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 outdoor Christmas light plugs need to be covered?

If your outdoor receptacle isn't under a roof or some other protective cover, it needs to have a special cover, known as an "in-use" cover, over it. As the name implies, these covers will keep the receptacle​ and the plug that's in it dry—even in the rain.

Can outdoor Christmas light plugs get wet?

Keep your Outdoor Plugs Dry

Wrap electrical tape securely around the plugs, completely coating the plug to prevent water from getting in and effectively creating a water-tight seal. This will allow your Christmas light plugs to get wet without getting damaged.

Are Christmas light plugs waterproof?

The people that sell you your pixel lights are going to claim that their connector is “waterproof”, but no connector on Christmas lights is 100% waterproof. When we're talking about electronics: every light, wire, and connector has what is called an IP, or “Ingress Protection” rating.

How do you protect outdoor plugs from rain?

How to Protect Outdoor Outlets From Rain

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

Keeping Your Outdoor Power Plugs Dry

Do outdoor plugs need to be covered?

Since outdoor outlets are exposed to the elements, such as rain and salty air, outlet covers protect them from damage. Any outlet that's outside should have a cover, even if the outlet is never used.

Is it OK for outdoor plugs to get wet?

If an outdoor electrical outlet gets wet, serious issues can occur. A powerful electric shock can injure a person or even cause death. This also applies to electrical outlets, which is connected to the wirings where electricity is being distributed.

How do you protect Christmas lights from plugs?

Plug the Christmas lights into your Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI), or outdoor outlet. Wrap Teflon tape (electrical tape) securely and carefully around the plugs, completely coating the plug to prevent water from getting in and effectively creating a water-tight seal.

Can you leave outdoor lights outside in the rain?

If you're wondering how to waterproof outdoor string lights, the answer is simple. Just as you should ensure that all regular light bulbs you use outside are rated for wet weather, you should do the same for any decorative lighting you choose to purchase.

Can you leave extension cords in the rain?

Outdoor Extension Cord Usage

These types of extension cords of course are great for outdoor lights, outdoor entertainment centers and any cooking needs outdoors, however these can become the most dangerous if damaged. Because these extensions cords are exposed to extreme elements, including extreme heat, snow and rain.

Why do my outside Christmas lights go out when it rains?

Unfortunately, when it comes to Christmas lights and decorations and GFCIs, generally all it takes to trip a circuit is for a little moisture to get into the outlet, cord, or lights. If this happens and the power is on, the circuit will trip, causing the lights and décor to go out.

Can outdoor LED lights get wet?

Damp-rated LED lights can only be exposed to indirect water. Think of these as being in the laundry room, within a bathroom, or under a patio awning. There may be some slight moisture accumulation, but ultimately very little. Wet-rated LED lights may be within dripping or flowing water.

Can you leave outdoor extension cords outside?

Although outdoor extension cords are tough, you still must not leave them outside for more than a day or two. Leaving this outside for an extended period will make your cord susceptible to breaking down, which can result in sparking, fire, and shock.

Is it OK to leave Christmas lights on in the rain?

“Make sure where everything plugs in is dry and not exposed to the elements because the electricity still goes through the equipment and the light portion, what goes outside is what's important.” He said Christmas lights are meant to be used outside, they will be fine in rainy conditions.

How do you stop condensation on outside lights?

The solution is Lithium Grease. We've found that by smearing lithium grease into the bulb holder and also on the connectors of the bulb, this acts as a seal, preventing water produced by condensation actually coming in contact with the bulb holder.

What happens if a plug gets wet?

An electrical fire is also a possibility if a short circuit occurs. Water is a known conductor of electricity. Plugging a device or appliance into a wet outlet can cause the electrical current to rapidly increase. The overwhelmed circuit could produce sparks and end in an electrical fire.

How do you protect string lights from rain?

How to Protect Your Outdoor String Lights

1. Use Outdoor Rated Bulbs. ...
2. Never Use Worn Strings. ...
3. Use String Lights Meant for Outdoor Use. ...
4. Avoid Leaving Open Sockets. ...
5. Protect Connected Plugs From Water. ...
6. Don't Use Uninsulated Metal Hooks or Staples to Hang String Lights.

How safe are outdoor Christmas lights?

They're not — unless they're marked that way on the package. Lights designed for outdoor use are made to withstand cold and wet conditions. Indoor lights are safety tested so they're not a fire hazard for trees, but they're not durable enough for outdoors.

Are Christmas lights weatherproof?

Although all outdoor lights are waterproof, we would recommend a dry, cool place to keep them in tip top condition and prevent any moisture creeping in. With a little bit of TLC, and ensuring they are completely dry before storage, they should last you for years to come.