Holiday Lighting Safety Tips for Buffalo Grove Homeowners

As the holidays approach, many people decorate their homes with colorful lights and illuminated displays. While celebrating the festive season, follow these tips for holiday lighting safety in Buffalo Grove, IL. This guide will help you create an awe-inspiring display while giving you peace of mind.

Avoid Linking Too Many Strands Together

When using incandescent holiday lights, don’t link more than three strands together. You can connect a few more strands when using LED bulbs, but make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. 

Too many strands will overheat and raise the risk of a fire. You might also overtax your electrical panel and cause damage to the entire system.

Know the Difference Between Indoor and Outdoor Lights

When practicing holiday lighting safety in Buffalo Grove, IL, remember that the type of lighting matters. Never use indoor holiday lights outside your home. They don't have sufficient insulation to resist exterior weather conditions. Outdoor lighting has thicker insulation that’s designed to resist moisture, pests, and other outdoor hazards.

Remember That Moisture and Electricity Don’t Mix

Don’t lay holiday lighting across the ground. When decorating the inside of your home, avoid running holiday lighting across your floors. The wires create trip and fall hazards. 

Additionally, try to keep exterior and interior lighting dry. Even though you might have moisture-resistant lights, prolonged exposure can short the wires and lead to shock or fire hazards.

Use GFCI Outlets for All Holiday Lights

A GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) will prevent overheating and fires when using your holiday lights. Most modern homes already have GFCI outlets. If your home doesn’t, you can buy a GFCI adapter or a portable GFCI outlet. 

If the GFCI outlet continually shuts off, remove some of the lighting from the system. That should correct the fault.

Trust the Electricity Experts With Your Holiday Lighting Safety in Buffalo Grove, IL

When you partner with Klees Electric, Inc., we’ll provide the help you need to safely use electricity through the holiday season. We can install GFCI outlets or recommend safe extension cords for use with your holiday lights. We can also start the season by providing a full electrical system inspection. Contact us to schedule service today!