Are Your Holiday Lights Overloading Your Circuits?

Licensed electrician inspecting holiday lighting for electrical safety

Licensed electrician inspecting holiday lighting for electrical safety

The holidays bring warmth, celebration—and a surprising amount of extra electrical demand. From twinkling rooflines to fully lit trees and outdoor displays, holiday lighting can push your electrical system harder than any other time of year.

At Kato Electrical, we see a sharp increase in blown breakers, flickering lights, and emergency calls every December.

Here’s how to spot the warning signs—and how to keep your home or business safe this holiday season.

Why Holiday Lights Can Overload Circuits

Modern homes are designed to handle normal daily electrical use, but holiday lighting adds a temporary surge that many systems aren’t prepared for.

Common contributors include:

  • Multiple light strands plugged into one outlet

  • Older wiring not designed for modern loads

  • Extension cords used as permanent solutions

  • Outdoor lights sharing circuits with indoor appliances

    Even LED lights—which use less energy—can cause issues when too many are connected to a single circuit.

    Warning Signs Your Circuits Are Overloaded

    If you notice any of the following, your electrical system may already be under strain:

  • Circuit breakers tripping repeatedly

  • Dimming or flickering lights when decorations turn on

  • Warm outlets or extension cords

  • Buzzing sounds from outlets or panels

  • Odors coming from plugs, switches, or electrical equipment

    These signs shouldn’t be ignored. Left unaddressed, excessive electrical load can lead to damaged wiring, equipment failure, or increased fire risk—particularly when holiday lighting is used for extended periods.

    Common Holiday Lighting Mistakes We See Every Year

    At Kato Electrical, these are the most frequent holiday-related electrical problems we respond to:

  • Daisy-chaining too many extension cords

  • Using indoor-rated lights outdoors

  • Plugging space heaters and lights into the same circuit

  • Overloading power strips instead of using dedicated outlets

  • Skipping GFCI protection for outdoor displays

    These shortcuts may seem harmless—but they often lead to unexpected outages or safety hazards.

    How to Safely Power Your Holiday Lights

    You don’t need to scale back your decorations—just power them smarter. Kato Electrical recommends:

  • Using LED holiday lights whenever possible

  • Limiting the number of light strands per outlet

  • Installing dedicated outdoor outlets for displays

  • Using timers to reduce overnight electrical load

  • Having your panel inspected if breakers trip often

    For larger displays or commercial properties, temporary power solutions may be the safest option.

    When to Call a Licensed Electrician

    If your breakers trip every time you turn on your lights, or you’re relying heavily on extension cords, it’s time to call a professional.

    A licensed electrician can:

  • Balance loads across circuits

  • Install additional outlets

  • Upgrade outdated panels

  • Ensure your system meets current electrical codes

    At Kato Electrical, we help homeowners and businesses enjoy the holidays without electrical stress—or safety risks.

    Celebrate Safely This Holiday Season

    Holiday lighting should bring joy—not electrical problems. With proper planning and a preventative inspection, you can enjoy the season knowing your electrical system is operating safely and efficiently. If you have any concerns about added electrical demand, Kato Electrical is ready to assist.

Arthur Kavanagh