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Should You Bury Your Outdoor Electrical Cords?

Originally posted on Men's Journal | By Emily Fazio | Last updated Dec 11, 2024 10:00 AM ET

Sure, decorating the outdoors with holiday lights is a fun and festive way to embrace the season, but how you manage your unsightly cords and strands of lights can make or break your holiday display. While burying might seem like a simple way to hide unsightly cords and keep them out of harm’s way, it can lead to more trouble than it’s worth.

Why Burying Outdoor Extension Cords Is a Bad Idea

The idea of burying outdoor extension cords may sound convenient, but it introduces a host of potential problems.

Water Damage Risks: Even if your cords are rated for outdoor use, burying them puts them at constant risk of exposure to outdoor elements and moisture from soil and precipitation, especially if you don't have waterproof connections. Over time, water can seep into the wires, leading to corrosion, short circuits, or even electrical fires.
Physical Damage From Pressure or Shifting Soil: The ground can compress or shift due to foot traffic, landscaping work, or natural soil movement, which can damage the wires or connectors.
Difficulty in Maintenance: Once your cords are buried, accessing them for repairs or replacements becomes significantly harder. A single issue with an electrical connection could mean digging up your display, which is a hassle no one wants during the holiday season.
Code Violations and Safety Concerns: Even if it's an outdoor outlet, burying cords or electrical outlets may violate local electrical codes that are in place to prevent hazards. It’s worth remembering that outdoor holiday lights are not designed to be treated like underground wiring.

Consider These Alternative Ideas

Instead of burying your cords, consider these safer and more practical solutions:

Cable Protectors: Use protective covers designed for outdoor use to run outdoor cords along walls, walkways, or driveways. These prevent tripping hazards and protect wires from damage.
Landscape Integration: Tuck outdoor cords discreetly along edges of landscaping, exterior walls, or features like bushes, fences, or gutters. Use clips or ties for secure placement of landscape lighting.
Cord Channels: Opt for weather-resistant cord channels or cord management kits for hiding extension cords along walls or ground surfaces.
Wireless Options: Invest in battery-operated holiday decorations or solar-powered strings of lights to eliminate the need for cords entirely.
Outdoor Lighting Services: Let pros handle the installation process rather than making it a DIY project

Tips for Safe Outdoor Light Installation

Use only lights and extension cords labeled for outdoor use. DO NOT USE INDOOR EXTENSION CORDS!
Plug lights into outlets with ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) to reduce the risk of electrical shocks.
Avoid placing cords where they could be submerged in water, such as low-lying areas prone to pooling.
Inspect the power source, all cords, and outdoor string lights for damage before use. DO NOT USE FRAYED CORDS!
Store lights properly in the off-season to keep them in good shape year after year.
Make sure you have waterproof connections if possible.

FAQ

What’s the best way to keep outdoor light strings secure without burying them?

The best approach is to secure them above ground using clips, hooks, or stakes specifically made for holiday lights. Cable protectors or cord channels also work well for managing loose wires while keeping them safe and tidy.

Are outdoor-rated extension cords safe underground?

No, even outdoor-rated extension cords are not meant to be buried. For any wiring intended to go underground, you should use conduit and follow local electrical codes. Holiday lights, however, are not suitable for burial even with protective measures, as they’re not designed for long-term underground use.

This article first appeared on Men's Journal and was syndicated with permission.

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