Christmas Lights and Your Electrical Safety

Electricity can kill. Each year, around 70 people are killed and 350,000 seriously injured due to an electrical accident in the home. During the Christmas period the risk is heightened when using fairy light or electric decorations inside and outside the home. A few simple checks can make the whole experience safer and give peace of mind.
After 12 months packed away in the loft, Christmas lights can easily become electrically unsafe and run the risk of creating a hazard. To help prevent the most common electrical problems with Christmas lights and to enjoy a safe and happy festive season, we recommend the following 5 simple safety tips, precautions and checks around the home or office :

1. CHECK FOR DAMAGE BEFORE USING
Are they damaged? Keep an eye out for loose wires, broken bulbs or blown fuses to ensure your decorations don’t put you and your office workers in danger when using them.

2. ENSURE PLUGS AND TRANSFORMERS ARE PLUGGED IN INDOORS
Even if the decorations are for outdoor use, ensure that all electrical applications, plugs and transformers are connected to the mains from indoors using indoor plug sockets. This is to ensure weather cannot detrimentally affect your electricals.

3. SWITCH OFF AND UNPLUG LIGHTS BEFORE LEAVING
It goes without saying that no electrical appliances should be left on overnight in a home or on any premises. Simply switch off at the to ensure your home is not under threat from potential electrical problems and hazards overnight.

4. KEEP LIGHTS AWAY FROM FLAMMABLES
Ensure all Christmas lights are kept away from decorations and other materials that could be flammable. Should they come into contact, there could be a serious threat to safety, resulting in fire.

5. FOLLOW MANUFACTURER’S INSTRUCTIONS
It is always important to read the manufacturer’s instructions so you are aware of the correct process through which the goods should be used, as well as any potential hazards they could cause.

Take home message
The time it takes to carry out the above safety checks will go a long way to ensuring you and your family have a safe, happy and restful Christmas period.
This Article was written by Anthony Jones of Wandle Electrical Services, www.wandle-elec.co.uk, Tel 020 8914 8297.
More information on Electrical Safety can be found at www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk