Be safe this Christmas when you put up Christmas Lights

Published December 11, 2017 | By Nicole Powell

How to be safe when you put up Christmas Lights

It’s that time of the year when Christmas lights light up our homes both inside and out. During this time it’s important to remember to be electrically safe when putting up the lights and decorations (and taking them down).

Below are some simple electrical safety guidelines and tips that should be followed to help keep you and your family electrically safe this Christmas.

South Coast Electrical Solutions urges everyone installing Christmas lights to use common sense with any electrical equipment you use. If you are not experience or not sure, contact a licensed electrician

What to check when buying new Christmas lights

As with all electrical products, Christmas lights must meet Australian Safety standards and are required to have an Australian certificate of approval.

Beware of buying Christmas lights over the internet from overseas,
Always buy Australian compliant Christmas lights
If you are not sure what to look for NSW Fair Trading website has information
Buy your Christmas lights from a reputable dealer who will know the electrical safety requirements for selling Christmas lights in Australia
Outdoor Christmas lights will have an IP rating (e.g. IPX3, IP23, IP44), this number shows how weatherproof the light is – the higher the numbers, the better the weatherproof rating. Outdoor equipment must have at rating of least IP23. It’s not safe to use indoor lights outdoors as they don’t have the additional weatherproof ratings
Use extra-low voltage outside, such as LED lights. Selecting energy-efficiency Christmas lights will significantly reduce your power bill
Use solar Christmas lights if you can – it’s safer for you and better for the environment

A few checks before you put up your Christmas lights

Inspect your Christmas lights for any signs of wear and check there is no damage to the electrical wires
It is not advisable to use sets of Christmas lights that have any broken globes or missing globes

Do not alter or modify lights
Use indoor lights indoors and outdoors light outdoors
Make electrical safety a high priority
Make sure all the globes are fitted correctly

Are you installing Christmas lights outdoors?

Only use outdoor lights for outside your home
Make sure plugs are fully inserted into sockets and are tight fitting
Check the manufactures safety instructions before you put them up
Do not install lights near any flammable materials
Do not overload power boards or power points
If you intend to put the lights on the outside of your property, make sure that they are manufactured for outdoor use
Do not attach Christmas lights to overhead powerlines that connect to your house
Be aware of the location and height of powerlines when carrying ladders and setting up the Christmas lights
Always unwind extension leads to avoid possible overheating

Wear non slip footwear and use safety equipment and common sense when using ladders
Do not install, adjust or move Christmas lights while they are on or plugged in
Test your safety switches in your switchboard and make sure they are working
Don’t wrap Christmas lights around anything sharp that may damage the wires
Don’t put Christmas lighting around swimming pools or wet areas
Make sure the connections for outdoor use are weatherproof
Avoid using double adaptors or piggy back plugs
If you use power boards, make sure they are fitted with over-load protection

Putting up indoor Christmas lights

Lights suitable for indoor use should only be used indoors, this will be written on the packaging or on the lights near the plug
Test your safety switch and smoke alarms before setting up your lights
Keep the lights away from Children
Turn off your Christmas lights before you go to bed
Don’t leave your Christmas lights on if you are not at home

Everyday Safety tips for putting up Christmas lights

Always unplug the Christmas lights before you go to bed or leaving your house
Make sure your smoke alarms are in working order
Ensure extension cords or the cords on the Christmas lights don’t become a trip hazard or become damaged
Switch off the power before plugging in or pulling out the plug and hold the plug not the cord
Avoid using double adaptors
Always unwind extension leads to avoid possible overheating
Check the Government website http://www.recalls.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/952401 for any safety recalls on Christmas lights

What to do with the Christmas lights after the Christmas Season

Packing away Christmas lights can be a tiring job, especially as the January weather is usually the hottest time of year. If you look after your Christmas lights you will get a longer life from them. Christmas lights are designed for temporary use, leaving the lights up for extended periods will deteriorate the life of the lights and also create a higher risk of electrical hazard.

electrician-safety — Use correct safety equipment when setting up Christmas Lights

Unplug the Christmas lights before you start taking them down
Store and pack Christmas lights in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
Remove batteries from solar Christmas lights and store them separately
Always store Christmas lights so that the wires and lights do not become damaged

As you take down the lights, inspect the lights and wiring and dispose of any that are damaged
Store the lights in the original packaging
Keep the sets together, the lights with the correct power transformer
Store Christmas lights in a dry area

To get any further advise on safe Christmas lighting contact a licensed electrician. South Coast Electrical Solutions would like you to stay safe this Christmas season and have a Merry Christmas.