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Are Permanent Christmas Lights Safe?

November 20th, 2024

5 min read

By Nathan Dube

safety first sign

Christmas is a magical time, full of twinkling lights, cheerful decorations, and cozy family moments. But putting up traditional holiday lights isn’t always simple, or, safe. Safety risks of traditional lights include the possibility of lights catching fire or causing electrical problems—and the hassle of setting them up every year. Fortunately, there’s a solution that brings the joy of holiday lighting without the usual worries: permanent Christmas lights!

In this guide, we’ll dive into the benefits of permanent Christmas lights and show why they’re a safer, smarter, and easier choice for holiday lighting. By the end, you’ll know whether permanent lights are the right fit for your family this holiday season or not.

And, with over one million feet of permanent Christmas lights installed, you can feel confident that the information in this article is both factually correct and trustworthy.

 

green permanent Christmas lights

What Are Permanent Christmas Lights?

Permanent Christmas lights are different from regular holiday string lights. You don’t put them up and take them down each year. Instead, they’re installed once, often by a professional, and remain in place all year. These lights are designed to be durable and weather-resistant, which means they can handle snow, rain, strong winds, and extreme temperatures.

Once installed, you can turn your lights on and off with a smartphone app or remote control. You can even change the colors, patterns, and brightness for different occasions, from Christmas to birthdays or Halloween. Permanent lights can add festive charm to your home any time of the year, making them a versatile lighting solution.

Why Permanent Lights Are Safer Than Traditional Holiday Lights

Let’s look at some of the main reasons permanent Christmas lights are a safer choice than traditional string lights.

a) No Climbing or Ladder Work Needed

With traditional lights, you often need to climb a ladder to hang them along the roof or on high trees. This can be dangerous, especially in winter when ladders or surfaces may be icy or slippery. Falls from ladders are one of the most common holiday decorating injuries, and some falls can lead to serious issues.

Permanent lights take away this risk because they’re installed just once by a professional. Once installed, you won’t need to climb up to manage them. You can turn them on or off from the ground with a simple click, keeping you safe and grounded.

b) Fewer Electrical Hazards

Traditional lights can cause electrical problems if they aren’t set up carefully. Over time, regular holiday lights might develop frayed wires or broken bulbs, increasing the chances of an electrical short or even a fire.

Permanent lights use a safer, low-voltage electrical system designed to handle outdoor conditions for long periods. This low-voltage setup reduces the risk of shocks, sparks, and other electrical problems. Additionally, the wires in permanent lights are carefully hidden and protected, which keeps them safer from weather damage and wear.

c) Built to Handle All Kinds of Weather

Regular Christmas lights aren’t built to last long in extreme weather. Wind, rain, snow, and freezing temperatures can weaken their wires and cause the bulbs to stop working or create electrical issues.

Permanent Christmas lights, on the other hand, are made to last. They’re tightly sealed to keep water and moisture out and are constructed with durable materials that don’t easily break down. Whether it’s sunny, snowy, or rainy, your permanent lights will keep shining safely through it all.

d) LED Lights Stay Cool and Safe

Traditional holiday lights can get hot, especially the older types. Hot bulbs can be a fire risk if they touch dry leaves, pine needles, or other flammable materials. Permanent Christmas lights use LED bulbs, which stay cool even when left on for long periods. LEDs are also energy-efficient and use far less electricity, reducing the chance of overloading electrical circuits and overheating. This cooler lighting makes permanent lights a safer option for homes.

e) Professionally Installed for Extra Safety

Safety often comes down to how well lights are installed. Traditional lights are usually set up quickly and sometimes without much attention to details like proper outlets or safe placement away from flammable areas. Unless you are using DIY permanent Christmas lights, Professionals handle the installation of permanent Christmas lights, following specific safety guidelines. They make sure everything is set up correctly, securely, and in the safest spots, so you don’t have to worry about any potential hazards.

 

red and blue permanent Christmas lights

Other Benefits Of Permanent Christmas Lights

Beyond safety, permanent lights bring several other perks that make them a top choice for holiday decorating.

a) Automatic Timers for Added Safety

Many permanent lights come with a timer feature. This means you can schedule the lights to turn on and off at certain times. Not only does this save electricity, but it also means you don’t have to worry about accidentally leaving the lights on all night. Setting your lights to turn off automatically adds an extra layer of safety.

b) Customizable Settings Help Avoid Overuse

Unlike regular holiday lights, permanent lights let you adjust brightness, colors, and patterns, giving you more control over their energy use. Instead of running lights at full power, you can dim them or change the colors for a softer look. This helps reduce electricity use and lessens any possible risks from overuse.

c) Long-Lasting Design Means Less Maintenance

Permanent Christmas lights are built to last, so you won’t need to replace them year after year. Traditional lights often suffer from wear and tear due to repeated setup and storage. Permanent lights stay securely in place, so you won’t have to deal with broken bulbs or exposed wires that can cause electrical issues. This long-lasting design saves you time, effort, and money while adding an extra measure of safety.

Common Questions About Permanent Christmas Lights

Curious about how permanent lights work and how safe they are? Here are some answers to frequently asked questions.

Q: Can permanent Christmas lights catch fire?

Permanent lights are very unlikely to cause a fire. They use low-voltage LED lights, which stay cool and don’t overheat. Installed with safety guidelines in mind, permanent lights minimize the chance of anything going wrong.

Q: Are permanent Christmas lights safe during bad weather?

Yes! Permanent lights are designed to withstand all kinds of weather, including rain, snow, and strong winds. The lights are made to be weather-resistant and durable, keeping them safe and reliable all year.

Q: Will permanent lights increase my electricity bill?

Permanent lights are highly energy-efficient due to their LED technology, which uses much less power than traditional bulbs. You can enjoy your holiday lights without worrying about a large energy bill.

Q: Can I control permanent lights from inside my home?

Absolutely! Permanent lights often come with phone app controls. You can operate them easily from indoors, which adds safety and convenience, especially on cold winter nights.

Why Permanent Christmas Lights Are The Safe Choice

When it comes to holiday lighting, safety matters as much as beauty. Permanent Christmas lights provide all the festive glow without the extra hassle or worry. By removing the need for yearly ladder work, reducing electrical hazards, and using durable, weather-resistant designs, permanent lights are a reliable, long-lasting option that brings cheer to your home while keeping safety in mind.

So if you want to enjoy the magic of holiday lighting without the usual worries, consider making the switch to permanent Christmas lights. Your home will shine bright, and you’ll have peace of mind all season long.

 

true white permanent Christmas lights

 

What Else Do You Need To Know About Permanent Christmas Lights Before You Buy Them?

Safety always comes first. And, after reading this article, you now know that permanent Christmas lights are the safer choice. But, there are many other things you will need to learn about before you buy these lights for your home.

Would you like to learn about the other topics you need to consider before you buy a permanent holiday lighting system for your family? If your answer to that question was yes, then it's time to do some additional reading!

In our next article Permanent Christmas Lights: What You Need To Know Before Buying, we will provide you with much of the information you will need in order to purchase the proper permanent Christmas lights for your home.

Nathan Dube

Nathan Dube is the Content Marketing Manager at Lux Lights.