With the launch of the john Lewis advert we all now have been reminded that Christmas is just around the corner. Here at NH Electrical we want to make sure that your festive break is one full of celebration without Christmas lights Safety fear or electrical worry.
Did you know that Christmas is a time when fires caused by electrical issues are most likely to happen? This is from a combination of electrical goods such as the use of Christmas lights, extension leads and other electrical products used in the lead up to Christmas.
Although this is a worrying fact, there are a number of things you can do to prevent an electrical fault and ensure your Christmas runs as smoothly as possible.
Indoor Lights
After Christmas we all throw our decorations in that same battered box and throw them up in the loft for another 11 months but after being in the loft for that amount of time it is highly important to check the condition of your decorations.
Here’s our top tips for checking your Christmas lights to ensure safety
- Check your lights thoroughly to ensure there are no broken lights or wires.
- If you are replacing the bulbs make sure they are the same type and rating as the original lights.
- NEVER leave your lights on if you are going out or to bed.
- Make sure your lights are not close to anything that is flammable such as decorations.
- Try to avoid using extension leads or adapters.
- NEVER attempt to repair lights yourself by using.
- Look at the plug and make sure no bare wires are visible.
Outdoor Lighting
More and more people are now choosing to decorate the outside of the homes as well as the inside. This brings the festive spirit to the community but can pose some dangers if not done properly.
- Make sure you only install lights outside that are specifically for outside use. If you are unsure then check the manufacturers instructions to confirm this.
- All outside sockets must be RCD protected for safety. This means if the cable is cut then the electric flow will stop.
Did you know?
In 2011, 1,000 people were estimated to have visited A&E in the UK after home accidents involving Christmas trees and 350 people after home accidents involving Christmas lights. Source: Home Accident Surveillance System, 2012.
Fairy lights went up in smoke causing 20 fires, while Christmas trees, decorations and cards were also a fire risk and responsible for 47 house fires, leading to 20 non-fatal casualties, across the UK. Source: 2011/12 Fire Statistics Great Britain from the Department for Communities and Local Government.
Our top Christmas Lights Safety tips to ensure you stay safe
DON’T overload sockets – Try to avoid using extension sockets and adapters. NEVER plug multiple extensions into each other.
DON’T re-wire your lights – If your lights are faulty then replace them, do not attempt to rewire them yourself. This is dangerous and causes a potential fire risk of you do not know what you are doing.
Make sure lights you use outside are safe for external use – Always check instructions if in doubt.
Turn lights off when unattended – Never leave Christmas lights on overnight or even when you go out. All Christmas lights increase the risk of fire and overloading and should only be switched on whilst you are at home.
Always use Christmas lights that have been certified for use – This can be identified by the European Standards Symbol (represented by a CE) and the British Standards Kitemark. If in doubt, don’t use them. Always buy lights from reputable stores.
Make sure you have working fire alarms – and test them regularly to ensure they are in working order.
If your worried about your Christmas Lights please contact us so we can ensure you have a safe worry free, Christmas.
