Homeowners warned of the do’s and don’ts when hanging lights this Christmas

Homeowners are being told of the do’s and don’ts for hanging lights in and around their home this Christmas.

Lighting experts from LightingLegends.com have provided their professional advice on how to stay safe when installing and using lights over the festivities.

Using high quality lights and being mindful of how many are being plugged into a single extension cord is crucial for minimising any fire risks.

All lights come with different guidelines, so it’s crucial to use each set correctly. Indoor and outdoor lighting should be installed according to their specific guidelines to ensure a safe environment for families.

​​Jon Saeed, managing director of LightingLegends.com says “Indoor and outdoor lighting is a great way to enhance your home, particularly as the festivities begin, but families should prioritise safety when installing and using lights.

“Outdoor lights must be robust and durable for the winter season. Not only will installing high quality lights look better, it will also l help prevent hazards and ensure they work properly without damage.

“Indoor lights are a great way to feel the magic of Christmas but be mindful not to overload plug sockets or you could create a fire hazard. It’s also important to turn lights off at night.

“And of course, it’s always recommended to read the instructions that come with your lighting to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.”

Do’s and don’ts for using Christmas lights from experts at LightingLegends.com:

Do

• Check damage

 Not only would it be disappointing to spend time hanging up your Christmas lights for the grand reveal to end up a dim disappointment when they don’t turn on, but it can also pose a serious hazard, with risk of fire and electrocution.

Checking the bulbs individually as well as the wire and fuse should tell you whether your lights are damaged by sight. Also make sure to read the safety label and instructions.

• Use waterproof outdoor lights outside

 When hanging lights outside you should always make sure they are waterproof and outdoor safe. Indoor, non-waterproof lights aren’t made to handle the wet weather outdoors, using incorrect outdoor lighting could pose a huge fire risk.

Look out for lights with an IP65 rating, this means they’re suitable for outdoor use all year round.

• Use high grade lights

Using high grade lighting will last longer than cheaper alternatives. High grade options are more durable, particularly outdoor lighting in harsh winter weather, which also enhances safety.

High quality lighting solutions like LEDs are also more energy efficient, consuming up to 75% less electricity.

• Have a spotter when hanging

Using a sturdy ladder whilst having someone to spot when putting up lights, especially with young children and pets around, can help prevent injuries during the festive season.

• Turn lights off

Setting a timer or manually turning your lights off not only will save your energy but can also reduce fire risks. Leaving lights on over a long period of time causes the elements to heat up, anything around the lights may also heat up and pose a fire risk.

Don’t

• Overload lights, especially in the same extension cord

Overloading lighting can pose a fire risk, particularly with lower quality lights, as overheating could lead to a fire.

It’s important not to exceed roughly 3,000 watts on a single plug socket. Using extension leads with multiple plugs can quickly add up, increasing the wattage and causing a hazard in the home.

• Mix LED and incandescent lights on the same chain.

Incandescent lighting uses a lot more electricity and draws more current than LED lights. If they are mixed on the same chain, the excess current can cause the LEDs to become damaged or fail.

• Use indoor lights outside

Indoor lights are not designed with any protection from the elements and will very quickly fail or become faulty if used outdoors, even if under shelter. Moisture is able to enter the electrical system of indoor lights which can cause a safety hazard.

• Staple lights

 Securing lighting using sharp objects like pins and staples, not only can leave marks in your home, but they can also expose the wire, causing a fire and electrocution risk, as well as damaging your lighting.