After being stored away for 12 months, Christmas lights can easily become electrically unsafe. To prevent the most common problems with and enjoy a safe festive season by following these simple precautions and checks recommended by Electrical Safety First.

Always

• Read and follow the manufacturers' instructions
• Check your Christmas lights are not damaged or broken before use and look out for loose wires
• Use only replacement bulbs of the same type and rating as those originally supplied with the lights
• Ensure all outdoor lights are connected via a 30mA RCD protected socket
• Replace failed lamps immediately to prevent overheating
• Ensure plugs and transformers are plugged in indoors, even if the lighting is suitable for outdoor use
• Switch your lights off and unplug them before you go to bed or go out
• Keep lights away from flammable decorations and materials that can burn easily
   

Never

• Use lights outdoors unless they are specially designed for such use
• Connect different lighting sets together
• Connect lights to the supply whilst still in the packaging
• Remove or insert lamps while the chain is connected to the supply
• Overload sockets - try to avoid the use of extension leads or adaptors
• Attempt to repair faulty lights - replace them
• Use lights that are damaged or faulty. Electrical Safety First recommends the use of LED over traditional filament Christmas lighting because:
  • They operate at extra-low voltage which significantly reduces the risk of electric shock.
  • They use much less power, generating little heat and so reducing the risk of fire and burns. This makes them safer to use.
  • They are estimated to use 80-90% less electricity than filament lamps so they are less expensive to run and typically last up to 60 times longer.
  • They are more durable. Because LED lights are made of a special plastic with no filament, there are no glass lamps to break.
  • They are a great deal more efficient to run and good at saving energy so are more environmentally friendly.

Follow the guidance in this safety document – it provides some helpful information.