Electrical Safety at Christmas Time
As the decorations come out of storage and the excitement in the house starts to build, Christmas lights quickly become the star of the show. They’re magical, but often irresistible to small, curious hands.
Before the tree goes up and the lights flicker to life, take a moment to make sure your festive setup is as safe as it is sparkly.
Here are a few simple ways to help your household survive the silly season safely!
1. Don’t overload outlets
Somehow Christmas always brings more plugs than power points, especially when every decoration is competing for its time to sparkle.
Avoid overloading power boards or using double adaptors, and steer clear of stacking (“piggybacking”) power boards together.
And before bedtime or leaving the house, switch everything off, or use a timer so you don’t have to remember in the midst of holiday chaos!
2. Give your lights their annual health check
Before the tree-trimming begins, take a moment to inspect all your lights. Look for:
- Cracked bulbs
- Exposed or frayed wires
- Missing or loose globes
- Damaged plugs or connectors
Old lights that have lived a few too many Christmases can pose a real fire or shock risk. If anything looks worn, retire it or replace it with Australian-compliant lighting.
3. Always unwind cords fully
Those neatly tied light strings look harmless in the box. But plugged in that way, they can easily overheat!
Unwind cords completely before switching them on, especially if they’ll be running for long stretches while your house is a hive of Christmas activity.
4. Keep cords clear of busy paths
Between guests arriving, games being played, and kids (and pets) doing laps around the living room, cords can quickly become hidden hazards. Place them:
- Away from walkways
- Never under rugs or mats
- Out of high-traffic play zones
Not only does this reduce trip risks, it also helps prevent lights from being tugged, twisted or pulled off surfaces.
5. Check that all outdoor lights are weatherproof and family-safe
Outdoor decorating is a favourite tradition for many households, but it comes with a few extra checks:
- Use lights, power boards and leads that are made for outdoor use
- Keep cords off the ground and away from dry grass, leaves and water
- Avoid placing lights near the driveway or pool
- Check for damage before plugging anything in
A few moments of prep can prevent a lot of unwanted excitement later.
6. Loop up and look out when using ladders
If you’re climbing a ladder to hang lights around the house, always take a second to look up for powerlines.
Use a fibreglass or wooden ladder and stay at least a metre clear of your house connection. It keeps everyone safe, especially when little onlookers are watching the magic unfold.
7. Keep lights and liquids apart
Whether decorations have gathered a bit of dust or little hands are helping tidy up, always make sure lights and plugs are completely dry before handling them.
And as always, keep electrical leads well away from water, damp surfaces or splashing zones, inside or outside. Even Santa’s milk and cookies deserve a safe spot, so keep them well clear of any outlets!