Electrical Safety Measures For Christmas Decorations

1
Electrical Safety Measures for Christmas
Decorations
2
Introduction

• With the advent of the holiday season, millions
  of families resurrect their fairy lights,
  motorized Santas and ornaments from their
  basements and garages and prepare themselves for
  the most awaited task of Christmas holidays
  decorating.
• While festive decorating is mostly about adding
  sparkle, warmth and fun to the very special
  Christmas season, what most people forget is that
  many of the popular decorations they use carry
  risk of electrical injury or fire if used
  carelessly.
• One should use preventive measures so that an
  accident doesnt take the fun out of holiday
  season.
• Following are a few safety tips that should be
  kept in mind while doing holiday decorations

3
Lighting and Decorations

• While purchasing electric decorations, extension
  cords and lights, it is important to buy only
  UL-listed items.
• If you plan to do outdoor decorations, ensure
  that the decorations and lights you are buying
  are suitable for outdoor use. Using products that
  are meant only for indoor use outdoors in the
  weather may lead to fire hazards and electric
  shocks.
• In case you have a doubt whether your purchase is
  listed for indoor or outdoor use, check the back
  for color-coded marks that specify conditions
  suitable for the product.
• Whether you are using brand new products that are
  straight out the box or old products that have
  been reused multiple times, it is important to
  inspect all extension cords, electric decorations
  and lights before putting them up so that

4
Lighting and Decorations

• you dont use damaged goods. If the damage is
  repairable, for instance broken bulbs that can be
  replaced, use the product only after the repair
  has been made. If plugs and cords are damaged,
  discard the decoration and replace them.
• Always remember to change bulbs, make repairs or
  replace fuses etc only after you have unplugged
  the lights.
• If you have to replace a single bulb from a
  string of lights, ensure that the bulb youre
  replacing the damaged bulb with is of the same
  wattage as that of the rest of the string. If you
  use a bulb with a higher wattage, you run the
  risk of causing a fire.
• When youre hanging your lights outdoors, avoid
  using metal ladders and instead choose
  non-conductive ladders made of wood. This reduces
  risk of electric shock.

5
Lighting and Decorations

• Remember to follow manufacturers instructions
  while using any decoration product.
• Before beginning your decorations, check the
  number of strings of lights that can be safely
  connected end-to-end. This number is usually 3.
• Always avoid overloading extension cords. Before
  plugging your decorations in, check the power
  requirements of your lights as well as the
  wattage rating that your extension cord has.
• Check the wires of your Christmas lights
  regularly to ensure they arent warm to touch.
• Before you settle for the night or leave the
  house, remember to turn your lights or
  decorations off.

6
Safety Measures for Christmas Trees

• Your choice of the tree for Christmas decoration
  usually affects its flammability.
• Trees that are older or dried-out run the risk of
  igniting and burning faster than trees that are
  well hydrated and freshly cut.
• Therefore, some points need to be kept in mind
  while purchasing a Christmas tree.
• Before you take your Christmas tree home, ensure
  that it has green, fresh needles that are
  attached firmly to the branches.
• Try bending them between your fingers. They are
  too dry if they break under pressure.

7
Safety Measures for Christmas Trees

• Check that the cut surface of your trees trunk
  is sticky to touch to ensure that its fresh.
• Finally, pick it up vertically before tapping its
  trunk on the ground. Youll know it is dry if
  they needles fall off.
• Trees that have thicker needles dry out after a
  longer duration. Thus, pick a robust variety.
• If you are choosing an artificial tree, ensure
  that its not flammable.

8
Conclusion

• Need more information about Electrical Safety
  Measures for Your Home or Business?
• Get in touch with us
• http//www.boonelec.com.au/
• info_at_boonelec.com.au
• 0409 795 309