In recent years many of us have become open to buying and selling goods online and with that in mind the team at Laser Electrical would like to remind you that not all "Christmas Lights" are created equal. Below is a checklist to ensure you take care of you and your families safety this festive season.
First and foremost all christmas decorations need to be approved for New Zealand standards.
Don't buy or use Christmas lights (or other electronic goods) that:
- Do not have the normal plug you would use at home
- Are supplied with a travel adaptor to fit the socket outlet
- Have a plug with no covering insulation extending half way up the two plug pins
- Have been specifically prohibited in NZ
When using lights
- If you have an older light set which has bulbs that operate at 230V (mains voltage), connect your lights to an Residual Current Device (RCD). The RCD will turn the power off if things go wrong, reducing the risk of a fatal electric shock. If you don't own an RCD already, you can buy one from any hardware or electronic store.
- Check all lights - both old and new - for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. If you are unsure about their safety, have them checked by a licensed electrical worker.
- Replace bulbs with ones of the same voltage and wattage. The wrong bulbs could cause overheating and start a fire. Always switch off and unplug light strings before replacing bulbs.
- Turn off all Christmas lights when you go to bed or leave the house. If the lights develop a fault, they could start a fire.
- A tingling sensation is usually a warning of danger. If you get a tingle from your lights or something touching them (i.e. Christmas decorations on the tree (inside), the house down pipe (outside), turn the lights off immediately and get them checked by a licensed electrical worker.
Using Christmas lights outside
If you are using Christmas lights outside follow the above advice and also:
- Check labels to make sure that they are suitable for outside use, and read all instructions carefully before installing your lights.
- Clean the outside of your house before installing the lights. Spider webs, leaves and any other debris are a potential fire hazard.
- Fasten outdoor lights securely to trees, house walls or other firm supports to protect the lights from wind damage. Use specially insulated clips to hold them in place and mount them out of reach.
Some Christmas lights are not suitable for repeated use and should be safely disposed of when no longer required.
If you require further information please contact your local Laser Electrician.
Information sourced from: The Energy Safety Website
Your area
