Timers, Outlets, and Power for Holiday Lights
One outdoor outlet runs a whole roofline. Here's what we plug in, why it trips, and what it costs to run.
The Timer
We bring a weatherproof timer for your outdoor outlet and set it to your on-date and your nightly schedule, usually dusk to about 11 p.m. If you booked an early install and want the lights dark until Thanksgiving week, the timer handles that. It has a manual override for a party or a photo.
Why the Outlet Trips
Outdoor outlets are GFCI-protected, and rain, melting snow, or a wet plug cover can trip them. That's the outlet doing its job. Press reset, on that outlet or on a garage or bathroom outlet on the same circuit. If it won't hold, check the breaker. The full check.
How Much Power a Roofline Draws
A full roofline of LED C9s draws less than a hair dryer on low. On a six-hour nightly schedule through the season, the electricity is a few dollars. You don't need a new circuit for a residential install.
When You Do Need an Electrician
If your only outdoor outlet is on the wrong side of the house, or you have no outdoor outlet at all. We can run rated cord a reasonable distance; past that, an outlet on the front elevation is a small job for any licensed electrician and it pays back every season.
Related Questions
Can you plug into a garage outlet?
If the garage is attached and the door can stay closed on the cord, sometimes. We'll tell you at the site walk.
Do you leave the timer in January?
No. The timer comes down with the lights and goes back up next season.
Ready to See Your House Lit?
Book a free site walk. You'll get a mockup of your own home and a quote for the season, with no pressure to decide on the spot.
Installing October through December 10. Install dates go in the order deposits come in.