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Christmas lights add a magical touch to the home. It doesn’t seem to matter if they are strung over the Christmas tree or covering your home from garden to chimney top, they are simply mesmerizing!
While Christmas lights have become an iconic part of this exciting period, did you know that they can pose a potential danger for your family and home?
Some important ways to keep your family and home safe this festive period include –
- Get the right light!
Ensure that you purchase Christmas lights that comply with Australian standards and are extra low voltage. These lights will include an Australian Approval number such as Q12345, V01294, or N12345. Lights that do not meet Australia’s strict electrical standards can be dangerous and potentially start fires in your home. Keep this in mind particularly when purchasing lights online. Christmas lights are designed for either indoor or outdoor use so make sure you shop correctly to suit your decoration. - Check your lights!
When you dust off your old box of Christmas decorations, please inspect your Christmas lights before putting them up! Check for any faults or damage such as exposed wiring, missing or damaged light bulbs, frayed cords or damaged leads. - Weather proofing
Use indoor Christmas Lights indoors and outdoor Christmas lights outdoors! It sounds simple enough, but there is more to safely operating outdoor Christmas lights than meets the eye. Some lights are rated for outdoors, however – the plug must be located indoors away from the rain or wind. Others can be left outdoor temporarily provided that the outdoor connections are weather proofed. Fasten down your outdoor lights to avoid damage in the wind or rain (thanks to storm season!) - Secure your lighting installation
Plan your Christmas light display to ensure that you secure your lights out of reach of children, away from power lines, swimming pools, doorways, windows, walkways and driveways. Do not leave the lights coiled, or running under rugs. Ensure that lights are away from flammable materials and decorations such as candles and curtains. - Electrical Safety
Do not use double adapters on power-boards. Ensure that safety switches are installed on all circuits in your home. Check your safety switches by pushing the test button and watching the lights go out. Test your smoke alarms to ensure they are working. - Environmental Care
Go solar, it’s better for the environment. And safe for you! - Turn the lights off
If you’re leaving the house or going to sleep, make sure you turn off all of the lights. Turn off the lights during rains or storms. - Sit back, enjoy the magic and connect with your friends and family!
If you need any advice on which Christmas lights to choose, or if you require additional power points or a safety check for the festive season, please contact us on 0402 680 054.
