Older Christmas lights can not be used outdoors in the rain and snow, but some specialty lights can withstand all weather. Therefore, ensure your strings are labeled either “Wet Location” or “Outdoor Use” before hanging them on gutters or windows.

Modern lights such as LEDs are waterproof and have a rating above IP44. So even if you mistakenly spill water on your LED string lights, they can still work.

If you are looking for waterproof Christmas lights, consider using the Onlly. They are perfect for indoor and outdoor use and comprise a timer, dimming, and over 11 modes. However, the best part of using this product is it has a 12-month warranty.

Protecting Your Christmas Lights From The Rain

The best way to protect your Christmas light from the rain is to buy waterproof lights. These option has above IP44 ratings and can handle the elements. Furthermore, guard the electrical outlet from rain by investing in ground-fault circuit interrupters. Do not put outlets in high-traffic areas or places where water can damage the outlet.

To protect your Christmas lights from the rain, you can either put them in a plastic bag or install a covering over the receptacles. Although it is not necessary to use a bag, the tape will keep your lights working longer and protect them from the rain.

Another option would be installing them under a sheltering device. When lights are placed around awnings, you can cover them with a tarp to protect them from water damage. Moreover, small Christmas decors that use Christmas lights can be stored indoors or covered with large bags for protection.

Incandescent Christmas Lights Life Span

With the proper care, you can expect your incandescent holiday lights to last for up to five years. However, several factors can cause these lights to fail prematurely, including poor storage and an inherent flaw in the design of older lights.

The best way to keep your lights in good shape is to store them properly during the off-season. Keep them in a dry place, away from moisture or heat, as these elements can cause them to fail.

Another issue with incandescent holiday lights is that the older models used glass bulbs, also known as hard glass. The problem with this type of glass is that it is prone to shattering when exposed to vibration or sharp impacts.

Newer models that use softer glass don’t pose this risk. If you have older lights hanging around your house, you should swap them with newer ones or LEDs.

When Is It Appropriate To Turn On Christmas Lights?

Now that Thanksgiving is in the rearview mirror, it’s officially time to decorate for Christmas. According to a survey, almost half of Americans plan to put up decorations right after Thanksgiving.

Even though it’s not even December yet, the decision to put up holiday decorations can be polarizing. A recent survey found that nearly 20% of Americans believe you shouldn’t put up Christmas lights before Thanksgiving. Others feel strongly about putting Christmas decorations up early. It’s important for those who don’t celebrate Thanksgiving to have the opportunity to display their holiday spirit.

However, whether you’re all about getting into the holiday spirit early or prefer waiting until after Thanksgiving, it seems like most people can agree: there should be no Christmas decorations before Halloween.

Should I Leave Christmas Lights On When Not Home?

 Leaving your Christmas Lights on all day and night or when you are not home is a fire hazard. Christmas lights are designed to be plugged in and left on for just a few hours at a time, not 24/7. Overheating is the biggest concern with Christmas lights, especially the older versions.

If you do not want to take any chances with your Christmas lights, then it is best to turn them off before leaving your house. You should also make sure that they are well-maintained and checked regularly for any damage or wear and tear. If you notice anything unusual about your Christmas lights, you should have them repaired.

Similarly, installing an automatic timer can turn off your lights when you’re away. Automatic timers can be programmed to shut off at certain times of the day or night. 

If you don’t have an automatic timer and want to leave your lights on for security purposes, there are some things you can do to make sure they don’t burn out or blow fuses:

• Unplug the lights from the wall when not in use: this will prevent them from draining power and shortening the life of your bulbs.
• Use LED Christmas lights instead of incandescent ones. The long-lasting LEDs won’t get hot enough to melt plastic or damage electrical wires as older incandescent bulbs can.

Tips For Hiding A Christmas Light Cords Outsides

If you’re like me, you probably don’t want to spend a lot of time tucking away cords and wires. This can be especially true for your Christmas lights.

Fortunately, there are ways to hide these cords so they don’t take up room in your yard or obstruct the view of your decorations.

Here are some ideas for hiding Christmas light cords outside:

Twine them around shrubs or trees. If you have shrubs or trees near your outdoor decorations, use twine to wrap around the branches and hide the cord from view. You can also use tree branches as part of this method by tying the surrounding twine instead of the shrubbery.

Stick them into the ground if there’s no other option.

If there aren’t any bushes or trees nearby that will work with your lights, try sticking them into the ground at an angle and covering them up with mulch or pine straw.

Use plastic tubing to cover your cords.

This is a great option if you’re looking for an easy way to hide the cords but still want them visible. Plastic tubing comes in many thicknesses and colors, so you can match it up to your home’s decor.

Use PVC pipe or tubing to hide cords.

If you have an area that has grass, you can use PVC pipe or tubing to hide the cords. Simply bury it in the ground next to where you plan on plugging in your lights, then connect the wires from your lights into the PVC pipe or tubing and cover it with dirt so it blends in with the rest of your landscaping.

Use a decorative pot or planter.

If you want something a little more decorative than PVC pipes, consider using a planter or decorative pot instead. This works well if your home has a walkway or patio area where people walk by frequently.