Light Up Your Christmas Safely - Media Statement
[ Last Updated 10 March 2006 ]
As Christmas rapidly approaches, many of us are busy decorating our homes and workplaces with Christmas trees, decorations, and lights to provide that festive flavour. We're looking forward to the celebrations and the holiday. However the Ministry of Consumer Affair's Energy Safety Service warns that Christmas trees and lights could present an electrical or fire danger. To make sure that you have a safe Christmas this year, the Energy Safety Service has these safety tips.
Christmas Lights
- Before using lights outside, check labels to make sure that they are suitable for outside use. Read all instructions carefully before installing your lights. You should always connect Christmas lights to a transformer. This will reduce the voltage going into the lights from 230 volts to 12 volts. You can also use a Residual Current Device (RCD) that will automatically disconnect the power in the event of a fault. Taking these precautions will significantly reduce the risk of electric shock.
- Don't put more than one plug into a power point or extension cord outlet.
- Always fasten outdoor lights securely to trees, house walls or other firm supports to protect the lights from wind damage. Use specially insulated staples or clips to hold strings of lights in place (not nails or tacks).
- Check all sets of lights, old or new, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. If you are unsure about the safety of your lights, have them checked and repaired by a registered and licensed electrical worker. Damaged sets should either be thrown out or repaired.
- Make sure that when you replace bulbs, you do so with bulbs of the same voltage and/or wattage. If the voltage or wattage of the replacement bulb is too high, the bulb could overheat and start a fire. Always unplug light strings before replacing bulbs so there is no danger of electric shock.
- Turn off all Christmas lights when you go to bed or leave the house. If the lights develop a fault and short out, it could start a fire.
Christmas Trees, Decorations and Candles
- Most people don't realise that there is a risk involved in using electric lights on metallic Christmas trees or trees with metallic tinsel decorations. The tree could become electrically alive from faulty lights, and could shock people who touch the tree or the decorations. To minimise this risk, connect your lights to a transformer or a RCD.
- In homes with small children:
- take special care to avoid decorations that are sharp or breakable.
- Keep trimmings with small removable parts out of the reach of children to avoid the child swallowing or inhaling small pieces.
- Avoid decorations that resemble sweets or food that may tempt a child to eat them.
- Keep matches, candles and lighters out of the reach of children. Never leave lighted candles unattended.
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