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KEEPING IT SAFE AT CHRISTMAS

Planning for and putting together a Christmas Light display should be both fun and rewarding. The excitement among the children as the lights are pulled out and strung up is just another step in the annual countdown to the happiest time of the year.

There are no creative rules and every light display is different but magical in their own unique form.

However there are a number of safety rules that should be followed as you erect your display and run it through to Christmas.

Here are 21 simple and basic tips that should always be followed.
1. If you need new power outlets installed use a licensed electrician to install them.

2. Make sure that you have an Safety Switch (RCD) earth leakage device installed in your home's electrical system.

3. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions. All My T Brite Lights come with a full set of operating instructions. Ensure that you read them closely and follow them at all times. Although many of the instructions sound obvious they have been provided for a purpose - to ensure the safe operation of the lights that you use.

4. Check your lights and equipment before you use them. While they may have worked just fine last Christmas, any moisture present when you put them away will have caused corrosion and broken bulbs are always a problem if you are using incandescent lights. Replace any damaged, wiring, lamps plugs and transformers. Better still discard any damaged light strings in their entirety.

5. Make sure that the cables, wiring, plugs and connectors comply with Australian Standards.

6. Don't use double adaptors.

7. Don't overload power boards. LED Christmas Lights draw very little power - much less than old style incandescent lights.

8. Keep your power boards and transformers under cover unless they have an IP44 rating or better.

9. Don't run power cords through puddles of water, doors or windows or run the risk of having the insulation damaged by your garage door.

10. Suspend power cords at least 2.5 metres off the ground if possible to avoid trip hazards.

11. Keep electrical connections away from moisture. If possible use water tight connectors rated as IP44 between the power cord, second strings of lights and any extension cords.

12. Only use lights approved for external use for outdoor decorations.

13. Do not cover lights, power boards and power points with tinsel and other decorations.

14. Unless you really do know what you are doing and can properly waterproof the unit, do not modify sealed 8 function controllers to bypass any of the functions. If you want to be able to control your lights through a computerised controller make sure that you use a static-on light sting or rope light.)

15. If erecting your lights at height make sure that your ladder is in good order and well stabilised while in use and or have someone hold the ladder for stability while you are using it.

16. If possible use an extension pole (like your swimming pool cleaning pole with a wire hook on the end) to place lights in higher areas and in the higher branches of trees.

17. If working at height, make sure that you 'look up and avoid any power lines' that may be running overhead.

18. If driving stakes into the ground, check on the location of underground services including underground cables and phone lines www.1100.com.au provides a free service to assist home owners.

19. Incandescent lights become very hot - keep them away from flammable materials. LED lights do not create heat and do not have such issues.

20. When attaching power cords, light strings or icicle light strings to fixtures use: tape, cup hooks, plastic gutter clips, cable ties, clamps or velcro strips.

Never use nails, staples or screws as they may damage the insulation on the lights and cords. If the insulation becomes damaged – do not turn them on, discard the lights and cords.

21. Always turn your Christmas Lights off when you go out or in rainy weather. Do not operate your lights in very rainy weather.