Do You Need to Install New Circuits for Christmas Lights?

Posted on Dec 20th 2022

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Do You Need to Install New Circuits for Christmas Lights?

Christmas lights are a fun and festive way to get into the holiday spirit, but even the most stunning light displays come with concerns. Installing lights on an overloaded circuit or circuits is a major fire hazard. Before you deck the halls with a holiday light show, consider installing new circuits to power your Christmas lights and avoid any electrical emergencies this season. You don’t want your light show overshadowed by the lights accompanying a fire truck or an ambulance!

How Much Electricity Do Christmas Lights Use?

Christmas lights may seem like a small addition to your average energy usage. However, they may use more energy than you think, depending on the size and type of bulb. Since lights aren’t one–size–fits–all for energy use, you should always be conscious of exactly how much electricity your Christmas lights are using during the holidays. That way, you’ll know how much is too much for your circuits.

How to Avoid Overloaded Circuits

While overloading your circuits won’t cause a power outage across your entire town, it does create a fire hazard. There are a few ways to avoid a circuit overload and determine whether you need additional circuits for the holidays.

Understand the Circuitry in Your Home

Knowing exactly what your outlets can and cannot handle will help determine whether you need additional circuits. Circuit breakers contain specific amperage ratings that tell you how many lights and other devices the circuit can handle without tripping.

The average household receptacle circuit can manage between 15–20 amps of electrical current. But don't push your luck by going all the way up to 20 amps. The safest rule of thumb is never to cross the 80% threshold of your circuits' amperage. So if your home has a 20 amp circuit, it can only safely handle 16 amps. Anything above that puts you at risk for power failures or fire hazards. To check the circuit amperage, look for the amperage number marked on the handle of your breaker's electric panel.

New circuits installed by Custom Electrical Services .
Add the Amperage of Your Lights

To figure out how many lights you can put on a single circuit, simply add up the amperage. Doing this before you start plugging lights in can help prevent fire hazards and power outages. Most string lights contain the amperage rating either on their packaging or on the tag or plug of the light cord. If you can only find the wattage number, divide this by 120 to find the amperage. Turns out all that math you learned in school does come in handy!

Why Install New Circuits for Christmas Lights

If you’re planning a big light show this Christmas, do so safely. If your circuits won’t support your plans, contact the professional residential electricians of Custom Electrical Services to install dedicated new circuits for Christmas lights. That way, you can put up as many Christmas lights as you want without worrying about starting a fire or tripping your circuit breaker.

Custom Electrical Services is proud to provide custom electrical solutions for customers across Utah. Our team of licensed and insured electrical technicians can help you ensure your family’s safety this Christmas with new circuits just in time for the holidays. Contact us today to learn more!

We make sure you get the most for your money. Read what our customers have to say and then give us a call!

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I will come to them every time. They are friendly, honest, and always on time! Absolutely recommend.
— Samantha Thompson
Posted July 25th 2023
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Had these guys and gals help me update my electrical as well as run some power out to a shop. The whole process was super smooth, Kourtnie nailed the paperwork side of things (even got a permit and inspection that I had no idea we needed) and Cory was great to work with on the installation side of things. The price was the same from the original bid all the way to the final product, which is always nice. The work itself was exactly what we agreed upon. Really nothing but good things to say about my whole experience. Would totally recommend these guys to any of my friends!
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Posted May 1st 2023
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We are so appreciative of the work that Morgan and his team did on behalf of Custom Electrical for our new home. Custom Electrical provided a thorough, exact, and honest/fair bid right from the start, and they stuck to it! We had a budget, and they respected it. They were always timely and very professional. Attention was paid to every detail, and they made sure things were just how we wanted them. They went above and beyond in so many ways, from being patient with our kids running around to coming back an extra time to make sure everything was just right. We will be recommending them to everyone we know. Thanks you guys!
— Rachel Keller
Posted December 27th 2022
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5 stars and a forever customer! My family moved into an older home and we've had Custom Electric over several times to help get our home working a bit more how I would like it. I appreciate that I am always able to get someone to my home quickly- whether it's to install a light switch or rewire an entire room. Everyone who's been in my home has been professional, friendly, and consistent in their quality work. Maybe most of all, I am grateful for the honest communication and great customer service! After the last visit, I had some concerns that were cleared up right away with kindness and respect (especially for dealing with a not so electrical savvy me). I would send everyone I know and love who have electrical need to Custom Electric- they won't let you down!!
— Kaitlyn Bown
Posted December 14th 2022
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We had a baseboard heater stop working in our baby's room. Custom Electric came out and quickly repaired the problem. Scheduling was easy, the technicians and staff were all very professional and great to work with. When we need electrical work done in the future, we will definitely be working with them again.
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Posted September 9th 2022
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Ethical, professional, integrity, and grateful are just a few words that describe working with Custom Energy/Electric. Josh is an amazing Boss and leads by doing. If you are looking for a job with him and this company you can’t go wrong. Highly recommend Dane Tidwell
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Posted April 27th 2022
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Impressive! Very helpful service!!
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Posted April 12th 2022
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Definitely 5 stars fo Custom Electric! They are my go-to for any electric work needed. They were fast and courteous. The quality of work was too-notch! Thank you!
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Posted December 30th 2021
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So happy we went with Custom Electrical! Cory was amazing to work with and extremely helpful. We are looking forward to working with them again in the future to finish our basement.
— Whitney Manis
Posted December 21st 2021
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Custom Electric did a great job for us! Quick, efficient, and inexpensive. Our technician was great. Very kind and helpful.
— Renelle Smith
Posted November 10th 2021
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These guys/gals are always very helpful. I got a tech out to the house same day I called to repair a GFI receptacle that kept tripping open. Cory (technician) troubleshoot the problem, corrected it and was gone in about 30 minutes. I have used them for other projects with no complaints. I use them without hesitation for any electrical issues.
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Posted October 28th 2021
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Posted October 11th 2021
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Corry came here. Did a terrific job in he was nice, explained to me what and why he was repairing certain places, checked each out finished the places in kitchen, got the ceiling fans up, he was friendly and knew what he was repairing. Good job Corry
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Posted April 19th 2021
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These guys did a amazing job. From start to finish. Very professional , yet very relatable. Will recommend this company to friends and family
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Posted August 27th 2021
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