In Louisiana, we don’t often experience the picturesque white Christmases depicted in holiday movies; instead, we often find ourselves in the midst of rainy Christmases. For homeowners, this means that the top priority, aside from creating a beautiful Christmas tree and outdoor light displays, is to ensure that those lights remain dry and safe from the challenges posed by our unpredictable weather. Below, Alexandria electricians at Lombardi Electric break down the best ways to achieve beautifully lit homes that are free from electrical hazards. Our Alexandria lighting design experts can help you waterproof your outdoor Christmas lights, making your holiday season worry-free and filled with dazzling lights. Don’t wait; call Lombardi Electric at 318-545-7575 for all your residential, commercial, and industrial electrical service needs today.
Can Christmas Lights Get Wet?
The question of whether Christmas lights can get wet is a common concern, especially in areas like Alexandria, Louisiana, where rainy Christmases are more typical than snowy ones. While many Christmas lights are designed for outdoor use and labeled as “weatherproof” or “outdoor,” it’s crucial to understand that even these lights have their limits. This is one of the crucial Christmas light safety tips that seems to slip under the cracks.
If you find yourself saying, “The Christmas light fuse keeps blowing,” this may be why.
While they can withstand some exposure to moisture, prolonged contact with water can lead to Christmas light tripping GFCI outlets, corrosion, short circuits, reduced lifespan, blown fuses, and other electrical hazards. Therefore, while it’s okay for outdoor light displays to get a little wet during light rain or drizzle, taking precautions to further weatherproof Christmas lights is essential to ensure their longevity and safety.
What Happens When Christmas Lights Get Wet?
When Christmas lights are exposed to moisture, several issues can arise, including:
- Corrosion: Moisture can lead to the corrosion of electrical components, such as wires, connectors, and sockets. Corrosion can weaken connections and potentially cause electrical hazards.
- Short Circuits: Water can create an electrical short, which occurs when an electrical current takes an unintended path. Short circuits can result in lights flickering, dimming, or not working at all.
- Reduced Lifespan: The presence of moisture can significantly reduce the lifespan of your Christmas lights. Constant exposure to moisture can lead to rust, deterioration, and eventual failure.
- Electrical Hazards: The combination of electricity and water can be dangerous. Wet Christmas lights can pose electrical hazards, increasing the risk of electrical shocks, electrocutions, or fires.
Given the potential problems that can arise when Christmas lights get wet, it’s crucial to take precautions to weatherproof Christmas lights and ensure the safety of your home or business.
How to Choose the Best Outdoor Christmas Lights
Selecting the right outdoor Christmas lights is the first step in ensuring their durability and performance in wet conditions. When choosing outdoor Christmas lights in Alexandria, LA, consider the following factors:
- Weatherproof Rating: Look for lights labeled as “weatherproof” or “outdoor” to ensure they are designed for exterior use. These lights are typically more resistant to moisture and harsh weather conditions.
- IP Ratings: The IP (ingress protection) rating indicates the lights’ level of protection against dust and moisture. For the best weatherproof Christmas lights, look for an IP rating of at least IP65, which signifies that the lights are dust-tight and can withstand low-pressure water jets – a reliable choice for ensuring your holiday lights endure Alexandria’s weather without a problem. This is similar to IC-rated lights.
- LED vs. Incandescent: There are many benefits of outdoor LED lighting. LED lights are a popular choice for outdoor Christmas decorations because they are more energy-efficient and generate less heat than incandescent lights. Additionally, most Christmas lights that are LED are often more durable and have a longer lifespan.
- Cord Length and Quality: Make sure the cords of your outdoor lights are long enough to reach your desired display areas. Choose lights with high-quality, durable cords that can withstand exposure to the elements.
How to Waterproof Outdoor Christmas Lights
Now that you’ve chosen the right outdoor Christmas lights for your decorations, it’s time to take steps to waterproof them and protect them from moisture damage. Here are some effective methods to ensure your lights stay safe and functional throughout the holiday season:
Use Weatherproof Gaskets
Weatherproof gaskets are essential components for safeguarding outdoor Christmas lights from rain, snow, and even sprinklers. These gaskets create a water-tight seal around connections, preventing moisture from infiltrating the sockets and plugs. Here’s how to use weatherproof gaskets:
- Purchase Weatherproof Gaskets: You can find weatherproof gaskets at most hardware stores or electrical supply shops. Make sure to choose gaskets that are appropriate for the size and type of connections you have.
- Install Gaskets: Place the gasket snugly on the male plug and then connect the female plug. Ensure that the gaskets cover the connections completely.
Seal Plugs With Electrical Tape
Another effective method to waterproof outdoor Christmas lights is to use electrical or teflon tape to seal the plugs, effectively creating a water tight seal. Electrical tape provides an additional barrier against moisture and helps keep the connections secure. Here’s how to do it:
- Wrap the Plugs: After connecting your Christmas lights, wrap the plug and socket area with electrical tape. Be thorough and ensure that no gaps are left uncovered.
- Secure the Tape: Press the electrical tape firmly to create a tight seal. Make sure there are no wrinkles or loose ends that could allow moisture to enter.
- Inspect Periodically: Check the electrical tape periodically throughout the holiday season to ensure it remains secure. Reapply tape if you notice any signs of wear or peeling.
Use Dielectric Grease
Dielectric grease is a water-resistant compound that can be applied to exposed connectors to prevent moisture intrusion. It forms a protective barrier that keeps moisture out while allowing electrical currents to flow freely. Here’s how to use dielectric grease:
- Clean Connections: Before applying dielectric grease, make sure the female and male connector are clean and free of dirt or debris. This ensures a better bond with the grease.
- Apply Dielectric Grease: Use a small brush or your finger to apply a thin layer of dielectric grease, completely coating the plug and socket connections.
- Reassemble the Connections: After applying the grease, reassemble the connections. The grease will create a waterproof barrier between the male and female ends.
Dielectric grease is a long-lasting solution that provides excellent protection against moisture, making it a valuable addition to your outdoor Christmas light setup.
Don’t Put Cord Connections on the Ground
To further prevent water from contacting your Christmas lights, avoid placing cord connections on the ground or in areas prone to pooling water. Elevated or suspended connections are less likely to come into contact with moisture, reducing the risk of damage.
Use hooks, zip ties, clips, or other mounting hardware to keep the cords and connections above ground level when it rains. Additionally, make sure the cords are not pinched or bent excessively, as this can damage the insulation and expose wires to moisture.
Avoid Using a Plastic Bag
Many homeowners don’t have many electrical or power supplies on hand, so they may resort to something as simple as covering their outdoor lights with a plastic bag. However, this method of waterproofing Christmas lights outdoors can actually be dangerous.
Using plastic bags to weatherproof Christmas lights is not recommended due to several safety and effectiveness concerns. Firstly, a plastic bag can easily trap moisture inside, creating a humid environment that may lead to corrosion of electrical components, short circuits, and potential electrical hazards. Additionally, plastic bags can become damaged or torn by wind, rain, or UV exposure, allowing water to seep in and potentially damage the lights.
Furthermore, plastic bags may not provide a secure and durable seal around connectors, increasing the risk of moisture infiltration. To ensure the safety and longevity of your outdoor Christmas lights, it’s advisable to use proper weatherproofing techniques and materials specifically designed for this purpose.
Need Help With Outdoor Christmas Lights in Alexandria?
Ensuring the safety and longevity of your outdoor Christmas lights is essential for a festive and worry-free holiday season in Alexandria, LA. If you have any concerns about electrical connections or need professional assistance with your holiday lighting setup, don’t hesitate to reach out to Lombardi Electric. We can do everything from helping find the bad bulb on Christmas lights to designing and installing major holiday setups.
Our team of experienced electricians provides top-notch Alexandria electrical services, commercial electrical services in Alexandria, industrial electrical services in Alexandria, and electrical repair in Alexandria and surrounding areas. Contact us today at 318-545-7575 for reliable and professional electrical services that will ensure your holiday decorations shine brightly throughout the season.
