Avoiding Circuit Overloads & Power Surges for Your Christmas Light Display

The holiday season is here, and it’s time to untangle those lights, hang them up, and add a little extra joy to your home. But before you plug in that festive display, it’s important to consider whether your electrical system is ready for the extra load. 

How Much Electricity Do Christmas Lights Use?

By now, you’ve probably noticed there are two main types of Christmas lights: the classic incandescent bulbs we all grew up with, and the newer LED lights that have been taking over in recent years. 

Incandescent Bulbs: 40-60 Watts

A typical incandescent string of 100 mini lights uses about 40 to 60 watts of power, while larger C7 or C9 bulbs can use 5 to 10 watts each. So, if you have ten strands of 100 incandescent mini lights, they could be using anywhere from 400 to 600 watts of electricity. 

LED Lights: 5-7 Watts

On the other hand, a string of 100 LED mini lights typically uses only 5 to 7 watts — just a fraction of what incandescent lights consume! Not only are LED lights more energy-efficient, but they also produce less heat, making them safer for indoor and outdoor use.

Common Holiday Light Setup Mistakes That Cause Power Surges

When it comes to setting up your Christmas light display, there are a few mistakes that can lead to power surges, overloaded circuits, or even safety hazards. Here are some of the most common mistakes homeowners make (and how you can avoid them.)

Adding too Many Light Strings to a Single Circuit

One of the biggest mistakes is connecting too many light strings to one circuit. Every circuit in your home has a maximum capacity, and if you exceed that capacity, the breaker will trip, or worse, you could create a fire hazard. 

To avoid this, add up the total wattage of all the lights you plan to plug into a single outlet, and ensure it doesn’t exceed 80% of the circuit’s rated capacity.

Using Undersized or Underrated Extension Cords

Using the wrong extension cord is another common issue that can lead to power surges and overloads. Extension cords are rated to handle different amounts of current, and using one that isn’t up to the task can cause it to overheat.

Always choose extension cords that are rated for outdoor use (if you are decorating outdoors) and have a sufficient gauge to handle the wattage of your light display.

Neglecting Circuit Capacity

Another mistake is not considering the overall capacity of your home’s electrical circuits. Each circuit is rated for a specific amperage—usually 15 or 20 amps—which determines how much power it can safely handle. Plugging in too many lights or devices can overload the circuit, leading to tripped breakers or even electrical fires.

Never Exceed the Amperage Rating of the Circuit Breaker

To avoid overloading your circuits, calculate the total amperage of all the lights you plan to connect. You can do this by dividing the total wattage by your home’s voltage (typically 120 volts). Make sure the total amperage stays below 80% of the circuit’s rated capacity. For example, if you’re using a 15-amp circuit, you should keep the total load below 12 amps to stay safe.

Don’t Overload Circuits Shared with Other Household Items

Before plugging in your lights, identify which circuits are being used by other devices, and try to distribute the load evenly throughout your home to prevent overloading any single circuit.

Why Consult an Electrician for Your Christmas Lights Display?

Electrical panels are designed to distribute power safely, but when overwhelmed, they can’t protect your home as they should. That’s why, if you’re planning an elaborate Christmas light display, it’s best to consult with an electrician to make sure your panel can handle the extra load.

If you’re planning an elaborate Christmas light display, book an electrical safety evaluation with Jack Lehr. Our team can assess your electrical system, recommend upgrades if needed, and ensure your home is ready for a safe and festive holiday season.

4 Signs Your Electrical Panel Needs an Upgrade for Holiday Lighting

While adding Christmas lights to your home can bring a festive spirit, it also places additional demand on your electrical system. Here are some signs that your electrical panel might need an upgrade to handle the load safely and efficiently.

1. Frequent Circuit Breaker Tripping

Does your circuit breaker trip when your holiday lights are plugged in? This means that your electrical panel isn’t keeping up with the demands of your home. Breakers are designed to cut power when a circuit becomes overloaded, and if this happens a lot, it’s a sign that your panel needs an upgrade to accommodate the extra load.

2. Flickering or Dimming Lights

If your lights flicker or dim whenever you turn on other appliances or plug in your Christmas lights, that’s another sign that your electrical system is struggling, and an upgrade may be needed.

3. Warm Outlets or Burning Odors

If you notice that your outlets are warm to the touch or you smell burning odors when your lights are plugged in, it’s a serious warning sign that there is an electrical issue. 

4. Older, Outdated Electrical Panels

If your home has an older electrical panel, it might not equipped to handle the demands of modern life—let alone the extra load from holiday lights! Outdated panels often lack the capacity and safety features most modern electrical systems need, making them more prone to issues like power surges and circuit overloads.

Stay Safe with an Electrical Panel Upgrade from Jack Lehr

Don’t let an outdated electrical panel dim your holiday spirit. While your current panel might handle day-to-day needs, the extra demands of Christmas lights and winter entertaining can push aging systems to their limits. Contact Jack Lehr today to schedule an electrical safety evaluation and learn how circuit panel upgrades can keep your home safe and festive this season.