Can Outdoor Lights Catch Fire? (Explained In Detail)

Outdoor lights are an essential part of every home. They provide light during the day and at night. However, there are times when these lights catch fire.

Outdoor lights are made up of three parts: the bulb, the socket, and the wire. When you turn on an outdoor light, electricity flows through the bulb, socket, and wire. If any part of this circuit breaks or shorts out, the light may catch a fire.

If you own outdoor lights, then you should know how to prevent them from catching fire. If you want to learn how to prevent outdoor lights from catching fire, then keep reading.

Reasons and Prevention 

Outdoor lights are an essential part of modern life. They provide light at night, allow us to see where we’re going, and even keep us safe at night. However, there’s a reason why these lights are often referred to as “fire hazards.”

While outdoor lights are designed to last for years, they can easily catch fire if they get wet or damaged. In fact, there are several reasons why outdoor lights can catch fire.

In this section, I’ll discuss the different reasons why they may catch fires.

1. Bulb Failure – The most common reason why your outdoor lights can catch fire is because they have failed bulbs. A faulty bulb will not work properly and it could cause sparks that lead to a fire. You need to replace all of the bulbs in your outdoor lighting system as soon as possible.

2. Electrical Short-Circuit – Another way for your outdoor lights to catch fire is if one of their wires gets shorted out. This usually happens due to tree branches touching the wiring. Outdoor lights are made up of three parts: the bulb, the socket, and the wire. If any part fails, then the entire fixture might be damaged. To avoid electrical problems with your outdoor lights, make sure that none of its components touch anything else. Also, never use extension cords to power your outdoor lights. Instead, always connect them directly to the wall outlet.

3. Improper Installation – It’s important to install your outdoor lights correctly so that they don’t get damaged by wind or rain. Make sure that the fixtures are securely attached to the ground using screws or nails. Never place them near trees or bushes since they can easily break off under heavy winds.

4. Faulty Wiring – Your outdoor lights also can burn down if they’re connected improperly. For example, if you’ve installed two sockets next to each other but only put one bulb into each socket, then both bulbs would receive current. That means that both bulbs would heat up and eventually start burning. Always check whether your outdoor lights are wired correctly before turning them on.

5. Overloading – An overloaded outdoor light can overheat and even burst into flames. So, whenever you add more than one lamp to your outdoor lighting system, make sure that you do it carefully. Otherwise, you’ll end up having a dangerous situation on your hands.

6. Incorrect Voltage Level – Most people think that low voltage levels are safe. But actually, high voltages can damage your outdoor lights. Therefore, you must ensure that the voltage level of your outdoor lighting system does not exceed 120 volts. You can measure the voltage level in your home by looking at the meter inside your electric panel. The higher the number, the greater the voltage level.

7. Poor Maintenance – Finally, poor maintenance can cause your outdoor lights to malfunction. When you have a problem with your outdoor lights, try fixing it yourself first. Then, call a professional repairman if you still cannot fix it.

How to Put Out a Burning Outdoor Light

If you notice smoke coming from an outdoor light, immediately turn it off. Do not attempt to extinguish the flame manually because doing so could lead to serious injuries. Instead, contact a professional service provider who will safely remove the light.

You can use your trusty fire extinguisher to help put out a small fire caused by an outdoor light. However, this method won’t work well when dealing with large fires.

The best thing to do is to shut off all electricity flowing through the circuit breaker box. Once the power has been turned off, wait until the fire dies down completely before attempting to extinguish the blaze.

Additional Tips for Safety And Prevention

To help prevent future fires, keep these tips in mind when installing new outdoor lights:

  • Install all your outdoor lights properly. Don’t forget about proper installation!
  • Use weatherproof materials such as metal instead of plastic.
  • Keep your outdoor lights away from flammable objects like grasses, shrubs, and leaves.
  • Avoid placing your outdoor lights too close to tree trunks or branches. This is especially true for those lights placed outdoors during winter months.
  • Be careful while replacing old lamps with newer ones. Replace them gradually so that there won’t be a sudden increase in electricity consumption.
  • Check the wiring regularly. Look for loose connections and broken wires.
  • Use quality outdoor lights. Avoid cheap products made out of inferior material.
  • Check the voltage level of your electrical panels frequently. If necessary, replace faulty components.
  • Maintain your outdoor lights well. Clean them every month to avoid dirt accumulation.
  • Be cautious when handling fire-prone items.
  • Contact professionals if you encounter any problems with your outdoor lights. They may offer solutions to your issues.