Putting winter holiday lights up and taking them down is actually dangerous: about 5% of homeowners decorating their homes for the holidays had accidents.

Do you know that family that never took down their outdoor holiday lights? Here’s why: Dad had an accident the day he planned to take them down and decided they’d best be left up…until next year.

The outdoor lights weren’t exactly installed attractively in the first place. Dad wasn’t known for his handyman expertise. (In June, the HOA began sending complaint letters about the visible orange extension cord tangles in the yard.)

If holiday lights for eave outlets had been used instead, Dad’s DIY (do-it-yourself) light show might have gotten better reviews.

Plainly put, extension cords are dangerous. Too many homeowners use indoor extension cords to connect outside lighting. Or they plug one extension cord into another extension cord; doubly dangerous.

The Electrical Safety Foundation says to never run extension cords on the ground. They might come in contact with snow or water. Really? It may not rain much, but it does rain in Arizona.

The solution to safety – and a more attractive light display – is installing eave outlets. It’s easier than you think.

To save money and energy, it’s best to have your outdoor (and indoor) lights turn on at dusk and off at bedtime or midnight. You’ll need some kind of remote-controlled or auto-on system for your external lights. Some Phoenix-area homeowners’ eave outlets connect to a switch or timer within easy reach.

This also might be the time to consider installing LED or motion-activated security lights under the eaves of your home.

If you’re planning to add outdoor outlets anyway, do a complete walk-around of your property. Could you use some ground-level outlet installations ? What about your back yard or patio area?

You may not be planning large-scale entertainment this year, but senior family members need good visibility when navigating from the driveway to the sidewalk, to the front door. Pathway lighting is a good investment.

Now’s the time to get it done.

Safety first. You don’t need to climb on the roof or a ladder to measure for eave outlets. Your local electrical professional can get all the necessary measurements.

Have these numbers handy if you know them:

Your Phoenix electrician can explain about the amperage requirements for eave outlets. This depends on the types of outdoor lights you prefer. If you don’t live in a castle, 2-4 outlets for the front and 1 per side might be adequate.

When it comes to the winter holidays, especially this year, we say, “Get your gaudy on!” Holiday lights cannot be overdone. But injuring yourself hanging outdoor lights is no “dad joke.” (Pun intended.) This year, 24/7 Local Electrician pros will also help you hang your outdoor holiday lights and take them down.

We’re proud to be the Maricopa County electricians for residential:

Contact 24/7 Local Electrician today if you would like more information about eave outlets. Let’s work together to get your home holiday-ready.