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How To Waterproof Outdoor Christmas Lights

How do you protect outdoor Christmas lights from rain?

As for how to protect outdoor Christmas lights from rain – put them on stakes or other elevated positions above ground as well. You can hang them on trees, bushes, on your fence, or on your yard furniture but make sure they are not just lying on the ground.

Is it safe to leave outdoor Christmas lights on in the rain?

The possibility of several inches of rain, could mean all those outdoor Christmas lights and decorations become electrical hazards. “If your lights go out this time of year, don’t go out in the rain and try to fix them,” said Elias. “Wait until it dries out. You can get an electrical shock from water transfer.

Should you cover outdoor Christmas light plugs?

Make sure all outdoor cords are not in excessively wet or damp locations to reduce risk and other hazards. Also, make sure that all your outdoor receptacles are covered with plastic bubble covers. This keeps the extension cord protected from the outside elements while plugged in.

Do you need to waterproof Christmas lights?

Most pixel “nodes” and other forms of pixels in the Christmas lighting world are injected with clear epoxy to keep them totally waterproof. If any element of your show is not waterproof, then you need to enclose it in some way to make it waterproof.

What happens to outdoor lights when it rains?

Most outdoor lights are safe to leave in the rain because they are built to withstand different outdoor weather conditions. On the other hand, there are instances wherein heavy downpour causes the individual fuse of the string light to blow up. This can occur when water gets into the prongs on the plug.

How do you protect your lights from rain?

How to protect outdoor lights from rain Think about location. Make sure your lights are rated for the outdoors. Only use outdoor-rated extension cords. Be aware of material that can catch fire. Only use decorative lights made for outdoor use. Use solar lights.

What do you do with Christmas lights when it rains?

Safety of Outdoor Christmas Lights in the Rain Rain can cause indoor flooding and light malfunctions. Buy the right lights. Cover the display or move lights inside. Don’t plug lights into outlets in heavy indoor-outdoor traffic areas where umbrellas, heavy coats, rain boots and animals will track in water.

Why do my Christmas lights not work when it rains?

Moisture, in the form of condensation, still builds up. But without significant airflow, it will not dry out. The GFCI will trip as this moisture builds, but there is still power going to the outlet, just not through the outlet.

How do you weatherproof outdoor electrical connections?

Industrial strength pallet wrap is good way to weatherize your connections when using extension cords outside. Wrap the connection portion of the cords tightly, using as much of the plastic wrap as needed to keep out the water and prevent electric shock.

How do you waterproof outdoor plugs?

One of the simplest ways to protect outdoor plugs from wetness is by using plastic covers. These are typically known as “in-use” covers and help to create a 24-hour watertight seal around the plugs while they are in use.

How do you protect outdoor plugs from rain?

How to Protect Outdoor Outlets From Rain Install the Right Kind of Outlets. Which outlet or receptacles do you need for outdoor use? Install GFCI Protection. You need GFCI protection for your home in any location that may come into contact with water. Install Bubble Covers for Outdoor Outlets.

How do you seal Christmas lights?

Make sure to seal off the back of your Christmas light connection with a gasket and weatherproof plug. From there you can daisy chain multiple Christmas light strands together by applying a gasket to the male connection and firmly pressing it into the end female connector.

Can outdoor extension cords get rained on?

An extension cord can survive the rain if it is rated for outdoor use and if it is in good condition. However, the plug should be kept out of the rain.

Do outdoor lights have to be waterproof?

Any LED placed outside should be outdoor rated. On the porch and under an eave or covering with some openings needs at least a damp location rating, while completely uncovered LEDs need a wet location rating. Lighting Tip: Rope light is waterproof until its cut!Mar 28, 2017.

What happens if water gets into outdoor light fixture?

When outdoor lights get wet, your safety is compromised because water often serves as a conductor, so when it comes in contact with the electrical current running in the light fixtures, it may cause shock, electrocution, or fire. So your bulbs need to be sealed.

How do I protect my outdoor light fixture?

6 Ways to Protect Outdoor LED Lights Keep Bugs Away. Install Light Shields. Pick the Right Locations. Use Outdoor-Rated Fixtures & Bulbs. Prevent Theft. Include Surge Protectors.

What is a light shield?

Light Shields are part of the flood lamp light-curing system and offer 360° of protection so the operator can safely observe objects in the curing process.

Can string lights get wet?

Whether you are installing string lights on your patio or in your backyard, protecting your lights from different kinds of weather, particularly the rain, should be a high priority. Outdoor string lights can get wet. You also need to ensure that the extension cords are rated for exterior use.

Do you need to caulk outdoor light fixtures?

Rain will often find its way into a wall if the exterior light fixture is not properly caulked. Therefore, proper caulking will help prevent water from entering into a wall; helping prevent damage and mold.