thisplace.com.au - Decorative Lighting Safety Hints

With Christmas just around the corner, this information is important for anyone planning on decorating their house in lighting for the festive season, or at any other time.

Use extra low voltage equipment (transformer type).

When installing lights and replacing lamps, follow the manufacturers instructions.

Avoid temporary decorative lights above or around your pool.

Do not alter or modify light kits.
Be aware that multiple use of high-powered lamps may overload your electric circuits.

Protect electrical leads from damage.

Keep yourself, lights and equipment well clear of overhead power lines.
Secure outdoor lights to avoid breakage in windy/stormy conditions.

Use a plug board with overload protection if the installation involves high powered lights, eg. para-flood, flood lights, spotlights.

All outdoor connections must be weatherproof.

When buying new lights look for an approval number normally found on the box. This indicates compliance with the Australian Standards eg. Qxxxxx; Vxxxxx; Nxxxxx, Sxxx.
Lights used outdoors should be specifically designed for this application.

Connect your lights via a safety switch.

Safe methods for connecting decorative lights:

If your power points are not protected with a built in safety switch, use a portable safety switch
If you are using multiple sets of lights, plug them into a power board fitted with over load protection. Plug this power board into a safety switch, or safety switch protected outlet.

Warnings!

If you have any doubts about the electrical safety of your installation, contact you electrical contractor.

Be extremely careful with lighted candles around the Christmas trees.

General Safety Advice

The best electrical safety option to protect your family, yourself and others is to have a safety switch permanently wired into your home. Failing this, at least use a portable safety switch.

For further information contact:
Electrical Safety Office, Queensland Government on Phone: 07 3237 0220 or their website