Holiday Decorating Safety Tips: Take Time to Prevent Fire and Electrical Hazards

Keep your home safe this holiday season with essential decorating safety tips. Learn how to prevent Christmas light fires, safely decorate your tree, and avoid electrical hazards.

Are Christmas and Holiday Lights Safe?

Christmas and holiday lights can present fire hazards if they are improperly installed, if they are damaged, if outlets are overloaded, or if they do not conform to safety standards. One of the best ways to make sure your decorations sparkle — not spark — is to buy and use products that conform to safety standards. 

Our standard, UL 588, covers decorative lighting strands, wreaths, light sculptures and motorized displays, and requires enclosures to be strong and rigid enough to withstand normal use, without increasing the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to persons.

Follow these safety tips when using Christmas/holiday lights:

• Use products that meet safety standards, such as UL 588 
• Avoid overloading electrical outlets
• Discard damaged or frayed lights

Can You Leave Christmas and Holiday Lights on All Night?

Christmas or holiday lights should not be left on overnight, or when you are away from home, as electrical fires may occur.

Follow these steps to use lights safely:

• Turn off devices when asleep or away: Ensure any electric decorations are turned off when inhabitants are away from home or asleep. 
• Use an automatic timer: For safety and convenience, consider an automatic electrical timer to turn off lights and decorations before bed. 
• Pick timers that meet safety standards: Timers that conform to UL 60730-2-7 are durable enough to withstand normal use without presenting a risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to persons.

Are Real Christmas Trees Safe? Why Do Christmas Trees Catch Fire?

Real Christmas tree fires are a known risk. Christmas trees can catch fire if they become too dry, are placed near heat sources, or are decorated with faulty lights. While according to the National Fire Protection Association, fires from real trees have decreased over the years, it’s important to follow best practices to stay safe.

Follow these safety tips when decorating with a real tree:

• Choose a fresh tree: Look for a tree with green, flexible needles that don’t easily fall off. A fresh tree is less likely to dry out and become a fire hazard.
• Water the tree daily: Real trees can dry out quickly, increasing fire risk. Make sure to check the water level daily and refill as needed to keep the tree hydrated throughout the holiday season.
• Keep the tree away from heat sources: The National Fire Protection Agency recommends positioning your tree at least three feet away from fireplaces, radiators, space heaters, and candles. This reduces the risk of the tree catching fire from excess heat. 
• Use UL 588-certified indoor lights: Ensure that all lights you use on the tree are certified to safety standards and designed for indoor use. Inspect lights for fraying or damage before placing them on the tree and turn them off when you’re not home or when you go to bed.

Can a Fake Christmas Tree Catch on Fire?

Yes, faux or artificial Christmas trees can pose a fire risk. Not all artificial Christmas trees are fire resistant. When shopping, check to see if the tree is certified to UL 2358, which requires testing for response to fire, reducing the risk.

Are Outdoor Holiday Lights Safe in the Rain?

Christmas/holiday lights certified to UL 588 are put through rain tests, water immersion tests, UV exposure tests, and more to ensure they will function safely in wet weather. 

When using holiday lights outside, be sure to plug them in to weatherproof GFCI outlets. Our standard, UL 943, includes requirements for the function, construction, performance, and markings of Class A GFCI devices, helping to ensure that the GFCI devices trip quickly during the occurrence of a ground-fault, helping prevent an electrical incident.

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The holidays are a time for joy and celebration, and by taking a few safety precautions, you can ensure your decorations only add to the cheer. Whether it’s choosing fire-resistant trees or managing Christmas and holiday lights properly, small steps go a long way. With these holiday decorating safety tips, you’re set for a safe and festive season.