One frayed cord. One rusty ladder. That’s all it takes to turn a magical night into a trip to the ER. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Your summer patio display can shine bright while you stay safe when installing.
Summer Lighting Can Be a Safety Hazard
Outdoor lighting brings magic. It defines the mood, invites your guests in, and keeps the fun going after the sun dips below the horizon. But it also comes with responsibility. When done right, lighting doesn't just create atmosphere; it protects your guests, safeguards your property, and helps you relax knowing everything’s in place.
Whether you're stringing café lights for a backyard wedding or adding sparkle to your patio for a birthday bash, these lighting safety essentials will keep your event's safety in check.
Table of Contents
- Use the Right Lights for the Right Job
- Plan Your Layout with Safety in Mind
- Power Up Safely
- Install with Stability in Mind
- Maintain Before and After Each Use
- Why Better Lights Mean Safer Events
- Let Your Patio Lights Shine Safely
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Summary
Use the Right Lights for the Right Job
The first step in lighting safety? Using products that are designed for outdoor use. Indoor lights might seem similar, but they often lack the weatherproofing needed to handle rain, humidity, or summer heat. Look for lights that are UL or ETL listed for outdoor use, with thick, insulated wiring and sealed connections.
LEDs are your friend here. They run cooler than traditional bulbs, use less power, and are generally safer for extended use. Big Star Lights offers a wide range of commercial-grade outdoor lighting, including G50 Patio Bulbs and 5mm Mini Lights, all built to withstand blistering North American summers.
💡 Pro Tip: BSL’s S14 "Edison Style" Bulb is a summer favourite!
Plan Your Layout With Safety in Mind
Before you start hanging anything, take a moment to map out your space. Think like a guest—where will people walk, mingle, or dance? Your lighting plan should illuminate without interfering.
Avoid running cords through walkways or underfoot. These erroneous cords can be a tripping hazard. Guests with mobility impairments and difficulty seeing may be most affected. Also, keep lights high enough to avoid accidental snags but low enough for easy maintenance.
If you are planning to hang lights overhead, check out our blog post about choosing the right patio post. You'll want an installation method that's secure enough you'd feel comfortable inviting guests all summer long.
💡 Pro Tip: Screw all your bulbs into the Socket Power Cord before stringing it up to save time.
Power Up Safely
Overloading an outlet is one of the most common (and avoidable) hazards in backyard lighting setups. It's easy to do, especially when you're also running fans, speakers, or cooking gear. Stick to outdoor-rated extension cords and power bars, and know your wattage limits.
Here's how Big Star Lights' products wattage breaks down:
| Bulb | Wattage | Voltage |
| G50 U-Filament Bulb | 0.6W | 120V |
| G30 Bulb | 0.45W | 120V |
| S14 Bulb | 1.5W | 120V |
| ST64 Spiral Filament Bulb | 1.5W | 120V |
A good rule of thumb: keep your total draw under 80% of the outlet’s rated capacity. That means that instead of trying to test the limits of a 15 amp breaker, don't exceed 10.5 amps.
💡 Pro Tip: To be extra safe, don't exceed 350 feet for one linear run of lights.
Install with Stability in Mind
Just because you're not setting up your lighting display for the Christmas season—check out our blog on Christmas light installation for that—you should still set up your lights for tough weather. You might have a sunny forecast for the next couple weeks, but what happens when you face a downpour. Sometimes you will. Sudden gusts or a quick flash flood can wreak havoc on a weak install.
Anchor your lights securely with outdoor clips or heavy-duty hooks, and if you’re stapling into wood, use insulated staples spaced to avoid pinching the wire.
Make sure connections are tight and positioned where they won’t collect water. Avoid letting plugs or excess wire dangle near ground level, especially on uneven terrain or near sprinklers.
This display above didn't need clips because Mini Lights easily wrapped around the pillars.
Why Better Lights Mean Safer Events
Quality lights don't just look better. They perform better. Budget store lights may work fine once or twice, but they often fail when you need them most. A cracked plug or weak insulation can turn a fun night into a fire hazard. That’s why investing in commercial-grade lighting is worth it, especially for families that host often.
Here’s a quick look at how Big Star Lights compare:
| Feature | Big Star Lights | Budget Store Brands |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoor-Rated | ✅ Always | ❌ Sometimes |
| Warranty | ✅ 5 Years | ❌ 2 Years or None |
| Build Quality | UV-Resistant, Pro-Grade Wire | Thin Plastic |
| LED Safety | Low Heat, Long-Lasting | Varies |
| Designed For | Harsh Weather, Repeat Use | Estimated Lifetime: 1 or 2 Seasons |
Looking for a permanent setup? Check out Chromaglow Pro, Big Star’s customizable, app-controlled trim lighting that looks great all year and blends seamlessly into your home’s architecture.
Let Your Patio Lights Shine Safely
You don’t need to be an electrician to hang lights safely. Just follow these basics: choose the right lights, plan your layout with safety in mind, don’t overload your circuits, and secure your setup like a pro. With just a bit of preparation, your summer events can be all sparkle, no stress.
Do you want personalized tips that will work for your summer setup? Give us a call at 1-800-444-4081. We'll provide you with the exact products and a step-by-step instruction plan for your patio display.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave lights up after the summer?
Yes—if they’re rated for long-term outdoor use, like Big Star’s Chromaglow Pro. Seasonal lights should be taken down and stored after the season ends.
Can I use indoor lights outside if I cover them?
No. Even if protected, indoor lights aren’t built to handle outdoor moisture or UV exposure. Always check for a UL or ETL rating.
How do I know how many lights I can plug in?
Add the total wattage (based on the number of bulbs you have). Don’t exceed 80% of the outlet’s capacity for safety. To be extra safe, don't exceed 350 feet of lights per run.
Summary
- Choose outdoor-rated, LED-based lights built for summer weather.
- Plan a layout that avoids trip zones and overloaded plugs.
- Secure lights with proper tools and weatherproof connections.
- Inspect before and after use to extend life and reduce hazards.
- Invest in quality lights like those from Big Star to avoid unexpected failures.
Light smarter. Party safer. And give your guests a glow they’ll never forget.