On the exterior, my lights are on a timer, plugged into a GFCI outdoor outlet, which is wired to an AFCI [Arc-Fault] breaker in the main panel. I feel this gives more than adequate protection for the exterior lights.
On the inside, I don't leave lights on the tree on unless I'm around, even though I have an artificial tree. Why? I don't know, I think it's perfectly safe, but it's probably my energy efficiency kicking in ("if I'm not around to enjoy them, what's the point of wasting the energy?")
I would say, at least for exterior lights, as long as your circuit protection devices are up to snuff, leave 'em on and show that Christmas spirit. Indoors, especially with a real tree, requires more caution. |
