With Christmas just a week away, ESV is urging Victorians to take extra care when putting up and using Christmas lights and decorations and beware of the dangers posed by cheap and dodgy lights, decorations and electrical goods.
To ensure your Christmas doesn't end in disaster read our top tips for installing Christmas or decorative lights.
Top 10 tips for Christmas light safety
- Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety warnings.
- Ensure all lights, extension leads and powerboards are suitable for your intended use – use indoor and outdoor lights and decorations only as recommended.
- Buy Australian-compliant lights - beware of buying non-compliant lights online and from overseas sellers as they may not meet current Australian standards and may cause fires, electric shock or electrocution. Visit to confirm a product is registered and compliant.
- Test all Christmas lights before putting them up and check old lights and leads before re-using them – never use a damaged lead.
- Always turn off decorative or Christmas lights before going to bed or leaving the house.
- Make sure the power is off when putting up your Christmas lights or changing light bulbs.
- Don't alter or modify lights or any electrical product.
- If you have a living Christmas tree, switch off and unplug lights when watering the tree.
- Keep Christmas lights out of reach of children.
- If you have any concerns about the safety of the Christmas decorations dispose of them safely or get them checked by a licensed electrical contractor.
Want more information?
Visit our page on Christmas light . It has information on:- Checking old lights and decorations
- Outdoor light usage and specifications
- Buying Christmas lights, including buying second hand and from overseas
- Standards for electrical equipment sold in Australia
- General electrical safety tips.
Reviewed 18 January 2023