Top tips to keep your home, business and loved ones safe this Christmas in Perth.

The holiday season in Perth is a time of joy, celebration, and beautiful Christmas lights.

While Christmas magic fills the air, electrical safety takes center stage for a truly merry and spark free season. Prime Time Electricians, Perth’s dedicated holiday safety crew, is here to illuminate the path with key electrical blunders to avoid.

1. Overloading Power Outlets

Deck the Halls with Dazzling Lights, Not Dangerous Overloads: A Professional Guide to Festive Electrical Safety

The festive season is upon us, a time for twinkling lights, joyous carols, and warm gatherings. However, amidst the merriment lurks a potential Grinch: electrical overload. Overburdened outlets can spark more than just holiday cheer, posing a serious fire hazard. But fret not, holiday enthusiasts! With a few simple precautions, you can transform your home into a dazzling winter wonderland, free of electrical meltdowns.

Understanding the Power Play:

Think of your electrical system as a delicate ecosystem. Each decoration, especially power-hungry incandescent lights, adds to the overall load, akin to tiny elves diligently hauling sleighs full of festive cheer. Exceed the system’s capacity, and the elves (your wires) become overworked, generating heat that can ignite a holiday nightmare.

Rule of Thumb for a Safe Yuletide:

Imagine your outlets as exclusive holiday soirées. Three standard-sized light sets are the ideal guest list for an extension cord; for larger decorations, keep the party intimate to avoid an electrical meltdown. Remember, it’s better to have multiple, smaller gatherings than one overstuffed, hazardous party.

Power Strip Superheroes to the Rescue!

Invest in power strips equipped with built-in circuit breakers. These festive heroes act as bouncers, vigilantly cutting off power before the party gets too hot. Opt for strips with surge protectors, adding an extra layer of defense against unexpected voltage spikes, protecting your decorations from electrical gremlins.

Bonus Safety Tips for a Spark-Free Season:

• Unplug decorations when the lights dim: Just as a party winds down when the guests get sleepy, unplug your decorations when they’re not in use. No need to keep the elves working overtime!
• Ditch the daisy chain: Connecting extension cords in series is like overloading the sleigh; it creates a tangled mess and increases the risk of overheating. Keep your elf team organized with dedicated power lines for each decoration.
• Keep cords away from heat sources and foot traffic: Don’t let your elf trip over tangled wires! Route cords safely away from radiators, fireplaces, and doorways to avoid accidental snags and potential hazards.
• Inspect cords regularly, and replace any that are damaged: Frayed wires are like worn-out elf boots; they can’t handle the holiday hustle. Regularly check your cords for cracks, tears, or loose connections, and replace any that show signs of wear and tear.

2. Using Damaged or Old Light Strings

Damaged or old light strings are not just an aesthetic issue but a safety hazard. Worn out wires can lead to short circuits, which can ignite a fire, especially when in contact with flammable materials like Christmas trees. Regularly inspect your lights for exposed wires, loose connections, or broken bulbs.

When replacing bulbs, unplug the string and ensure the replacement bulb matches the voltage and wattage specifications of the original set.

If a light string shows extensive wear, it’s best to replace it entirely rather than trying to repair it.

Read the entire list of tips here on our Christmas Electrical Safety page.