Safe Luxury

Outdoor Christmas Decorations - safe while not home?

I have a timer, and they would come home about an hour before I get home. Is this safe to do? I also have to find another extension cord for outside use. I have 2, but I need 1 with multiple outlets (I don't think that exists). Right now, I have some of the lights on an indoor extension cord. They aren't plugged now. Please advise.

Public Comments

1. We use timers as well. Try to find an outdoor yard stake that has 3 outlets on it to plug in christmas decorations (lights) Just dont overload the outlet (could cause a fire).
2. Christmas lights are safe if they are being used correctly. Be sure that you are using a good extension cord. By good I mean one that is not to old and one that is heavy enough to be rated for the amount of watts you are plugging into it. Most heavy gauge (12 or 14) exterior rated cords are built tough and intended for powertools so as long as you don't rig 20 strings of lights to run off one extension cord you should be safe. Overloading the extension cord will cause excessive heat to build up in the cord which could melt the plastic insulation on the cord causing the two wires inside to contact and short out. The right spark could ignite leaves, debris or an extremely dry or dead shrub. A new heavy duty extension cord is totally worth paying for. Keep in mind they aren't intended to last 15 or 20 years so replace your christmas extension cords every 5 - 7 years for maximum peace of mind.
3. Any light outside, especially with weather effects is better to be monitored, meaning, you are home. I would rather be safe than sorry when it comes to electrical malfunctions!