8 Tips to Avoid an Electrical Emergency This Christmas

Christmas is a magical time with twinkling lights, festive decorations and time with loved ones. But as homes get lit up and families are busy decorating, it’s easy to overlook the electrical hazards.

From overloaded power points to damaged lights, the risks can turn your merry Christmas into an emergency. That’s why these 8 tips to avoid an electrical emergency this Christmas are so important.

Whether you’re plugging in your lights, decorating the tree or using electric devices to stay warm, a few simple precautions can keep your home safe and your family stress-free. Let’s have a bright Christmas without the worry of electrical problems or home fires.

1. Check and Test Your Christmas Lights Before Use

Tis the season for Christmas lights on the tree and around the house. Therefore the first of our 8 tips to avoid an electrical emergency this Christmas is to check and test your lights before you hang them up.

Imagine this: you’ve just finished decorating the tree, you plug in the lights and… nothing. Or worse, you see sparks flying! The last thing you need is for damaged lights, frayed wires or faulty connections to cause an electrical emergency. Check each string of lights for exposed wires, broken bulbs or wear and tear. Replace any that look dodgy and always test them before you put them on the tree or your house.

Checking and testing your decorations now can save you from avoidable home fires or electrical issues later.

2. Choose Suitable Outdoor Decorations and Lights

When it’s time to decorate outside, the right lights and decorations can make all the difference. Your house glowing like a festive beacon can look amazing from the street. However, if those twinkling holiday lights aren’t fire safe or designed for outdoor use, the consequences could be catastrophic.

Always use decorations marked as outdoor use; they’re made to withstand dynamic weather and temperature fluctuations. Make sure your lights are properly grounded and plugged into outdoor power points with safety features like ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). For extra safety around electricity, keep connections off the ground and out of water.

By using the right gear you can decorate your home and trees with peace of mind knowing you’ve minimised the risk of electrical problems.

3. Don’t Overload Power Points and Power Boards

So, at this point, you’ve plugged in the Christmas tree lights, the outdoor decorations and the inflatable reindeer. But after your annual watch of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and being inspired by Clark’s efforts, you’re wondering if “just one more device” will blow the power point.

At this time of the year, it’s easy to make the common mistake of overloading power points and power boards. But it is a mistake that can cause overheating or a fire. We suggest following these tips:

• Don’t be tempted to cram every plug into one power point.
• Spread the electrical load across multiple power points.
• If you must use power boards, make sure they come with built-in safety switches.
• Check your appliances and devices are compatible with the power capacity of your board.
• Don’t stack adapters or use damaged cords as these increase the risk of electrical problems.

A little planning will keep your home glowing all season. But in a safe way.

4. Keep Cables, Extension Cords and Wires Tidy

It’s amazing how quickly cables, extension cords and wires can get tangled when you’re setting up Christmas lights and decorations. But ignoring this mess can cause more than just frustration – it can be a serious risk.

Frayed cords, exposed wires or cables running across doorways can trip people or even cause a fire. Keep everything tidy by using cable organisers or clips to secure wires along walls or under furniture.

Don’t run extension cords under rugs as the heat build up can be dangerous. Always check cords for signs of wear and tear before use and replace damaged ones immediately.

By keeping your cables and wires tidy you can enjoy your Christmas decorations without worrying about electrical problems or unnecessary risks.

5. Call a Licensed Electrician for Complex Electrical Work

One of the most important of the 8 tips to avoid an electrical emergency this Christmas is to always call a licensed electrician for complex electrical work. DIY might seem convenient but can lead to costly mistakes or even dangerous situations.

In Australia, it’s against the law for an unlicensed person to carry out any electrical work more complex than resetting a circuit breaker or changing a light globe. A professional will get the job done right and safely. Here’s when you should call in an expert:

• Installing additional power points or outlets to handle the extra load of Christmas lights and decorations.
• Repairing damaged lights or exposed wires that are a safety risk.
• Upgrading your switchboard to meet the increased power demands of the season.
• Checking outdoor connections to make sure they’re weatherproof and grounded.

A licensed electrician has the skills, experience and tools to do these jobs safely so your holiday can be bright and trouble-free.

6. Keep Decorations and Holiday Lights out of Reach of Pets and Children

The magic of Christmas can excite pets and young children, but decorations and lights can be a hazard for little hands and paws.

Dangling wires, shiny ornaments and blinking electric lights can tempt pets to chew or children to grab at them. This can lead to electrocution, choking or even fires. To keep everyone safe, keep cords and wires out of reach using cord covers or clips.

Don’t place fragile or small decorations at the bottom of the tree where they can be grabbed or knocked over. Use LED lights as these are cool to the touch and reduce burn risks.

A safe setup not only protects your decorations but also your little ones and furry family members can enjoy the season safely.

7. Turn Off Decorations When Unattended

The penultimate in our list of 8 tips to avoid an electrical emergency this Christmas is all about leaving them unattended for too long. As lovely as your Christmas decorations no doubt are, leaving them on when no one is around can be a recipe for disaster. Plus it’s a waste of electricity.

Old Christmas lights can overheat or spark if left on for extended periods. Before you go to bed or leave the house make it a habit to turn off all lights and electric decorations. Use timers or sensors if you tend to forget. Not only does this reduce the risk of electrical fires but also saves energy.

A few seconds to turn off your decorations and your house will be safe across the holiday period.

8. Keep Decorations and Lights Safe in the Summer Heat

No matter where you are in the country, an Australian Christmas brings unique challenges. Soaring temperatures typically come as part and parcel of the festive season.

Avoid setting up Christmas lights or electric decorations in direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure to the sun’s energy can cause overheating or damage to the wiring. For outdoor decorations, choose materials and lights designed to withstand high temperatures.

By taking these precautions, you’ll ensure your decorations stay intact and your celebrations remain safe, even under the hot Aussie sun.

Have a Safe and Merry Holiday Season

As the holiday season fills your home with joy, laughter and twinkling Christmas lights, don’t let preventable electrical problems spoil the fun. Follow these 8 tips to avoid an electrical emergency this Christmas and your decorations will shine bright and safe.

From inspecting your holiday lights to using a licensed electrician for tricky electrical work, every little bit counts. Keep your family, pets and home safe by managing cords, avoiding fire risks and turning off decorations when unattended. A little planning goes a long way to create a safe and celebratory environment for everyone.

Have a peaceful holiday knowing your home is as safe as it is beautiful.

Please note: Thanks for reading our blog “8 Tips to Avoid an Electrical Emergency This Christmas”. This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.