12 Days of Holiday Electrical Safety: A Homeowner’s Guide to a Safer, Brighter Season
The holidays are one of the busiest (and most electrical-demanding) times of year. Between decorative lighting, space heaters, busy kitchens, and guests coming and going, your home’s electrical system works overtime.
At Keener Electric, we believe holiday memories should be joyful, not stressful or dangerous. That’s why we created this 12-day holiday electrical safety guide to help homeowners protect their families, property, and peace of mind.
Day 1: Holiday Light Safety Starts Before You Hang Them
Holiday lights are magical, especially when they are installed safely.
Follow these essential safety rules:
Use indoor-rated lights inside and outdoor-rated lights outside
Stay within manufacturer wattage limits
Replace damaged cords or plugs immediately
Never overload outlets
Use GFCI outlets outdoors
Look for approved Canadian safety certification
Day 2: How to Safely Reset a Tripped Circuit Breaker
You’ve lost power, now what do you do?
Locate your breaker panel
Identify switches not fully ON
Flip OFF → then ON
If still not working:
Turn all breakers OFF
Turn the main breaker ON first
Turn individual breakers ON one at a time
If breakers are tripping repeatedly, this is a warning sign and you should have your panel inspected as soon as possible.
Day 3: “Spot the Holiday Decor Mistake”
Holiday red flags include cords under rugs, power bars chained together, non-weatherproof outdoor plugs, lights near insulation, and damaged extension cords. These mistakes are among the leading causes of holiday electrical fires.
Can you spot the mistake in this festive setting?
Day 4: Weatherproof Your Outdoor Holiday Lighting
Outdoor electrical safety is non-negotiable. Always use weather-rated lights & extension cords, protect plugs with outdoor covers, use timers or smart plugs, and be sure to inspect and test everything before hanging.
Day 5: Why Hiring a Licensed Electrician Matters
Hiring a licensed professional protects you from fire hazards, code violations, insurance denial in the event that a claim is made, equipment damage, and unsafe installations. All Keener Electric technicians are licensed, insured, and ESA-compliant.
Day 6: Space Heater Safety That Saves Homes
Follow the 3-foot rule! Plug the space heater directly into the wall, never sleep with heaters running, and always choose models with tip-over protection and auto shut-off.
Day 7: Whole-Home Surge Protection + Leak Detection
Power surges can destroy appliances in milliseconds, especially during storms. A whole-home surge protector safeguards TVs, smart homes, HVAC, appliances, EV chargers, and more. Paired with a leak detector, you also protect against flooding, basement water damage, and appliance line failures. Until December 31st, when you have a whole-home surge protector installed, you will receive a complimentary leak detector, helping you protect against electrical and water-related damage simultaneously.
Day 8: 8 Smart Ways to Save Energy This Season
- Switch to LED lights
- Use timers
- Unplug decorations when not in use
- Choose fiber optic decor
- Lower the thermostat
- Decorate strategically
- Seal windows and doors
- Bake efficiently (off-peak hours)
Day 9: 9 Holiday Home Electrical Safety Checks
Host with confidence this holiday season by ensuring your home is safe and secure for your guests!
- Inspect outlets
- Check cords
- Test smoke detectors
- Inspect extension cords
- Review surge protectors
- Examine light strings
- Keep decorations secure
- Clear space around heaters
- Plan an emergency exit
Day 10: Top 10 Holiday Lighting Don’ts
- Don’t overload outlets
- Don’t use damaged cords
- Don’t skip checking labels
- Don’t forget to unplug
- Don’t run cords under rugs
- Don’t use indoor lights outside
- Don’t ignore surge protection
- Don’t nail light strings
- Don’t overlook water hazards
- Don’t forget a timer
Day 11: 11 Electrician Myths—Busted
Myth: Anyone can handle electrical work. Fact: DIY risks safety & code violations.
Myth: Flickering lights aren’t a big deal. Fact: They can signal electrical issues.
Myth: Tripped breakers just need resetting. Fact: Frequent trips could mean a deeper problem.
Myth: Old wiring is fine as long as it works. Fact: Aging systems increase fire risks.
Myth: Extension cords are safe long-term. Fact: They’re for temporary use only.
Myth: All electricians are the same. Fact: Licensing ensures skill and safety.
Myth: Electricity can’t flow through rubber. Fact: Not all rubber insulates properly.
Myth: Permits aren’t needed for small jobs. Fact: Many projects require inspections to stay legal.
Myth: Breakers protect against hazards. Fact: They prevent overloads, but not shocks.
Myth: It’s safe to fix outlets yourself. Fact: Wiring errors lead to shocks and fires.
Myth: LEDs don’t need maintenance. Fact: Improper installation reduces lifespan.
Day 12: 12-Month Electrical Maintenance Plan
Holiday Safety Meets Year-Round Protection
At Keener Electric, we’re proud to power homes and businesses safely all year long. Whether it’s emergency electrical repairs, panel upgrades, surge protection, EV charger maintenance or installation, backup power systems, or more, we’re always here when you need us.
Give us a call at 289-696-4046 or visit our website to learn more about our services and fill out our contact form.
