Electrical Safety Tips For Holiday Decorations

As soon as November and December arrive, the streets around town begin to glow—both with excitement and the twinkle of new lights. Decor, such as string lights, inflatables, and signage, pop up everywhere as families and property owners begin spreading the holiday cheer. But while these touches add charm to your home or business, they also come with added responsibility.

Decorating is a beloved holiday tradition, yet it also puts extra demand on your electrical system, making safety more important than ever. Without proper care, even the most beautiful decor can pose safety risks. Every year, as seasonal decorations get more elaborate, the house fire rates increase… and nobody wants their holiday to turn into a real-life National Lampoon’s moment right as dinner is being served!

As Tallahassee and Thomasville’s local electrical specialists, Parker Services is dedicated to helping our neighborhoods stay both merry and safe. We created a list of some of our best electrical safety tips so you can continue your favorite holiday traditions with peace of mind.  

Inspect All Lights and Cords Before Use

Old or damaged decor can easily cause electrical shorts or even start a fire, which is why it’s essential to check your materials before you get to work. Signs that indicate it’s time for a replacement include: 

• Frayed wires
• Broken bulbs
• Cracked cords

Avoid Overloading Outlets and Extension Cords

Did you know that overloaded circuits are one of the top causes of winter house fires? That said, you want to be mindful of how much you’re plugging in. A rule of thumb is to avoid connecting more than three light strands end-to-end unless specifically rated otherwise. Surge protectors and properly rated extension cords are excellent tools when you need extra outlets, as they are designed to handle the load.

Use Outdoor-Rated Lighting and Equipment

As tempting as it can be to mix indoor and outdoor equipment rather than purchasing new items, each is designed very differently. Outdoor-rated lights and cords are weatherproof and withstand moisture and temperature changes. Indoor products simply don’t need this; therefore, they aren’t as interchangeable as you may like. To stay safe, use decor specifically approved for outdoor use, and keep connections off the ground and away from moisture.  

Keep Electrical Decor Away From Heat Sources

It’s no surprise that electrical materials and heat sources don’t mix well, but it can be easy to overlook the ones right in front of you! Things to look out for and keep your electrical decor away from are:

• Space heaters
• HVAC vents
• Fireplaces
• Candles 

Don’t Run Cords Under Rugs Or Doors

Apart from creating tripping hazards, running cords under rugs or doors can also cause overheating and insulation breakdown. And unfortunately, it’s not as effective at “hiding” the cords. For a cleaner, safer solution, use cord protectors instead to keep pathways tidy without compromising safety!

Install Smart Timers

One of the easiest but most crucial safety steps is to turn off the decor before going to bed or leaving home. The simplicity behind this (and tedious nature) makes it easy to overlook, though. For this reason, we suggest investing in smart plugs or timers to automate. This maintains safe electrical usage, plus benefits energy efficiency and savings. 

Show Off Your Safely Powered Holiday Display in Our “Show Us Watt You Got” Holiday Lights Competition!

Once your decorations are up and shining safely, why not show them off? Our Show Us Watt You Got Holiday Lights Competition is back for Year 2 and brighter than ever! Whether your holiday display is heavenly, electrifying, or delightfully chaotic, this is your opportunity to share your creativity with the community and compete for amazing prizes.

Participation is FREE and open to residents of Leon, Gadsden, Jefferson, and Wakulla counties. Click here to learn more and enter the challenge!

Keep Your Home Merry and Protected This Holiday Season

The holidays are busy enough without stressing about electrical issues. Instead of risking DIY mishaps or overloaded circuits, let the licensed professionals at Parker Services handle the hard work. From seasonal electrical checkups to repairs and installations, our team keeps your home—and your holiday decor—running safely and smoothly. Contact us today to schedule electrical services!