There is no better time than Halloween to give your yard a makeover. With a combination of eerie string lights and glowing pumpkins, a properly illuminated yard creates the ideal atmosphere for trick-or-treaters. But small mistakes, like overloading circuits or using indoor lights outside, can lead to huge safety hazards if you don’t take precautions. Here are some of our best safety guidelines for using outdoor lighting in Halloween decorations.
Choose Outdoor-Rated Lights and Extension Cords
Unfortunately, not every bulb can endure the harsh weather in St. Louis. Although they may seem identical, indoor lights lack the necessary protective covering to withstand elements, such as rain, wind and rapid temperature changes. With this in mind, anytime you use lights or extension cables, make sure they are outdoor-rated. The insulation and plugs will be weather-resistant and less likely to cause sparks and shorts.
Keep Decorations Away From Overhead Power Lines
Many properties in the metro region still have electrical wires strung above. Never put up any kind of inflatable, string lights or fake cobweb near these lines. There is a serious risk of electric shock if wind or movement causes decorations to blow into contact with the wires. Pick branches that are far from any lines if you want your tree decorations to stand out. Keep at least 10 feet away if you’re unsure about anything.
Avoid Overloading Circuits With Too Many Lights
It’s tempting to go overboard with a massive Halloween display, but be careful not to overload your circuit by connecting too many light strings to a single outlet. Overloading a circuit has the potential to overheat the wiring behind your walls, in addition to tripping breakers. If possible, disperse your decorations over many circuits to prevent overheating. Another option is to determine the wattage of your lights, which will help you keep from overloading your breaker. Anytime is the perfect time to call an electrician if you are unsure about your system’s capacity.
Use GFCI Outlets for Outdoor Power Safety
Halloween lights plug into outlets that are likely to get wet, making GFCI protection incredibly important. You also need GFCI outlets to stay compliant with local electrical codes. If you come across an outdoor outlet without GFCI protection, don’t use it. Give us a call and we’ll update it right away. This makes the whole property much safer, which is particularly important as kids are walking around outside during Halloween.
Secure Cords To Prevent Trips and Falls
Kids wear elaborate costumes that make them difficult to see as they dash from home to home on Halloween night. There’s definitely danger in leaving light-string cords dangling over your driveway, porch or sidewalk. To maintain a level surface for cables, you can use tape, cord coverings or even stakes. This will keep all of the cords out of the way so everyone can move safely without accidentally tripping.
Check for Damaged Wires Before Hanging Lights
Check each string of lights thoroughly before you hang them. Reusing outdated light strands with damaged insulation or tattered wire is a common cause of fires every year. Repairing electrical components like exposed cables, missing bulbs or weak connections is not an option; instead, get new ones. The expense of an electrical fire is far more than the cost of new lights.
Use Timers or Smart Plugs for Safer Operation
Don’t put unnecessary strain on your electrical system or waste energy by leaving the lights on all night. Remembering to turn them off before you go to bed will also help the bulbs last longer. You can create a timer or use a smart plug to turn off the lights and decorations automatically. Smart plugs are especially helpful because they offer remote access. This means you can control the lights from any location using your smartphone.
Don’t Run Extension Cords Through Doors or Windows
Don’t snake cords through cracked windows or doors. Doing that can pinch the cord, damaging the wiring and insulation. When the damage becomes severe enough, it can spark and create a fire. If you don’t have enough outlets to avoid snaking, you need to call an electrician. We’ll add as many outlets as you need to power your decorations safely.
Call a Pro if You Need Additional Circuits Installed
Power requirements for large displays with animatronics, numerous inflatables or projectors often exceed those for a single circuit. We’ll install a dedicated circuit for any heavy-duty decorations so everything can run smoothly. This will make sure your screen and lights get the juice they need without draining your power supply. On top of that, it prepares you for future Halloween, Christmas or summer party decorations.
Let an Electrician Handle Complex Light Displays
It’s easy to go all out for Halloween using different types of lighting. Some of the most elaborate setups include synchronized music, strobe lights and fog machines. These types of configurations can get quite tricky during installation. You might even find yourself having to work with electrical wiring. The best way to stay safe is to have one of our courteous and professional electricians do the install for you. That way, we can ensure everything is properly connected and nothing overheats. Our expertise is crucial for making sure the lights perform reliably and safely at all times.
Use LED Bulbs for Energy Efficiency and Safety
When placed near combustible ornaments, such as cloth or dry leaves, traditional incandescent bulbs provide a greater danger of burns or flames; this is mostly due to their rapid heat development. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) don’t overheat, have a longer lifespan and use much less power. Not only will you save money on your power bill, but you’ll also make your decorations less dangerous for children and pets.
Here are some of the many LED lighting options for Halloween decorations:
- Color-changing string light sets
- Battery-powered pumpkin lights
- LED strobe-effect bulbs
- Solar-powered pathway markers
- Flame-effect lanterns
- Blacklight spotlights for decor
- Spider-web lights
- Glow-in-the-dark rope lights
Schedule an Electrical Inspection if You’re Unsure
Anytime you come across anything you’re not sure about with Halloween lighting, give us a call. We’re happy to perform an inspection to make sure you have everything set up correctly. Or maybe you don’t even know where to start. That’s OK because we can do the complete install for you.
Here’s how an electrical inspection adds value during holiday decorating:
- Prevents circuit overload from string lights
- Ensures GFCI outlets protect outdoor plugs
- Identifies damaged cords on Halloween displays
- Confirms safe placement near inflatables
- Verifies extension cords can handle load
- Checks for moisture risks in rainy weather
- Approves wiring for animated light effects
Potts Electric‘s Fenton electricians understand all of the local codes that affect outdoor Halloween lighting in St. Louis. Our maintenance service ensures your whole electrical system operates safely year-round. We also offer repairs for faulty wiring and overloaded circuits that could affect your Halloween decorations. We’re a one-stop shop for enjoying a reliable electrical system throughout each season. Call Potts Electric now to book an electrical inspection in St. Louis, MO.
