Holiday Light Safety Tips from Memphis Electrical Pros

The holiday season brings out the twinkling lights, festive decorations, and plenty of reasons to brighten up your Memphis home. At Automatic Air Conditioning, Heating, Plumbing & Electric, we love seeing neighborhoods come alive with warm, cheerful lighting. But before you start plugging in extension cords or hanging lights along the roofline, it’s important to make sure your electrical setup is safe for the season. Holiday lighting is beautiful, but if not installed or used properly, it can put unnecessary strain on your home’s electrical system. Here are a few smart and simple reminders to help you decorate safely and confidently this winter.

Use Outdoor-Rated Outlets and Decorations

If you’re decking out the exterior of your home, make sure every light strand, extension cord, and outlet is rated for outdoor use. Outdoor-rated items are built to withstand moisture, temperature changes, and general exposure to the elements. Using indoor lights or cords outside can quickly lead to fire hazards, tripped breakers, or electrical shorts.

Your outdoor outlets should also be protected by GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) technology. These outlets are designed to trip quickly if they detect an electrical imbalance, helping protect your home and prevent dangerous situations. If your home doesn’t have GFCI outlets outdoors, it’s a great time to schedule an upgrade.

Choose Extension Cords Wisely and Avoid Overloading

We all rely on extension cords around the holidays, but they must be used with care. Always choose cords rated for the wattage of the lights or decorations you’re powering. Overloading a cord can cause it to overheat, damaging your decorations and posing a serious safety risk.

Avoid running cords under rugs, pinching them in windows, or stretching them farther than they’re designed to go. The goal is to keep cords visible, protected, and out of heavy foot-traffic areas while still supplying power safely.

Put Holiday Lights on Timers

Timers are a great way to add convenience and safety to your holiday display. They ensure your lights turn on and off automatically — saving energy and preventing bulbs or wires from overheating due to all-night operation.

Automatic timers also provide peace of mind when you’re away from home or busy hosting guests. With a simple time setting, you can keep your home bright and festive without worrying about keeping lights on too long.

Decorate With Young Children in Mind

Holiday decorations can attract curious hands. If you have little ones in the home, make sure cords are tucked away from play areas and avoid placing breakable items within reach. For indoor decorations, ensure tree lights and plugs are positioned safely behind furniture or out of high-traffic areas.

Child-safe outlet covers and cord organizers can also make a big difference in reducing risks while keeping your decorations neat and secure.

Inspect Lights and Cords Before You Hang Them

Before installing any holiday lighting, take a moment to inspect each strand for frayed wiring, broken bulbs, or damaged plugs. Even minor defects can create shock hazards or cause lights to fail once plugged in. Replacing old or worn strands is an easy step that helps protect your home — and ensures your decorations shine brightly all season long.

Contact Automatic Air Conditioning, Heating, Plumbing & Electric today for electrical services. Since 1943, it’s been Automatic in Memphis!