Christmas lights
Lighting safety
Here’s a few tips for staying safe when you’re using lighting decorations:
- Avoid contact with external electrical cables and overhead wires, including the electricity supply line to the home.
- Check that wires, fittings and lights are in good working order. If they appear to be faulty or you have concerns, either have the lights checked and repaired by a qualified electrician or simply throw them out.
- Use low voltage lights and use a quality power board for multiple plugs rather than a double adaptor.
- If bulbs need replacing, switch the lights off at the power point and use the correct replacement globe.
- Only use lights outside that are classed by the manufacturer as suitable for external use.
- Keep leads and lights away from wet areas including swimming pools.
- Ensure all outdoor electrical connections are weatherproofed – weatherproofing accessories are available for purchase.
- Always use a licensed electrician to carry out any changes to electrical wiring.
Don't do it yourself
You or a family member could be seriously injured or killed if you undertake specialist tasks, such as:
- replacing or rewiring a plug, switch or power point
- repairing electrical appliances (e.g., irons, toasters, washing machines, etc.)
- installing or altering fixed electrical wiring
- Don't do it yourself. It is important to engage a licensed electrician when performing any electrical works, except for these simple jobs, which you can do yourself:
- changing an electric light bulb
- changing the starter in a fluorescent light fitting
- replacing a fuse
- resetting a circuit breaker or safety switch
What to do in an emergency
In the event on an emergency, find out what Energex recommends you do.
Fact Sheets
- Look up and live - Stay safe around powerlines (PDF 124.9 kb)
- Look up and live - Working near powerlines (PDF 124.7 kb)
- Look up and live - Recreation around electricity (PDF 126.4 kb)
- Dial before you dig - Working near power cables (PDF 201.5 kb)
Contact us
Phone:
13 12 53
Disclaimer
This is not an exhaustive list of all safety matters that need to be considered. Whilst care is taken in the preparation of this material, Energex does not guarantee, to the extend permitted by law, the accuracy and completeness of information.
To the extend permitted by law, Energex will not be responsible for any loss, damage or costs incurred as a result of any errors omissions or misrepresentations in relation to the material in this document or for any possible actions ensuing from information contained above.
You require Adobe Acrobat Reader to view or print documents.