🔌 Electrical Safety During the Holidays: Avoid Overloaded Outlets

Holiday lights + older wiring can be a dangerous combo

Holiday decorating adds cheer—but it also adds electrical load. Older Chicago homes (especially two-flats, bungalows, and pre-1960 wiring) can get pushed past their limit once holiday lights, space heaters, and kitchen appliances all run at the same time. Here’s what our inspectors look for, and how to prevent holiday overloads.

🎄 Why the Holidays Increase Electrical Risk

• Holiday lighting runs for hours every night

• Space heaters and heated blankets add even more load

• Kitchens work overtime during gatherings

• Older wiring wasn’t designed for today’s appliances

An overloaded circuit can cause overheating, melted insulation, or even a fire—especially when combined with aging outlets and wiring.

🔎 What Inspectors Look For

City Home Inspectors frequently identify:

• Outdated wiring (knob-and-tube, aluminum, brittle insulation)

• Double-lugged breakers

• Overloaded circuits

• Ungrounded outlets

• Burned or discolored breakers

• Loose outlet connections

• Extension cords used as permanent wiring

• Missing GFCI protection in kitchens & basements

These are small clues that electrical components are running hotter than they should.

⚡ Warning Signs of Overloaded Circuits

• Flickering lights when appliances turn on

• Warm or buzzing outlets

• Tripped breakers during decorating

• Burning smell near panels or outlets

If any of these show up—stop using that circuit immediately and call a professional.

🛠️ Simple Holiday Electrical Safety Tips

• Use LED holiday lights (they draw much less power)

• Plug major appliances into separate circuits

• Avoid plugging space heaters into extension cords

• Don’t string multiple extension cords together

• Replace broken or frayed light strings

• Test GFCI outlets monthly

🏠 Chicago Home Watch-Outs

Older Chicago homes often contain:

• Smaller service panels (60–100 amps)

• Unbonded metallic conduit

• Aging breakers that no longer trip correctly

• Old two-prong outlets with no grounding

Holiday loads expose these weaknesses quickly.

🎁 Bottom Line

Holiday lighting should be festive—not risky. A quick electrical inspection can spot outdated wiring, overloaded breakers, and unsafe outlets before the holiday season puts extra stress on your system.

👉 Schedule your home inspection with City Home Inspectors this December and enjoy the holidays worry-free.