You should put safety first when installing and operating lighting during this Christmas holidays. To assist you in staying safe while installing and operating decorative Christmas lights, we bring to you useful electrical safety tips that are easy to follow:
Installations
- Before installing and operating lights as well as prior to replacing lamps and globes, always read the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Never ever overload power boards or piggyback double adapters when installing fairy lights and other electrical displays.
- Don’t ever alter or modify lighting outfits, cords or plugs and avoid replacing plug-in circuit breakers or fuse wire with bigger sizes.
- Refrain from connecting one set of lights onto the end of another set of lights. Avoid running extension cords or leads through windows and doorways and make sure they don't produce a trip hazard.
- Additionally, be careful when working at heights like big trees or roofs. Always make use of a suitable, secure and safe ladder or stepladder to hang items that are at a higher level beyond your reach.
Outdoor Lighting
- Keep all transformers and electrical connections out of the areas that may become wet due to extreme weather conditions or watering. In the place where there is no fixed or permanent safety switch installed, use a portable one that is available at the supply.
- At all times, remain aware of the power lines location and never ever trim your outdoor trees that contain lighting.
- Make sure the lighting system is suitable for outdoor use and that it is weatherproof. Safer outdoor lights make use of a standard transformer, which converts 240 volts to an extra-low voltage supply. Make sure to keep the transformers well ventilated to prevent overheating.
- Take the assistance of a certified local electrician if you want to install standard outdoor 240-volt lights as a permanent or long-term festive lighting system. It includes exterior power points and festoon lighting for lighting transformers. Avoid using 240-volt lighting on a tinsel Christmas tree.
- To avoid trip hazards or damage put extension cords away from the ground. Connect cords and lighting strings to the current fixtures with suitable electrical cable ties, tape, clamps or clips; however, by no means use nails. Using standard plugs and cord extension sockets, cords should be suspended at 2.5 metres above the ground.
Safe Operating
- Decorative lights that you buy and use must have an Australian standards label & approval mark.
- Before use always check all of your lights and if the lamps, plugs, wiring or cords seem damaged, avoid using them. Prior to changing bulbs with the same type and wattage, turn off the power and unplug the power cord.
- Before pruning or watering your Christmas tree, always turn off and unplug the lights.
- Keep decorative lights away from children and flammable items such as wrapping paper because they tend to become very hot and before going to bed switch off all the decorative lights and electrical displays.
When an Emergency Strikes?
If you come across an urgent or pressing situation when working with electricity, immediately call an emergency electrician in Sydney who can thoroughly inspect the electrical issue and prevent the impending disaster.
Author Bio:
Zak Saboune is an Australian Businessman who is fully involved with Service Today. The company provides certified plumbers & electricians in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Wollongong and Central Coast Area.
