Every holiday season, the Ting Fire Safety Team sees an uptick in fire hazards related to holiday decorations. To help you celebrate safely, we’ve compiled answers to the most common electrical safety questions so your holiday display can shine brightly all season long.
Last year, we shared safety tips for Christmas tree lights & indoor decorations. But what about outdoor holiday decoration safety?
Few things showcase the magic of electricity better than the glow of holiday lights! However, outdoor holiday decorations present unique electrical safety challenges due to their exposure to harsh, uncontrollable conditions. From weatherproofing extension cords to safely powering inflatables and lights, taking the right precautions can help prevent hazards like electrical shocks, fires, and damaged equipment.
We’re answering some of the most common questions that come up as you decorate the outside of your home to help keep your family safe during this festive time of year.
But I have Ting, why do I need safety tips? Ting (the sensor and service) is statistically proven to prevent ~80% of electrical fires, significantly reducing electrical fire risk in homes. Ting alone cannot eliminate 100% of electrical fire risks. Your safety is our priority. If you have questions, especially if you suspect an electrical risk in your home, please contact us immediately.
Is it safe to leave my outdoor holiday decorations on overnight?
While it might be tempting to let your holiday lights and inflatables run all night, it’s not always the safest option. Leaving decorations on for extended periods can overheat motors and lights, increasing the risk of electrical fires or equipment damage.
What to do:
- Use a timer to automatically shut off decorations after a few hours or late at night.
- Turn off decorations during rain, snow, or high winds, as moisture can create hazards.
“The hazard we experienced was arcing from outdoor Christmas decorations in our front yard. We worked with the Ting Fire Safety Team to troubleshoot and find the source which was one of our blow-up decorations. Once that was eliminated from the circuit, we were back to normal and our Christmas tradition was restored.”
– Robert in San Jose, CA
How many light strands can I connect without overloading a circuit?
Connecting too many light strands or inflatable decorations can overload your circuits, increasing the risk of overheating and trip your breakers. Knowing the limits helps you decorate safely.
What to do:
- Keep usage below 80% of the circuit’s capacity (which is typically 15-20 amps). You can calculate this by adding up the wattage on all connected lights, divide that by your home’s voltage (usually 120V – check your Ting app!) and you will get the number of amps you’re using.
- Spread decorations across multiple outlets and circuits to distribute the load.
- Follow the manufacturer’s limit—LEDs often allow more connections than incandescent.
How do I safely hang and secure outdoor lights and inflatables?
Creating the perfect holiday display is a cherished tradition for many, but using the wrong tools or forgetting important steps can lead to damaged decorations or safety hazards.
Here’s how to install your decorations safely and securely:
- Use clips or hooks designed for lights—avoid nails or staples.
- Inspect cords and bulbs for damage before use.
- Secure inflatable decorations with stakes or weights to prevent their cords from loosening.
Are some lights and timers better or safer than others?
Absolutely! Choosing UL-certified or ENERGY STAR-rated decorations ensures they meet rigorous safety standards and are more energy-efficient. Quality timers also play a crucial role in safely managing your display.
What to look for:
- Lights: choose LED holiday lights, which stay cooler and use less energy than incandescent options.
- Timers: opt for outdoor-rated digital timers with surge protection to manage power loads effectively.
- Check for UL certification on all equipment and ensure your decorations are rated for outdoor use.
“It was just before Christmas and received a call from the Ting Fire Safety Team about dangerous arcing that could possibly cause a catastrophic fire at my home. We narrowed the issue down to an issue with either an outdoor tree or extension cord. We decided to unplug both and discontinue use of that outlet until it could be checked further. You may have saved me and my family from having the worst Christmas ever!”
– Keith in Nichols, SC
Is it okay that the GFCI cover on my outdoor outlet stays open with an extension cord plugged in?
It’s generally not safe to leave your GFCI outlet cover open, even if that is the only way a cord can be plugged in. Open covers allow moisture to enter the outlet, increasing the risk of electrical shock or short circuits.
What to do:
- Use cords with flat plugs that fit under a closed GFCI cover.
- Alternatively, invest in outdoor outlet enclosures that allow you to securely plug in devices while keeping the cover closed.
Should I put electrical tape or covers around the connections to keep rain/snow out?
It’s important to protect connections from moisture, but only use methods specifically designed for outdoor use. Wrapping connections with electrical tape isn’t enough to keep them weatherproof and can lead to moisture buildup.
What to do:
- Use weatherproof extension cord covers or outdoor-rated plastic covers for plugs and connections.
- Keep all connections elevated off the ground to avoid pooling water.
“The hazard was an extension cord plugged in the back of my house. Since it had been raining a lot, water got in the open end which made it burn out. We unplugged it and ran a test on the outlet and it was fine, extension cord was disposed of. Ting stopped a bad situation with my house!”
– Sandra in Millington, TN
How should I safely store outdoor holiday lights after the season?
Proper storage ensures your lights stay in good condition for years to come. Taking a few extra steps now can keep you safer too.
How to safely store your decorations:
• Unplug and gently remove lights—don’t yank them down.
• Wrap lights around a spool or sturdy cardboard to prevent tangling.
• Store in a cool, dry place using airtight containers to protect from moisture and pests.
We hope you have a wonderful, joyous, and safe holiday season. We know this time of year is busy, but we want to remind you if something doesn’t seem right or if you receive a hazard notification, please get in touch with our Ting Fire Safety Team immediately.
Happy Holidays!