Although adding lights to the house can get us into the festive spirit, NAPIT is warning consumers to ensure that both indoor and outdoor festive lights are installed safely.
When installing lights, homeowners need to think about potential obstructions, equipment condition, overloaded sockets, weather conditions, weatherproof sockets, and damaged lights. Failing to consider these things can pose a significant danger to consumers and risk causing a fire.
As a result, NAPIT has put together a series of Festive Electrical Safety Top Tips, which advise consumers on how to keep safe when decorating with both indoor and outdoor lights this holiday season.
NAPIT’s top tips for indoor decorative lights
- Ensure you purchase your lights from a reputable manufacturer or retailer
- If you need to use access equipment, ensure you have the right equipment. Check all equipment to be used is in a good working condition, with no damage
- Consider using LED lights, as they are safer and cheaper to run
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions
- Before installing lights, especially for existing decorative lighting, check the condition of the lights, checking for damage and check they work correctly
- Avoid overloading socket-outlets or extension leads with too many decorative lights or electrical devices, as this may lead to overloads (which could cause a fire)
- Ensure that wires/cables are not trapped or caught in doors, windows, or under heavy furniture, which could damage the insulation
- Turn off all indoor decorative lights before leaving home or going to sleep.
NAPIT’s top tips for outdoor decorative lights
- Create a plan on how you are going to install the lights, and check possible routes for the lights, potential obstructions, and fixing methods
- If you need to use access equipment, ensure you have the right equipment. Check all equipment to be used is in a good working condition, with no damage
- Check the weather conditions, as bad weather (such as wind and rain) could affect the surface, especially using access equipment such as ladders
- If you are installing lights on guttering, for example, use cable mounting solutions such as plastic clips and ties to secure your lights and cable along surfaces. This will prevent wires from sagging or becoming damaged
- Use LED weather-resistant lights as they are safer, designer to be installed outside and cheaper to run
- Use weatherproof sockets that are designed for outdoor use. These sockets provide protection against moisture and ensure safe power connections for outdoor light decorations
- Before installing lights, especially for existing decorative lighting, check the condition of the lights, check for damage, and check they work correctly.
- Turn off all outdoor decorative lights before leaving home or going to sleep
NAPIT is also urging consumers purchasing e-bikes and e-scooters as gifts to avoid rogue online sellers, and to only buy safe products from reputable sellers. Furthermore, it is urging consumers to only replace items with products recommended by the manufacturer, and to seek professional help when converting or repairing e-bikes and e-scooters.
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