodent-free containers.

Remember, safe decorating isn’t just for December. A little care during teardown means safer, brighter holidays next year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I plug multiple extension cords together for my display?
A: Never “daisy chain” extension cords. It can cause overheating and fire.

Q: How do I know if I’m overloading an outlet?
A: If the circuit breaker trips or outlets feel warm, you’re likely overloading. Reduce the load and call an electrician if problems continue.

Q: What’s the safest way to add more outlets for decorations?
A: Have a licensed electrician install new outlets or circuits as needed.

The LintPro Electric Advantage

Our team handles seasonal installations, upgrades, and emergency repairs with the right tools and know-how. Every LintPro Electrician is trained in both Low Voltage Systems near you and high-voltage safety—so your home or business shines safely.

If you need reliable lighting, outlets, or safety checks, or want to find a reputable electrician company, see our Lighting page for details.

Light up your holidays safely and confidently. Call LintPro Electric now — or reach us anytime at  844-484-8656 .