What to look out for when buying Christmas lights

With Christmas a couple of weeks away many of us are putting up decorations and decorating our Christmas trees with lights.

Energy Safety has some safety tips for consumers on what to look for when buying and using Christmas lights, so everyone has a safe and happy festive season.  While most lights on sale are safe, there are a few tell tale signs to look for on those that are not.

Buying lights

Look for lights that carry the name of manufacturer or supplier and a voltage rating that includes 230 or 240 volts. Lights that comply with the recognised safety Standards will have these markings.  This information can be on the box or packaging.

Make sure the plugs are correct for New Zealand – never use an adaptor. The plugs can be two or three pin, but must have insulation near to the plug base on the two power pins. Wrong plugs are a sure sign that any appliance does not meet New Zealand’s safety Standards.

Where lights have a control box, check that the wires are held tightly. If the wires can be pulled out – they can give you or your children, family and friends, a severe electric shock.

Buying products online can be fun, but remember that not all countries require Christmas lights to meet the same stringent safety Standards as New Zealand.  A "CE" marking means nothing in New Zealand. 

Also if you're stocking up for next Christmas, and buying lights at post-Christmas sales, make sure you buy safe ones.

Installing lights

If you have an RCD, for use with things like portable tools outside, use it to supply power to lights used indoors, especially where children have access to the lights.  And always use an RCD for Christmas lights installed outside.

Before installing lights that have been used before, check them to make sure that the wires are not damaged.  Cuts or breaks in the plastic insulation mean that the lights are unsafe.  Check that the wires are still secure.  If you can see the copper conductors then don’t use the lights.

Energy Safety is part of the Ministry of Economic Development and is responsible for ensuring the safe supply and use of electricity in New Zealand.

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