8 tips for hanging holiday lights

Whenever you’re working with electricity you should use a fibreglass or wooden ladder if you have one. Metal ladders can conduct electricity. Don’t forget to test each strand for burnt out bulbs on the ground before you start climbing.

Check for wires or other overhead obstacles before setting up the ladder. Stand the ladder on even ground that’s free of ice, snow, or water so that it doesn’t slide out from under you. You should also have a spotter to support the ladder.

Swap out old incandescent bulbs for LEDs. LEDs last about 20 times as long (so less time spent looking for dead bulbs), they consume about 90 per cent less electricity, and don’t get hot, eliminating a potential fire risk. Some LED sets are even colour-changing and come with controllers for adjustable light patterns.

You can avoid having to get on a ladder at all by purchasing a projection light kit. As the name suggests, these ground-mounted systems project lights or images onto the building, often in a variety of patterns.

Indoors or out, to avoid overheating, don’t connect more than three strands of lights in a row. For added safety, plug all of your lights into GFCI outlets. And never overload a single electrical outlet with multiple cords and extensions.

To avoid a shocking situation, only use lights and extension cords that are rated for exterior use outdoors. Look for a UL or CSA label on the cord that indicates the rating. If the tag is missing and you’re in doubt, err on the side of caution.

Do not use a stapler or nails to secure your lights. You could pierce or fray the wires. Use plastic clips instead. Keep the cords from resting on the ground, particularly where you’ve joined two sets. But be wary of tripping hazards with elevated cords.

Finally, don’t forget to turn off the lights whenever you go out or head to bed, or connect them to timers that automatically shut the lights off.