LED Lighting Safety Tips

Installing any light bulb or using any light string can have its fair share of dangers, which is why LED lighting safety is important to consider. From electricity to fire, there are plenty of factors that need to be considered before you decide to simply “replace that bulb.”

LEDs are great because they don’t exude the same amount of heat as their counterparts, making them safer. However, they are still light bulbs that use electrical current to produce light. Because of this, you should be following the same safety procedures when using them as you would with any other type of bulb on the market.

Below, we’ll dive into some LED lighting safety tips so you feel at ease when the time comes to add or replace them in your home.

LED lighting safety

Whether you’re just changing a bulb in the kitchen ceiling or your installing some Christmas lights on your roof, you should always be well prepared and aware of safety precautions. With just a few simple steps, you’ll be safely, and happily, enjoying your new lights in no time!

Installing led lights

Before installing any lights, be prepared. Make sure that you have the correct sizes and wattage, or the right length and color for string lights. Then, do the following:

Check for signs of damage

First things first, check to make sure the new bulb or light strings have no sign of damage. This includes looking for cracks, exposed wiring, and broken diodes. Any of these issues can make your new bulb not work properly.

This leads to string lights with that pesky section left unlit, or that bulb that blows the second you hit the switch. Looking for these issues beforehand will help you save time and money in the long run.

Pick a location

Next, check the location where you’re going to place the bulb or string lights. If indoors, make sure they’re nowhere near children or pets. Allow for some space between furniture and don’t ever overcrowd it with materials that may catch if the bulb ever breaks. LEDs are made of plastic and don’t get hot, but these safety precautions will give you additional peace of mind.

If you’re placing LED Christmas lights outside, make sure the lights are not in a place that could cause damage to your home, or would be difficult for you to retrieve them. The best way to do these lights is to line them along the gutters and along pillars with gutter hooks or holiday light clips.

Doing so will make retrieval easy and will help with bad weather. You don’t want your hard work to be buried under a foot of snow!

Remove old bulb

If you’re replacing any existing bulbs, make sure to remove the old bulb first, AFTER you have turned off the electrical current. It is never safe to remove a bulb when the light switch is on, because the bulb is still receiving an electrical current. Have someone hold a flashlight for you if you can’t see well, but always make sure this is done.

The same goes for any light strings that need a bulb replaced. Make sure to unplug all of them first, and then follow the directions that usually come in the replacement bulb package.

Plan the placement

When it comes to LED holiday lights or commercial string lights, placement is key. Especially when they are being placed on roofs or in areas that are not easily accessible. Therefore, lay out a plan on paper before attempting to climb a ladder and hang string lights.

Doing so not only saves money but also keeps you from hanging on a ladder any longer than you need to. Trust us, you’ll thank us later!

Connect to a light source

Once everything is set and you’ve looked everything over one last time, you can connect to a light source. For bulbs in your home, this is as simple as flipping the switch or turning the knob to make sure it works.

For light strings, make sure that the cords are all well protected from outdoor elements and outlets/plugs are away from water. You don’t want to blow any fuses or start any fires.

led lighting safety

In case of emergency

If you do experience an emergency, at any time, there are a few steps to take to protect you and your family.

Gather materials

Always have materials in your home that can help stop fires or provide first aid to injured people. This includes fire extinguishers and fully-stocked first aid kits.

Cut the electricity

Should you experience an electrical emergency like fires or injuries, cut the power immediately. This includes unplugging the device from the wall or going to the electrical box and cutting power.

Call 911

If you or someone with you is hurt, or your home is on fire, call 911 immediately. Leave the home and wait for emergency services to arrive.

If you are experiencing any electrical issues that you are concerned may lead to an emergency, call an electrician and have those things looked at. House fires are very serious and far too common. In fact, an average of 7 people die each day in home fires.

Ask a professional

Are you still not sure how to follow proper lighting safety tips? No problem! At LED Lights Unlimited, we have been helping customers with their LED lighting needs for over 20 years.

Your happiness (and safety!) is our number one priority. With commercial strings lights, custom LED lights, quik klips, and more, we are industry experts that can help you navigate the lighting world.

Want to learn more, or interested in finding that perfect light string for your home improvement needs? Give us a call, we’d love to hear from you!