How to Safely Deck the Halls with Holiday Lights

1. Be Cautious

Hanging holiday lights often requires a ladder to reach awkward spots on the roof, including ridge caps. Using a ladder instantly adds to the danger of hanging your holiday lighting. To ensure you are as safe as possible, have a safe and secure ladder. You pick an area on the ground that is level, and you have a spotter in case the ladder falls, or you need immediate help. When hanging the lights, ensure that they are not plugged in until after they are secured to the house. Additionally, using a timer to regulate when your lights are on/off will limit the usage of electricity but will also lower the likelihood of a fire.

2. Use GFCI Outlets

To lower the risk of a fire hazard, you need to ensure that your lights, extension cords, and the outlets are compatible. For outdoor Christmas lights, you should use GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets to ensure that your electrical system doesn’t become strained. An overpowered system can lead to blackouts and fires. We recommend having a GFCI outlet installed if you don’t already have one. Local electricians can do the installation job for you, or you can look into purchasing an outdoor unit instead. 

3. Be Aware of the Types of Extension Cords You Use

In Kansas, your extension cords can face frigid temperatures so make sure that you have a weather resistant extension cord. If you are running extension cords across walkways or driveways, ensure that they are taped down to prevent any tripping hazards in your yard. Make sure that the cord is pulled taut and leaves no room for a foot to slide under.

4. Purchase the Correct Lights

Trust us when we say the indoor rated lights you use on your Christmas tree are not the same as the lights you should use outdoors. Outdoor lights are weather resistant and waterproof, so you won’t have to worry about the rain or snow wreaking havoc on your holidays. When you buy lights, each box should indicate whether they were made for indoor or outdoor use. We use extremely durable bulbs that don't shatter easily and are serviceable. The lights from many box stores cannot be easily repaired and if 1 bulb goes out, sometimes the entire strand doesn't work.

5. Choose the Right Bulbs

The smaller the bulb, the lower the cost of the bulb and electricity usage. Wichita Holiday Lights uses SMD lights that are weather resistant and only use .58 watts per bulb on your roof. For general house lighting on the roof, we use the C9 bulb; for smaller details such as; wreaths, trees, and sidewalks, we generally use Mini Lights or C-7's. LED lights are some of the best outdoor lights that will shine bright on your house this holiday season.

6. Utilize Mini Lighting for Bushes

Wrapping bushes with mini lights is a good accent to your installation and brings some light down closer to the ground. Effectively lighting up bushes requires laying mini lights just on top and inside the bushes laying them across back and forth.

Overall, doing your own Christmas light installation can be fun for the whole family. You need to make sure that you do it safely. With a few extra hands, a sturdy ladder, and weatherproof lights, you can get your house in the holiday cheer in no time. 

If you despise detangling and hanging your own Christmas lights, then get in contact with us today for a FREE QUOTE. That’s the first step to taking the tangle out of holiday lights by using a professional lighting company like Wichita Holiday Lights.