Should I replace old extension cords for outdoor holiday lights in wet conditions?

Short answer

Why people ask this

This question comes up when holiday displays have to run through rain, slush, or wet grass, and people wonder if their old cords are still safe outside. Wet conditions increase shock and fire risks, so the outdoor rating and condition of the cord matter more than usual. Many households reuse the same cords year after year, and it’s easy to miss cracked jackets, faded markings, or loose blades that become hazardous in moisture. People also want to know if GFCI protection and weatherproof covers are enough to keep older cords in service.

When it might be safe

• The cord is clearly marked for outdoor use (e.g., “W” or “SJTW/SJEOOW”), the jacket is flexible with no cracks, and the plug/connector shows no heat damage or looseness.
• The circuit is GFCI‑protected and all plug connections are under an in‑use (bubble) cover or inside a rated cord connection cover off the ground.
• The cord gauge matches the load (typically 16 AWG or heavier for LEDs; 14–12 AWG for larger displays) and never warms up during operation.
• All runs are routed above puddles and snow with drip loops, and strain relief prevents tugging at the connectors.
• You’ve inspected after a wet night and found no moisture intrusion, tripping GFCIs, or discoloration at blades or receptacles.

When it is not safe

• Indoor‑only cords (no “W” rating) or unreadable labels used in rain, snow, or wet grass.
• Cracked, stiff, or sun‑brittled jackets; taped or spliced repairs; or loose plugs that arc—especially risky when wet.
• Two‑prong (ungrounded) or damaged grounding pins, or connectors without weatherproof shrouds in exposed areas.
• Cords lying in puddles, gutters, or across salted sidewalks where moisture and corrosion accelerate damage.
• Overloaded light strings on thin 18 AWG cords, or multiple daisy‑chained cords creating long voltage drop in damp conditions.
• No GFCI protection or uncovered outdoor receptacles lacking an in‑use cover.

Possible risks

• Electric shock from moisture wicking into worn insulation or loose blades, even at household voltage.
• Fire from arcing at cracked jackets or corroded connectors, which is more likely when cords get wet.
• GFCI nuisance trips masking real faults, leaving displays dark and tempting unsafe workarounds.
• Premature failure of lights and outlets due to corrosion from rain, snowmelt, and de‑icing salts.
• Tripping hazards from rerouted, water‑soaked cords across walkways or lawns.

Safer alternatives

• Replace with outdoor‑rated cords (look for “W” or SJTW/SJEOOW) sized for your load; favor 14–12 AWG for longer runs or bigger displays in winter.
• Use GFCI‑protected outdoor outlets with in‑use (bubble) covers and weatherproof cord connection covers; keep all joins off the ground with stakes or hooks.
• Shorten runs by adding outdoor power stakes or a new GFCI outlet near the display to avoid long cords across wet areas.
• Switch to low‑wattage LED light strings and distribute load across circuits to reduce heating in damp, cold weather.
• Create drip loops and route cords away from puddles, downspouts, and snowbanks; avoid pinching under doors or windows.
• Consider solar or battery holiday lights for isolated spots where safe outdoor power and weatherproofing are difficult.

Bottom line

Yes—replace old or questionable cords with properly outdoor‑rated, intact, and correctly sized ones, use GFCI and weatherproof covers, and keep all connections off wet surfaces to keep your holiday display safe in rain and snow.

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