Ho ho ho! Whether you’re decking out your RV like the Griswold house or just adding a little holiday cheer, one question comes up every year:
How many lights can I safely run on my RV?
Good news — with today’s LED technology, probably way more than you think. The key is understanding how much power each circuit can handle and how to do some very simple math to stay safe.
Let’s break it down.
Step One: Know Your RV Circuits
Most RV outlets run on 15-amp circuits, which means they can safely handle up to:
120 volts × 15 amps = 1,800 watts
That 1,800 watts is your total “budget” for everything plugged into that circuit — lights, TVs, hair dryers, toasters, all of it.
How Do You Know Which Outlets Are on the Same Circuit?
The easiest way?
Use the GFCI outlet.
Most RVs have at least one GFCI outlet (often outside or in the bathroom). Press the TEST button on it:
- Any outlets or appliances that turn off are on that same circuit
- If everything shuts down, you know you’re dealing with just one circuit
Even outlets without a test button are usually GFCI protected downstream, and they’re still 15-amp circuits.
Step Two: Figure Out What’s Already Using Power
Before adding lights, look at what’s already plugged in:
- TV
- Coffee maker
- Space heater
- Hair dryer
- Microwave, etc.
Most appliances list their wattage on the data plate. If not, Google is your friend. Once you know how many watts your appliances are using, subtract that number from your 1,800-watt limit.
That remaining wattage tells you what you have available for lights — or anything else.
LED Lights vs. Incandescent Lights (Big Difference!)
This is where things get exciting.
Incandescent Lights
- Around 250 watts per 50-foot strand
- You’ll hit your limit fast
LED Lights
- C7 or C8 LEDs: under 30 watts per strand
- Mini LED lights: as low as 3 watts per strand
Translation?
You can put a ton of LED lights on your RV without coming anywhere close to tripping a breaker.
Welcome to the RV Griswolds.
This Math Works for More Than Just Christmas Lights
Understanding wattage isn’t just for the holidays — it helps explain a lot of everyday RV frustrations.
For example:
- Hair dryer: 1,500 watts
- That only leaves 300 watts on the circuit
- Turn on the TV? Now you’re nearly maxed out
- Plug in a toaster? Breaker trips
It’s not magic. It’s math.
Once you understand how power is shared on a circuit, you can plan which appliances to run and where, making RV life way more comfortable.
How to Hang Lights on Your RV (Without Damage)
No pipe cleaners. No screws. No regrets.
✅ Command strips with hooks are your best friend
✅ Zip ties work well on exterior fixtures
✅ Easy to remove when the season is over
Pro Tip:
If you hang lights on slide-outs, remove them before retracting the slide. Trust us — stuck decorations are no fun (and Rudolph doesn’t appreciate it).
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to guess, overload circuits, or hope for the best. With a little wattage math and modern LED lights, you can safely light up your RV for the holidays — or manage your everyday power use like a pro.
And that’s your Santa-approved RV tech tip.
Merry Christmas, happy camping, and may your breakers stay untripped.