The holiday season is one of the most magical times of the year—but it’s also one of the most common times for electrical hazards around the home. With more lights, cords, extension plugs, and decorations in use, the risk of electrical overloads and fires increases significantly.
At Affordable Electric, we want your holiday to be safe, bright, and stress-free. If you’re hanging lights, setting up inflatables, or plugging in multiple indoor decorations this December, here are our top electrical safety tips to help keep your home protected.
Before you hang those lights or power up the inflatable reindeer, take a moment to inspect all wires and plugs. Look for:
If anything looks worn out or unsafe, replace it immediately. Even one damaged wire can lead to sparks, shorts, or overheating.
One of the most common holiday mistakes is plugging too many lights or devices into a single outlet. Doing so can overload your electrical system, trip breakers, or even cause fires.
Use a surge-protected power strip if you need multiple outlets, and be sure your total wattage stays within safe limits. If you’re unsure how much your circuit can handle, contact us for a home electrical inspection.
If you’re decorating outdoors, make sure everything you use is specifically rated for outdoor use. That includes:
Outdoor products are made to withstand moisture and temperature changes. Using indoor-rated items outside increases your risk of shock or failure.
Avoid placing extension cords in puddles, on wet ground, or across walkways. Moisture is a major hazard when it comes to electricity.
Pro tip: Use plastic clips or cord protectors to elevate cords off the ground and keep connections secure and dry.
Leaving lights on overnight or when you’re away from home increases the chance of electrical malfunctions going unnoticed. Always turn off holiday lighting before bed, or use a timer or smart outlet to automate shutoff.
Not only does this improve safety, but it also helps you save on your energy bill during the busiest time of the year.
Extension cords are convenient—but they’re also one of the leading causes of holiday-related electrical fires. Use only UL-listed cords, never daisy-chain multiple cords together, and avoid running them under rugs or furniture where they can overheat.
Need more outlets to power decorations safely? Ask us about outlet installation and upgrades.
Your outdoor outlets should be equipped with GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) protection to prevent shocks and short circuits. If you’re not sure yours are working, press the “test” and “reset” buttons before plugging anything in.
If the outlet doesn’t reset or you’re missing GFCI protection entirely, schedule a quick electrical inspection to get it corrected before you decorate.
Our licensed electricians are here to make sure your holidays are safe and worry-free. Whether you need outlet upgrades, new circuits, a panel inspection, or just advice on how to power your holiday setup—Affordable Electric has you covered.
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