Installing Outdoor Holiday Lighting Be Safely
Holiday lights are a great way to get into the holiday spirit and make your home look more festive. However, hanging your outdoor lights requires thorough planning and taking the proper safety precautions, especially when displaying them from your roof. Here, we’ll look at practical safety advice to help you create a beautiful, well-lit display that your whole family can enjoy.
What Are the Different Types of Christmas Lights?
Not all varieties of “plug-in” Christmas lights are the same, and it’s easy to confuse the different types. Holiday lights are categorized by their technology (LED vs. incandescent lighting) and the specific bulb or strand style:
Bulb Technology
- LED (light emitting diode) – LEDs are a popular choice for their energy efficiency, durability and longevity. They’re available in many different colors and stay cool to the touch.
- Incandescent – Traditional lights use a heated filament for a nostalgic glow. They are usually cheaper upfront but use more energy and have a shorter lifespan.
Types by Bulb or Strand Style
- Mini string lights – small lights that are good for wrapping around trees, garlands and railings.
- Large bulb lights – C7 bulbs are medium-sized and great for windows and small trees. C9 bulbs are larger and suited for big trees and rooflines.
- Icicle lights – These have a horizontal cord with vertical strands that hang down like icicles, making them great for decorating eaves and gutters.
- Net lights – Net lights come in a grid pattern and are good for quickly covering bushes and hedges.
- Rope lights – Rope lights are clear, flexible tubes used to outline windows, doors and walkways.
Holiday lights are also available in novelty shapes like snowflakes and stars, and are a way to add a fun, festive touch to your display.
Preparing To Hang Your Christmas Lights
Make a plan of action before you start putting up your lights. A bit of prep work can help you make sure that everything goes to plan.
- Map out your plan – Choose a few key spots to brighten up first (like the front door or windows) and plan the rest out from there.
- Consider the placements – People often use string lights to line walkways, drape over trees, or outline roofs and doors. You can also wrap them around railings.
- Choose the type of lights you want to use – Use outdoor-rated lights for your display. Incandescent bulbs are traditional, but LED lights are more energy-efficient and can often be controlled with smartphone apps.
- Use the right clips – Your holiday lighting clips should be sturdy enough to anchor your lights in place all season. While adhesive clips are best for railings or columns, universal clips are ideal for your roofline.
- Determine how many lights you’ll need – Measure all the straight lines of your house and add them together. Don’t forget to include the distance from your house to your power source.
Another idea is to sketch out your plan to help you see what your lighting and decorations will look like once you’ve finished hanging them. While it’s tempting to impress your neighbors with a spectacular light display, you should never connect more strands than what’s recommended. This can be a fire hazard.
Holiday Ladder Safety Tips
According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, about 160 people are injured each day during the holiday season, with many of these incidents involving falls. If you’re using a ladder, here are some safety tips.
Use the Right Type of Ladder
Use a heavy-duty extension ladder designed to reach high areas, such as your roofline. A step ladder is good for lower jobs like trees or bushes.
Use Your Ladder Correctly
Read and abide by the safety rules on the label. Always keep three points of contact with your ladder. This could mean two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand. Make sure someone is nearby when you’re climbing up. They can watch out for problems and get help if anything happens.
Never hop or jump on your ladder, and don’t stand on the top step or ladder cap. Never use your ladder on uneven ground or lean it against a window. If necessary, you can use a ladder leveler to make it more stable.
Special Considerations When Installing Lights on a Roof Peak
Hanging lights on your roof peak can be more challenging than on the lower parts of your roof. This is a job that will also require some assistance.
Position your extension ladder securely against the house on stable ground, and have a partner hold it steady as you climb. Keep your hands free by using a tool belt to carry your supplies.
While some people use nails or staples, consider using plastic clips to hang your holiday lights. They’re easier, safer and much less time-consuming to remove.
Safety should always be at the forefront of your mind during the process. Never try to install holiday lights on your roof when it’s snowy or rainy.
Troubleshooting, Maintenance and a Final Check
Before hanging your lights, test each strand to ensure all bulbs are working. Check for broken or missing bulbs. Your lights should come with replacement bulbs you can switch out.
After setting up your holiday lighting display, step back to check your work. Ensure everything is aligned and securely attached to withstand winter winds and snow. You can also use zip ties to reinforce lighting along any railings or columns that may be more likely to slip or move.
To power your display, plug the male end of the last strand into an extension cord that is safe for outdoor use. After that, connect this cord to an outside outlet that has a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). This will keep them from getting wet.
Is an Electrical Inspection Really Necessary Before I Hang My Lights?
An electrical inspection is not necessarily required before installing your holiday lighting. But, if you have specific concerns about your home’s electrical system this season or you’re planning to put up a larger, more complex display, you can call on Mister Sparky’s qualified, licensed electricians for expert advice. We can help you make sure everything is good to go before installing your festive holiday lights. Remember, don’t put up with any malarky, call Mister Sparky.
