Christmas is coming! This is a very exciting, and busy, time of year. Every second seems to be taken up buying presents, finishing up projects, organising the big day and going to Christmas parties. It is easy to take shortcuts when we are so busy.

Unfortunately cutting corners and taking the 'She'll be right' attitude towards electrical safety can cost more than just time. Faulty and damaged Christmas lights contribute to house fires, electric shock, and death each year. Take the time to check your lights before putting them up this year and follow some basic safety precautions to ensure your home stays safe this holidays.

Firstly

  • Purchase Christmas lights which are Australian standards compliant.
  • Buy from a reputable retailer.
  • Be especially cautious of lights purchased over the internet from other countries. Safety standards vary from country to country.
  • Ensure any second-hand lights are checked by a licensed electrician.

Before putting the lights up

  • Ensure the lights are used where intended - indoor or outdoor
  • Check old Christmas lights for damage -
  • unroll and check all lamps, the plug and leads for wear or exposed wires.
  • test lights before putting them up.
  • turn off lights when hanging up or changing bulbs.
  • check product recall lists to ensure your lights are still safe.
  • unwind extension leads fully to avoid overheating.
  • ensure lights are fitted with an insulated plug.
  • use power-boards fitted with overload protection.
  • Test your safety switch and smoke alarms before setting lights up.
  • Use outdoor lights with the correct weatherproof rating for the area you intend to use them.
Christmas Lights
Christmas Lights

When hanging lights

  • Keep all lights and electrical cords away from children.
  • Use power boards not double adaptors.
  • Secure lights well to avoid damage - outdoor lights need to be well secured from wind and water.
  • Use appropriate weather proofing on connections and points.
  • Avoid running cords across paths and driveways or through windows or doorways where they could be easily damaged.
  • Keep lights away from pools and wet areas.

Christmas light use

  • Turn lights off and unplug them when going to bed or out of the house.
  • Turn off outdoor lights during rain, storms or windy conditions.
  • Be aware high powered lights can overload your homes electric circuits.
  • If you have a real, living Christmas tree ensure all lights are off and unplugged before watering.
  • Make sure lights are away from anything that could catch fire. High powered lights such as halogen and flood lights can become very hot when in use.
  • Recheck your lights for wear or damage during use.

Take these basic safety measures with your decorative lights this Christmas and stay electrically safe during the holiday period.

Trusted Solar, Air & Electrical can provide all your home electrical services . From safety switches to electrical testing give our electrical team a call today on or complete our Service Request form.