Don't put your home and loved ones at risk when you deck the halls with twinkling Christmas Lights - Top Tips From the Electrical Safety Council
To help prevent the most common electrical problems with Christmas lights, we recommend the following simple precautions and checks.
ALWAYS:
- read and follow the manufacturers' instructions
- check your Christmas lights are not damaged or broken before use and look out for loose wires
- use only replacement bulbs of the same type and rating as those originally supplied with the lights
- ensure all outdoor lights are conneted via a 30mA RCD protected socket
- replace failed lamps immediately to prevent overheating
- ensure plugs and transformers are plugged in indoors, even if the lighting is suitable for outdoor use
- switch your lights off and unplug them before you go to bed or go out
- keep lights away from flammable decorations and materials that can burn easily
NEVER:
- use lights outdoors unless they are specially designed for such use
- connect different lighting sets together
- connect lights to the supply whilst still in the packaging
- remove or insert lamps while the chain is connected to the supply
- overload sockets
- try to avoid the use of extension leads or adaptors
- allow children or pets to play with Christmas lights
- attempt to repair faulty lights - replace them
- use lights that are damaged or faulty
Do have a happy and safe Christmas followed by a healthy and prosperous 2013
For more information and advice from your local town council, visit their website here
