Deck the Halls Safely: A Guide to Christmas Lights Safety

Christmas lights add a touch of magic to the holiday season, but ensuring their safety is crucial. Here’s a comprehensive guide to keep your festive decorations dazzling without sparking disaster.

Choosing Safe Lights
When selecting Christmas lights, opt for those with an Australian approval number or the regulatory compliance mark logo. This signifies they meet safety standards. Avoid online purchases from overseas, as their products might not comply with Australian regulations.

Indoor vs Outdoor Lights
Indoor lights aren’t weatherproof and can be dangerous outdoors. Outdoor lights have an IP rating (e.g., IP44) indicating their weather resistance. Higher numbers mean better protection. If using outdoor outlets for your Christmas lights, ensure they are weatherproof and rated for outdoor use. Inspect them regularly for signs of damage or corrosion.

Ensure all lights, extension cords, and power boards are suitable for their purpose (indoor or outdoor). Consider using low-voltage options like LEDs or solar lights for added safety.

Inspect and Maintain
Unwind all extension cords to prevent heat build-up. Don’t overload electrical circuits by using too many high-powered lights. Always turn off your lights before going to bed, leaving the house, or watering a live Christmas tree.

Keep lights out of reach of children and avoid placing them around or above swimming pools or in wet areas.

Secure outdoor lights to withstand wind and storms. Use weatherproof connections for all outdoor electrical connections.

Safety First
Be cautious of purchasing Christmas lights from unauthorised sellers or online marketplaces. Counterfeit products may not meet safety standards and pose a fire hazard. Before using old lights, unwind them and check for exposed wires, damaged cords, or loose bulbs. Discard any faulty sets. If unsure, consult an electrician.

Plugging too many lights into a single outlet can cause it to overload and potentially start a fire. Use power boards with built-in circuit breakers to prevent overloading. Regularly check for any product recalls related to Christmas lights.

If your lights are part of a recall, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for replacement or repair. LED lights are generally more energy-efficient and cooler to the touch than traditional incandescent bulbs, reducing the risk of fire.

Remember, a little vigilance goes a long way. Follow these tips, and your Christmas lights will be a source of joy and festivity, not a fire hazard.

Bonus Tip: Invest in a safety switch and ensure it’s working properly. If you don’t have one, you can call us on 1300 388 750 and we can upgrade your switchboard to include one.