Liability for Hanging Christmas Lights

[climbingmonkey24]

Hanging Christmas lights in outdoor trees is something I've always loved doing, I do it at my house, and I've thought about providing that service professionally as part of my business. I was wondering if anyone else does this, and what are some considerations for liability?

Like for example, what if you hang lights and there is an electrical fire, even if it had nothing to do with your light installation, could you be liable, etc.?

Should get the client to sign a contract that states you are not held liable for any incidents that result from the Christmas lights like a fire, etc.?

 

[Tuebor]

I have no idea but you sure find a lot to worry about. I would pretty much assume liability for anything and everything, given the right attorney and the right amount of money.

 

[climbingmonkey24]

I have no idea but you sure find a lot to worry about. I would pretty much assume liability for anything and everything, given the right attorney and the right amount of money.

Yea I do find a lot to worry about, I like to keep my mind busy and active, find it relaxes me.

 

[southsoundtree]

Do you mean busy and active with worrying, or to avoid worrying?

 

[climbingmonkey24]

I was being sarcastic in reference to "you find a lot to worry about" because I'm not sure where that comes from in reference to liability for hanging Christmas tree lights for customer's, which I think is a legitimate concern from a business standpoint.

 

[southsoundtree]

I see.

Different people are different ways. Some worry too much, some to little.



I would have something in my Terms and Conditions about them accepting responsibility for the lights, when installed within manufacturers' constraints, if i had any concerns.

Seems like it would relieve some concern for free.





Only might help if it's signed.



As was said, enough money and lawyers...

 

[Tom Dunlap]

The franchise company 'Christmas Decor' may have information for you.

One really...I mean REALLY...important issue is to know how much electrical draw you have from the lights. The math is easy but you must do it. These days with LED lights there is much less draw but you don't want to have a fire.

Talk with an electrician.

On some of the installations that were done by the company I worked in Denver had clients who had a second 100A+ service brought in from the pole JUST FOR CHRISTMAS LIGHTS!!! Crazy

 

[Treezybreez]

I bought a ladder off craigslist from a young guy who said he made most of his income hanging lights and taking them down. He was a painter the rest of the year, but he said he didn't need to. He was thinking about expanding his business and hiring more crews. From the look of his house, I'd say he was making a lot more than me.

 

[evo]

I’ve been doing this for years in two trees for the cities mainstreet association.
I talked them into hanging light spheres, basically a collapsible ball which normal lights are wrapped around. Then stringing a mile of extension cords. It hasn’t been without problems of melted connection (likely rain and wind). I’ve been begging them to use led rope lights for years.
This year they finally contested and bought solar panel outdoor Christmas lights. Each ball is it’s own unit, and the solar panel/control box is zip tied in the middle of the ball facing south. I think they are every bit as bright BUT they only come on after dark, not at dusk…. (That was a complaint).