Learn more about outdoor holiday light safety in this Ch 11 interview with the Electrical Connection.

America loves to brighten the holidays with lights. According to a 2013 Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) consumer survey, nearly two-thirds of those who decorate for holidays use electric lights in their indoor decorating scheme. More than half also use holiday lights on the exterior of homes. And more than 60% of those who decorate their homes for the holidays use at least one extension cord.

But combining old, wire-damaged decorations with a combustible Christmas tree or metal guttering is a recipe for disaster. In 2005, the U.S. Fire Administration (a division of FEMA) issued a benchmark study on the seasonal nature of fires. It found that over the winter holiday season, homes were the most vulnerable to structural fires. Moreover, Christmas tree and other decoration fires produced blazes where fatalities were eight times greater and dollar loss were more than three times greater than any other structural fire cause over the winter holidays.

Of all the potential igniters, Christmas lights tend to be the biggest hidden danger. The Electrical Connection offers the following advice:

• Examine and discard lights with frayed wires. They are not only a fire hazard, but a shock hazard and are especially dangerous if they come in contact with a metal gutter and ladder while being installed outside.
• Use lights that are Underwriters Laboratories (UL) tested for safety. Be aware that counterfeit electrical decorations have infiltrated the market, so only purchase from reliable retailers.
• Pay attention to whether the lights are rated for indoor or outdoor use and don’t stray from any limitations.
• Consider using LED lights which last 20 times longer and don’t burn hot like traditional incandescent lights.
• Avoid overloading sockets with plugs that could spark a fire.
• Examine extension cords and discard those that are damaged. Be sure to use UL tested extension cords and select for appropriate use -- indoor or outdoor. Protect outdoor extension cords from the elements, including snow and water. Don’t exceed the maximum number of standard lengths of lights that can be used with an extension cord.
• Child-proof all holiday decorations. Lights can be fascinating to young children and if they get too curious can expose them to a live circuit.

IBEW/NECA electrical contractors are always ready to answer any questions you might have about decorating safely for the holidays. Many of our contractors will come to your home to install holiday lights safely and brighten the season. Just look on our website for the most reliable electrical contractors.

Dr. Linda Little of the IBEW/NECA Electrical Industry Training Center demonstrates holiday light safety on Fox 2.

Click the image to watch the video on FOX 2 Now.