Electrical Safety Tips for the Holidays

Electrical Safety Tips for the Holidays

Keep Your Home Safe, Bright, and Merry!

The holidays are a time for bright lights, warm gatherings, and festive decorations—but they’re also one of the most common times of year for electrical hazards. From overloaded outlets to faulty light strings, it’s easy for electrical safety to slip your mind amid the excitement.

At Dolton Electric, your trusted electrical contractor in Lincoln, NE, we want to make sure your holiday season stays joyful and hazard-free. Follow these simple electrical safety tips to keep your home safe while you deck the halls.

🎄 1. Inspect Your Holiday Lights

Before plugging in last year’s lights, check each strand for frayed wires, broken bulbs, or loose connections. Damaged wires can cause shorts or sparks, increasing the risk of fire. When in doubt, replace them—modern LED lights are safer, cooler, and more energy-efficient.

🔌 2. Avoid Overloading Outlets

With all the decorations, heaters, and kitchen appliances running, outlets can easily become overloaded. Plugging too many items into one outlet or power strip can overheat circuits and trip breakers.
Pro tip: Spread your decorations across multiple circuits, and never daisy-chain extension cords.

💡 3. Use Outdoor-Rated Lights and Extension Cords

If you’re decorating outside, only use weatherproof, outdoor-rated lights and extension cords. Indoor lights aren’t built to handle moisture or temperature changes. Make sure all connections are elevated off the ground and protected from rain and snow.

🔥 4. Turn Off Lights When You Leave or Go to Bed

It’s easy to forget to unplug the lights when you head out or fall asleep—but leaving them on for hours unattended is risky. Use a timer or smart plug to automatically turn your lights on and off. You’ll save electricity and reduce the risk of overheating.

🎁 5. Keep Cords Clear of Walkways and Heat Sources

Avoid running cords under rugs or furniture—they can overheat or get pinched. Also, keep cords away from fireplaces, radiators, and space heaters. Always make sure cords are fully uncoiled to prevent overheating.

🕯️ 6. Be Cautious with Holiday Scents and Candles

Electric wax warmers and plug-in air fresheners are safer alternatives to open-flame candles, but

even they should be used wisely. Make sure outlets aren’t overloaded, and never leave devices running unattended.

⚡ 7. Upgrade Old Outlets for Added Safety

If your home still has older, two-prong outlets or outdated wiring, now’s the perfect time to upgrade. Grounded outlets and GFCI outlets (especially in kitchens and bathrooms) help protect your family from electrical shock.
Dolton Electric can inspect your home’s wiring to ensure it’s safe and ready for the holidays.

🌟 8. Choose Energy-Efficient LED Decorations

LED holiday lights use up to 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last much longer. They also stay cool to the touch—reducing the risk of burns and fires while keeping your electric bill under control.

🧯 9. Make Sure Smoke Detectors Are Working

With extra electrical use, cooking, and candles during the holidays, smoke detectors are more important than ever. Test them before your celebrations begin, and replace batteries if needed. If your detectors are more than 10 years old, it’s time to upgrade.

🎉 10. Schedule an Electrical Safety Inspection

If you’re planning big gatherings or elaborate decorations this year, consider scheduling a quick electrical safety inspection. Dolton Electric’s licensed electricians can identify overloaded circuits, outdated wiring, or potential hazards before they cause problems.

Keep the Holidays Merry—and Safe—with Dolton Electric

This holiday season, let’s focus on creating happy memories, not electrical headaches. Whether you need help adding new outlets, upgrading your lighting, or inspecting your wiring, Dolton Electric is here to help.

Serving Lincoln, NE, and surrounding communities, we provide professional electrical services for homes and businesses—keeping your holidays bright, efficient, and worry-free.

Contact Dolton Electric Today

📍    Proudly serving Lincoln, Nebraska and surrounding areas.
⚡ Residential • Commercial • New Builds
📞Call today to schedule your holiday electrical inspection or request a quote!