The 6 Electrical Disasters of Christmas (and How to Fix Them)

Christmas is a season of joy, sparkling lights and family gatherings, but it can also bring unexpected electrical challenges. With holiday decorations glowing, kitchens bustling with activity and countless devices plugged in, your home’s electrical system often works overtime.

While these festive activities create a magical atmosphere, they can also lead to potential disasters like overloaded powerpoints, faulty lights, and even tripped breakers.

The good news? Most of these issues are avoidable with a little planning and the right know-how. In this blog, we’ll uncover the six most common electrical disasters of Christmas and, more importantly, show you how to fix them.

So, whether you’re untangling those old string lights or troubleshooting a blackout, we’ve got you covered to ensure a safe and merry holiday season.

1. Overloaded Powerpoints

The holiday season means extra lights, gadgets and appliances − all demanding power. Overloaded powerpoints are one of the most common Christmas electrical disasters, leading to tripped circuits, sparks, or even fires.

Here’s how to avoid overloading your outlets and keep your home safe:

• Spread the load: Don’t plug everything into one outlet. Use multiple powerpoints to distribute the electrical demand evenly across your home.
• Upgrade to surge protectors: Replace regular power strips with ones that include surge protection. These help prevent damage from electrical spikes caused by overloaded circuits.
• Avoid daisy-chaining: Plugging one power board into another is a recipe for disaster. Keep each outlet’s load under its rated capacity.
• Unplug unused devices: Reduce strain by unplugging decorations, chargers or appliances when they’re not in use.

A little planning can go a long way in keeping your festivities safe and stress-free.

2. Faulty Christmas Lights

Christmas lights bring a magical glow to your home, but when they’re faulty, they can turn your holiday cheer into a safety hazard. Old, frayed wires or broken bulbs not only ruin the festive aesthetic but can also cause short circuits or even fires.

Faulty lights are especially risky if placed near flammable decorations, like tinsel or a dry Christmas tree.

Before you deck the halls, take a moment to inspect your lights. Look for exposed wires, damaged plugs or any signs of wear. If you spot an issue, don’t attempt a DIY repair − replace the lights instead.

Opt for energy-efficient LED lights, which stay cooler and are less likely to overheat. Also, make sure your lights are rated for indoor or outdoor use as appropriate, and never overload a single power outlet.

With a little extra caution, you can keep your decorations dazzling and your home safe.

3. Tripping Circuit Breakers

A tripped circuit breaker can quickly dim your holiday cheer, especially when festive lights, heated rooms, and extra appliances push your electrical system to its limits.

Circuit breakers are designed to cut power when they sense overloads, preventing overheating and potential fires.

Here’s how to handle this common Christmas issue:

• Identify the problem area: Locate the breaker that tripped and check what was plugged in. Overloading is often the culprit.
• Unplug excess devices: Reduce the load on the circuit by unplugging unnecessary decorations or appliances. Spread your devices across different outlets.
• Upgrade if necessary: If your breaker trips repeatedly, your electrical system might not handle your holiday needs. Consider upgrading your panel with the help of a licensed electrician.
• Use low-energy decorations: Switch to LED lights, which use less power and are safer for your circuits.

By managing your electrical load, you can keep your Christmas merry and your home powered up for all the celebrations.

4. Extension Cord Hazards

Extension cords are holiday lifesavers, powering lights, decorations, and more. But improper use can lead to overheating, electrical shocks, or even fires.

Avoid these common extension cord mistakes to keep your home safe this Christmas:

• Don’t overload the cord: Extension cords have a maximum wattage rating. Overloading them can cause overheating and increase the risk of fires.
• Use the right cord: Outdoor decorations require heavy-duty cords rated for outdoor use. Indoor cords aren’t designed to withstand the elements.
• Avoid running under rugs: Placing cords under carpets or rugs can trap heat, causing them to overheat and become a fire hazard.
• Inspect for damage: Check cords for fraying, exposed wires, or cracked plugs before use. Damaged cords should be replaced immediately.
• Limit daisy-chaining: Never plug multiple extension cords together − it increases resistance and the chance of overheating.

With proper care, extension cords can safely power your holiday festivities.

5. Outdoor Lighting Mishaps

Outdoor Christmas lights can transform your home into a bright festive treat, but if not installed correctly, they can lead to serious safety issues. Common mishaps include electric shocks, damaged lights from weather exposure, and even fires caused by improper installation.

Water and electricity don’t mix, so a rainy holiday season can make outdoor lighting especially risky if you’re not careful.

To prevent problems, always use lights specifically rated for outdoor use. These are designed to withstand the elements and reduce the risk of short circuits. Invest in waterproof connectors and cover all plugs to protect them from moisture.

Ensure your lights are plugged into ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets, which will cut power in the event of an electrical fault.

Avoid overloading your circuits by spreading your decorations across multiple outlets.With a few precautions, your outdoor display can stay bright and safe all season long.

6. Unexpected Power Outages

A power outage during the holiday season can bring your festivities to a halt, leaving your home in the dark and disrupting your celebrations.

Common causes include overloaded grids or weather-related issues. Here’s how to manage and prepare for unexpected outages:

• Have backup lighting ready: Keep flashlights, battery-powered lanterns, or LED candles easily accessible to avoid fumbling in the dark.
• Unplug devices: During an outage, unplug sensitive electronics like TVs and computers to protect them from power surges when electricity is restored.
• Invest in a generator: A portable generator can keep essential appliances running, like your fridge or heating system, until power returns.
• Report the outage: Notify your power company to ensure they’re aware of the issue and can restore service promptly.
• Plan for weather-related risks: If storms are common in your area, consider surge protectors and weatherproof decorations.

Being prepared ensures that a power outage won’t dim your holiday cheer.

Keep Christmas Celebrations Safe

Christmas is a time for joy and celebration, but it’s also a season when your home’s electrical system works overtime. By understanding common issues like overloaded power points, faulty lights and tripping breakers, you can take simple steps to avoid these disasters.

A little preparation, such as inspecting decorations, using surge protectors, and managing electrical loads, goes a long way in keeping your festivities safe and stress-free.

If you’re unsure about handling an issue, don’t hesitate to call a professional electrician. With these precautions in place, you can enjoy a safe, bright and merry holiday season.

Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.