A Guide from Matson Electrical Services Ltd, Lincolnshire
Christmas lights bring magic to the festive season, but they also increase electrical demand and introduce potential safety risks. Here’s our professional advice to help you enjoy a bright, safe and energy-efficient display this year.
Table of Contents
1. Start with a Plan
- Measure the areas you want to decorate (roofline, trees, windows, mantelpiece) so you buy the right length of lights.
- Decide on colour scheme and style early – warm white, multi-coloured, icicles, net lights, etc.
- Count how many power sockets you have available both indoors and outdoors.
2. Choose the Right Lights
- Always buy lights marked with the British Standard kite mark or CE mark.
- LED lights only: They use up to 90% less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs, run cooler (reducing fire risk) and last many years.
- Check the IP rating for outdoor lights:
- IP44 – splash-proof (fine for most UK winter weather)
- IP65 – fully weatherproof (best for exposed areas)
3. Indoor Lighting Safety Tips
- Never overload sockets. A standard 13A socket can safely supply around 3,000 watts – most LED strings are only 5–20 watts each, but add up everything plugged in.
- Use a good-quality 4- or 6-way extension lead with built-in surge protection if needed.
- Turn lights off when leaving the house or going to bed (or use a timer plug).
- Keep lights away from curtains, paper decorations and flammable materials.
- Secure cables with cable clips or adhesive hooks – never use staples or nails through the cable.
4. Outdoor Lighting Safety Tips
- Use only lights specifically labelled “suitable for outdoor use”.
- Connect outdoor lights via an RCD-protected socket or RCD spur. An RCD cuts power in milliseconds if it detects a fault – essential when water and electricity are close together.
- Run cables safely:
- Through a window? Use a proper outdoor cable entry port or keep the window slightly open with a draught excluder – never trap the cable in the closed frame.
- Burying cable temporarily? Use armoured cable or run inside conduit.
- Secure lights firmly to guttering, fences or trees using proper outdoor clips – wind can loosen them.
- Avoid joining too many sets together. Most manufacturers state a maximum of 3–5 sets end-to-end – check the box.
- If using a reel, unwind it fully before use to prevent overheating.
5. Energy-Saving & Timer Tips
- Put all lights on 7-day or astronomical timers so they switch on at dusk and off at a sensible time (e.g. 11 pm).
- Smart plugs (Wi-Fi enabled) let you control everything from your phone and monitor energy use.
- Consider solar-powered stake lights for paths and borders – no wiring needed.
6. Testing & Maintenance
- Test every string before you put it up – it’s much easier to replace a faulty bulb on the living-room floor than halfway up a ladder.
- Carry spare fuses and bulbs (LED sets are usually sealed, but some have replaceable bulbs).
- Check for damaged cables, loose connections or cracked sockets throughout the season.
7. Taking Down & Storage
- Wait until Twelfth Night, then take everything down in daylight on a dry day.
- Wind lights neatly around a piece of cardboard or use a cable reel to prevent tangles next year.
- Store in a dry, cool place in clearly labelled boxes.
When to Call a Professional Electrician
If you’re planning a large display (especially roofline or tree wrapping) or you need extra outdoor sockets or RCD protection installing, give us a call. We can:
- Install dedicated outdoor circuits with weatherproof sockets
- Fit permanent LED rope light or smart controllable systems
- Carry out an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) to make sure your home is ready for the extra Christmas load
Enjoy a sparkling, safe Christmas!
Matson Electrical Services Ltd – Your local, approved electricians in Lincolnshire Call 01476 123456 | www.matsonelectrical.co.uk | Fully NICEIC registered & insured
Need extra sockets or an RCD for your outdoor lights this year? Drop us a message – we’re taking bookings now for pre-Christmas installations across Lincolnshire.
