Hanging Christmas Lights

It's that time of year again and most home owners are decorating their homes for Christmas. Thanksgiving has come and gone and it's time to put up your Christmas lights before the weather gets cold. The first thing that a home owner should do when hanging Christmas lights outside the home is to ensure that the lighting is approved for exterior use. Interior-only rated lighting is not meant to get wet or be exposed to ultra-violet (UV) energy and, of course, should not be run underground. These situations can damage the wiring and present a fire or electrocution hazard. The light manufacturer's tag and/or the box that the lighting came in will indicate if it is approved for exterior use. Also, use only Christmas lights with a UL (Underwriters Laboratories) logo on the label.

If extension cords are needed, they should first be carefully inspected for any damage. If the protective outer insulation of an extension cord or string-lights or its plug is damaged, throw it away and replace it with new. Keep in mind that any extension cord is only meant for temporary use. Where lighting needs to be plugged into an extension cord, it is wise to ensure that the connection is secure and water-tight. Placing the plug-in connection inside a plastic baggie (like a large sandwich bag) and then properly sealing it shut (such as with a zip tie) is suggested. The plug-in connection should ideally be off the ground with the baggie's closed opening facing down to help prevent any possible rain or snow from getting into the bag. Multiple extension cords should not be strung together in series. Also, Christmas lights should be turned off when leaving the home or going to sleep.