Holiday Lighting Safety Tips from Long Island Electricians: Keep the Season Bright (and Safe)

On Long Island, the holiday season means neighborhoods filled with warm lights, decorated porches, and homes packed with friends and family. It is a time for celebration, but it is also a time when electrical systems are pushed harder than at any other point in the year. From overloaded outlets to worn extension cords, small mistakes can create serious hazards.

With some planning and a few smart precautions, you can enjoy a beautifully lit home without putting your family at risk. Here is what Long Island homeowners should know before plugging in those decorations.

Know Your Limits: Avoid Overloading Outlets and Power Strips

Holiday lights, window displays, inflatables, and endless gadgets all draw power. When too many items are connected to the same outlet or power strip, the circuit can overheat. That overheating can lead to melted insulation, tripped breakers, or in some cases, electrical fires.

A few simple rules help keep your home safe:

• Do not connect multiple power strips together.

• Check the wattage rating on your decorations and be sure the total stays within the limit of your outlet or strip.

• If a power strip or plug feels warm, disconnect it immediately.

Many older Long Island homes, especially those built in the mid-century period, have limited circuits that were not designed for today’s electrical demands. If your breakers trip often during the holidays, consider it a warning sign, not an inconvenience.

Use Outdoor Outlets with GFCI Protection

Outdoor holiday lighting looks great, but weather and electricity require extra caution. When plugging in decorations outside, always use outlets with GFCI protection. A GFCI outlet shuts off power immediately if it detects a fault, protecting you from shocks and reducing fire risk.

Before installing outdoor lights:

• Make sure outlets have weatherproof covers.

• Confirm that the outlet is a functioning GFCI.

• Never run extension cords through windows or doors where they can be pinched.

• Keep all plugs and connections off the ground and away from puddles.

If your outdoor outlets are not GFCI protected, or if you are unsure, it is time to bring in a licensed electrician. Ohmega Electric installs weatherproof, code-compliant outlets across Nassau and Suffolk County to make holiday lighting safer and easier.

Switch to LED Holiday Lights for Safety and Efficiency

LED holiday lights have become the preferred choice for several reasons. They use much less energy, stay cooler, and last longer than traditional incandescent lights.

LED lighting offers several advantages:

• Lower heat output, which reduces fire risk.

• Energy efficiency, which helps control winter utility bills.

• Fewer burnt-out bulbs and less wiring damage.

• The ability to string together more lights on a single circuit.

When purchasing LED lights, look for products rated for outdoor use if you plan to expose them to the elements. Avoid extremely low-cost, uncertified brands because they are more likely to fail or cause electrical problems.

Inspect Cords, Plugs, and Light Strings Before Use

Holiday decorations spend most of the year in storage. Before plugging anything in, inspect every cord and bulb string for damage.

Check for:

• Cracked or brittle insulation

• Exposed copper wiring - Burn marks on plugs or sockets

• Loose, missing, or damaged bulbs

• Bent or damaged prongs

If something looks worn or questionable, replace it. A ten dollar light string is not worth risking an electrical fire.

Know When to Call a Licensed Electrician

Some electrical issues go beyond simple troubleshooting. Call a licensed Long Island electrician if:

• Your outdoor outlets are not GFCI protected.

• Breakers trip repeatedly when decorations are plugged in.

• You need dedicated circuits for large holiday displays.

• You notice flickering lights, popping sounds, or warm outlets.

• You want professional installation for roofline or landscape lighting.

Panel upgrades, outlet replacements, and dedicated circuits should always be handled by a professional. Ohmega Electric’s veteran-owned team delivers safe, code-compliant solutions for holiday lighting and year-round electrical needs.

Schedule a Quick Inspection Before You Decorate

A short visit from a licensed electrician can prevent major problems later. Ohmega Electric offers pre-holiday electrical inspections across Long Island, making sure your home is ready for the increased seasonal load.

Whether you need a new GFCI outlet, help selecting safe LED lighting, or troubleshooting for overloaded circuits, we are here to help.

Call 631-729-6204 or contact us online to schedule your inspection. A quick checkup now keeps your lights shining bright without overloading your system.

FAQ

1. Are LED holiday lights really safer than traditional lights?

Yes. LEDs stay cooler, use less energy, and put less strain on circuits. They greatly reduce the risk of overheating and electrical fires.

2. How many light strings can I safely connect together?

It depends on the type of lights. Most LED strings can connect many more strands than incandescent lights. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and stay within wattage limits.

3. Do I need a GFCI outlet for outdoor holiday lights?

Yes. GFCI outlets are essential for outdoor lighting because they shut off power instantly if moisture causes a fault. If your home does not have GFCI outlets, a licensed electrician can install them.