Installing Outdoor Christmas Lights
Christmas season is upon us and as we commence to decorate the outsides of our homes with lights and powered ornaments it is important to remember that overloading electrical circuits is a common occurrence at this time of year.
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Many people around the world will have their Christmas festivities ruined due to house fires caused by overloading electrical circuits.
In your home, electrical outlets (receptacles) are connected to other electrical outlets (receptacles) and lighting. In most cases the most current that an individual circuit can handle is 15 amps.
This is no different for outdoor electrical outlets (receptacles), seldom are they on their own individual circuits.
Outlets (receptacles) used for outdoors should be GFCI style or powered from a GFCI circuit breaker. The outlets (receptacles) should be housed in a weatherproof electrical box with a weatherproof cover.
Extension cords should be rated for outdoor use and be of the correct gauge to carry the power over the distance required.
| Table 2 - Extension Cord Lengths | ||||
| Wire Gauge | Current (Amps) Requirement | |||
| 1 to 5 Amps | 5 to 10 Amps | 10 to 15 Amps | 15 to 20 Amps | |
18 |
Should not be used |
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16 |
Max length 100 feet |
Max length 50 feet |
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14 |
Max length 100 feet |
Max length 50 feet |
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12 |
Max length 100 feet |
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10 |
Max length 100 feet |
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The newer LED style Christmas lights draw less than 1% of the older style.
Cube tap |
Incandescent filament style outdoor Christmas lights can require as much as 10 watts per bulb.
The newer LED style Christmas lights draw less than 1% of the older style. If you use a lot of Christmas lights it is wise to consider using the newer style LED bulbs.
LED bulbs are safer, and they cost a lot less to operate than older style filament bulbs.
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Besides the bulbs themselves, another common mistake is to use a multitude of cube taps in order to power the lights. Electrical receptacles are designed to handle 2 male plugs. Cube taps which allow 3 or more cords to be connected to each of the two electrical sockets of an outlet (receptacle) can create a hot spot and hot spots lead to fire.
The picture on the right is an electrical connection that is definitely not recommended. If you must use cube taps make sure that they are approved for outdoor use and for the current and voltage levels that you are using.
Inspect all of the electrical cords to ensure that they are not frayed or damaged anywhere along their length.
Extension cord placement is also important. Try not to run extension cords across areas where adults and children will walk. Running cords, even though the distance may be longer, around the perimeter of a yard is a much safer method.
Do not leave lights or other ornaments powered on, if you are leaving the house unattended. Your neighbors will love to see your Christmas lights ornaments and displays all lit up. They will also stand and watch as the firemen attempt to put out the fire in your home.
Electrical fire safety is something that should be watched for 365 days a year. Never is it more important than during the Christmas holiday season.
Have a safe holiday season!