If you’re about to dust off your Christmas decorations for another year, Ausgrid has some simple advice to help you and your family celebrate safely.
Safety first
- If your lights have been in storage for the past year check cords, bulbs and plugs for signs of damage before you plug them in.
- Always turn the power off before replacing bulbs.
- Don’t overload power points or power boards.
- If your home doesn’t have a safety switch, use a power board with one built in.
- Make sure children are supervised around Christmas lights at all times.
Decorating the tree
- Put your lights on the tree first followed by other decorations, making sure they aren’t touching each other.
- Keep tinsel and other decorations away from lights, power boards and sockets.
- Position your tree away from curtains and other soft furnishings that may be flammable.
Outdoor light displays
- Only use lights specifically designed for outdoor use.
- Stay well away from overhead powerlines.
- Attach lights to your home using tape, cable ties or clamps never use nails.
- Take care when working at heights or using a ladder.
- Stay well away from the service line that connects your home to the electricity network.
- Don’t run Christmas lights on or near the service line, over swimming pools or ponds.
- Switch off your Christmas lights when it rains.
Extension cords
- Make sure joins in extension cords aren’t exposed to the weather.
- Fully unroll extension cords to keep them from overheating.
- Make sure your extension cords don’t pose a trip hazard or are run across driveways.
General tips
- Turn your Christmas lights off before leaving home or going to bed.
- Don’t move or adjust lights while they’re switched on.