Common Electrical Risks During Winter and Holiday Gatherings
The holidays bring more lights, more guests, and more strain on your home’s electrical system. Between colder weather, extra decorations, and higher energy use, December is one of the most common times for electrical issues to surface.
Use this holiday electrical safety checklist to help protect your home, avoid outages, and know when it’s time to call a licensed electrician.
Check Holiday Lights and Decorations Before Plugging Them In
Before decorating, inspect all holiday lights and extension cords carefully.
Look for:
- Frayed wires or cracked insulation
- Loose plugs or exposed metal
- Burn marks or melted areas
Only use lights and decorations rated for indoor or outdoor use as intended. Avoid running cords under rugs or through doorways where they can become damaged or overheated. If lights flicker, dim, or feel warm to the touch, unplug them and have them checked.
Avoid Overloading Outlets and Power Strips
With added lights, inflatables, and seasonal appliances, it’s easy to overload outlets during the holidays.
Safety tips:
- Plug high-draw items directly into wall outlets
- Avoid daisy-chaining power strips or extension cords
- Spread decorations across multiple circuits when possible
Tripped breakers are a warning sign that your system is under strain. Frequent tripping should be addressed by an electrician before it leads to a bigger problem.
Be Mindful of Winter Power Demand Inside the Home
Cold weather increases electrical usage beyond just holiday decorations.
Common winter electrical strain comes from:
- Space heaters
- Electric blankets
- Kitchen appliances during gatherings
- Home offices and added electronics
If your lights dim when appliances turn on or outlets feel warm, your electrical system may be working harder than it should.
Make Sure Your Electrical Panel Is Ready for Winter
Your electrical panel is the heart of your home’s power system. During winter and peak holiday use, it needs to be in good condition.
Check for:
- Breakers that trip frequently
- Buzzing sounds or burning smells
- Rust, moisture, or corrosion inside the panel
If your panel is outdated or already near capacity, December is not the time to push it further without professional guidance.
Prepare for Winter Storms and Power Outages
Winter weather can bring unexpected outages, especially during storms or freezing conditions.
If you have a generator or backup power system:
- Schedule maintenance before severe weather hits
- Test the system to ensure it starts and runs properly
- Confirm it can support essential circuits
If you rely solely on grid power, consider discussing backup options with an electrician before winter weather becomes unpredictable.
Know When to Call for Emergency Electrical Service
Electrical issues don’t wait for convenient times, especially during the holidays.
Call a professional immediately if you notice:
- Burning smells or sparks
- Flickering lights throughout the home
- Warm outlets or switches
- Partial or total loss of power
Quick action can prevent damage, safety hazards, and extended downtime during the busiest time of year.
Schedule Electrical Service Before the Holiday Rush
A quick inspection or service call can help ensure your home stays safe and powered through winter gatherings, storms, and increased energy use.
If you’re experiencing electrical issues or want peace of mind this holiday season, contact our licensed electricians 470-309-6996 today to schedule service or request emergency assistance.
