It’s almost summertime in New Zealand. The kids are swimming in the pool, food is sizzling on the BBQ, and you’re starting to get a tan. The fast approach of summer also means that Christmas is just around the corner. Electrical safety is essential during the festive season, especially when guests are staying in your home and relaxation is a priority.
Here are six electrical tips to keep in mind over the Christmas and wider summer period:
1. Switch off Christmas lights before bed and before you leave the house.
Even better: unplug them! It’s better to be safe than sorry.
2. Buy Christmas lights that meet NZ safety standards.
Money-saving deals are great, but if the lights aren’t from a reputable retailer and don’t meet safety standards, the price isn’t worth the risk.
3. Beware water hazards, particularly outdoors.
Of course, this is a well-known safety tip, but it is particularly important to remember during summer, when pools are being erected on the back lawn, Christmas decorations are being put up, and guests are sitting around the lounge while eating Christmas lunch. You don’t want pool water to splash onto an outlet or that sparkling grape juice to spill onto a multi-box!
4. If you’re buying somebody an electronic gift for Christmas, make sure that it is safe to use.
You can visit the Product Safety New Zealand website to check out any recent product recalls.
5. Avoid overloading outlets and tangling cables.
Be wary when using multi-boxes, extension cords, and many cords at once. While multi-boxes lead to overloaded and overheated outlets, extension cords and multiple cords in the same spot act as tripping hazards. To minimize risk, invest in surge protectors for multi-boxes and use battery-operated electronics instead of ones that require cords.
6. Inspect electronics that haven’t been used in multiple months.
Ensure that fans, Christmas lights, and any other products that have been in storage since last summer are clean and safe to use. Common problems with older Christmas lights in particular are wire fraying, loose connections, and broken bulbs.
We can help you with your electrical safety needs this festive season! Get in touch with Cassidy-Davies Electrical today on 03 357 4176 or via email, office@cdelectrical.co.nz.
Author: Aimee O’Hagan
Image credit: Aimee O’Hagan
