Holiday Season Safety: 10 Essential Electrical Safety Tips for the Holidays

The holiday season brings festive lights, decorations and cozy gatherings, but also adds increased electrical risks. From overloaded outlets to aging string lights, it’s important to keep your home safe while you celebrate. Here are 10 electrical safety tip reminders for homeowners this holiday season.

1. Use Indoor vs. Outdoor Lights Correctly
Holiday lights are rated for specific environments. Indoor-only lights lack weatherproofing and can become hazardous outdoors. Always check labels and only use UL-listed outdoor lights in exterior settings such as porches, patios, bushes or trees.

2. Inspect Plugs + Outlets Before Decorating
Before plugging anything in, check for broken plugs, cracked outlets, scorch marks or loose connections. These are signs of heat damage or potential arcing and should be replaced immediately by a licensed electrician.

3. Check for Frayed or Damaged Wires
Old holiday lights can become brittle over time. Inspect every strand for frayed wires, exposed copper or cracked insulation. If you see any damage, replace the lights immediately. Never try to repair frayed cords with tape.

4. Avoid Overloading Circuits
Plugging too many decorations into a single outlet or power strip can cause overheating. Spread out your electrical load and avoid daisy-chaining multiple extension cords.

5. Use GFCI Outlets Indoors and Outdoors
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets help prevent shock hazards, especially in damp or outdoor areas. Make sure exterior plugs, garages, kitchens and bathrooms use GFCI protection. This is critical when holiday décor involves moisture or weather exposure.

6. Keep Christmas Trees Watered
Dry trees ignite quickly. During the holiday season, regularly check water levels daily to prevent overheating lights from sparking a fire.

7. Use Space Heaters Safely
If your space heater is part of your holiday comfort, place it at least 3 feet away from curtains, décor, presents or trees. Always plug heaters directly into a wall outlet, not an extension cord.

8. Turn Off Lights Before Bed or Leaving Home
Unattended holiday lights increase fire risk. Use smart plugs or timers to automate shutdowns.

9. Use Heavy-Duty Outdoor Extension Cords
Only use weather-rated cords for outdoor lighting. Indoor cords can overheat when exposed to weather or long-term use.

10. Store Lights Properly After the Season
Proper storage prevents damage. Avoid tight winding, sharp bends or storing lights in damp areas.

Stay safe for 2026! If you have questions about residential electrical safety, we are happy to help.
Contact us today! | 650-222-8250 | info@violetrayelectric.com