Christmas lighting safety
ActewAGL and the ACT Fire Brigade would like to remind the community to put safety first when installing and operating Christmas lighting this holiday season.
To help our community stay safe when installing and operating decorative lights, ActewAGL and the ACT Fire Brigade have created a number of easy-to-follow electrical safety tips.
Installing lighting
Always read the manufacturer’s instructions before setting up and operating lights, as well as before replacing lamps and globes. When setting up fairy lights and other electrical displays don’t overload power boards or piggy back double adaptors.
Never join one set of lights onto the end of another set of lights. Don’t run leads or extension cords through doorways and windows and ensure they don’t create a trip hazard.
Never modify lighting outfits, plugs or cords and never replace fuse wire or plug-in circuit breakers with larger sizes.
Also, take care when working at heights, such as roofs or large trees. Always use an appropriate, safe and secure ladder or stepladder to hang items higher than you can reach.
Safe operating
Only buy and use decorative lights that have an Australian Standards label and approval mark.
Decorative lights may become very hot so keep them away from children and flammable materials, such as wrapping paper, and always switch off all electrical displays and decorative lights before going to bed. Check all your lights before use and if the wiring, lamps, cords or plugs appear damaged don’t use them. Turn off the power and unplug the power cord before replacing bulbs with the same type and wattage.
Always switch off and unplug lights before watering or pruning your Christmas tree.
Outdoor lighting
Ensure the lighting system is weatherproof and suitable for outdoor use. Safer outdoor lights use an approved transformer that converts 240 volts to an extra-low voltage supply. To prevent overheating ensure transformers are well ventilated.
Always have approved outdoor 240-volt lights installed by a licensed electrician if they are to be a permanent or long-term festive lighting system. This includes festoon lighting and exterior power points for lighting transformers. Never use 240-volt lighting on tinsel Christmas trees.
Keep extension cords off the ground to avoid damage or trip hazards. Attach cords and lighting strings to existing fixtures with appropriate tape, electrical cable ties, clips or clamps – never use nails. Cords should be suspended at 2.5 metres above ground using approved plugs and cord extension sockets.
Keep all electrical connections and transformers out of areas that may become wet due to watering or extreme weather conditions. Where there is no permanently installed safety switch, use a portable one at the supply.
Never trim outdoor trees containing lighting and be aware of the location of powerlines at all times.
For more electrical safety advice call 13 10 93. For technical issues contact the regulator, ACT Planning and Land Authority, on 13 22 81.