Hey there, awesome readers!
The holiday season is just around the corner, and we all know what that means – Christmas lights galore! If you're thinking about turning your home into a festive wonderland, we've got your back. But first there's a few things you need to know before you dive in. Now I know you want to convert your home into a world of twinkling lights and dazzling decorations. But before you do let's chat about some important stuff, like the pitfalls you might encounter. There's only 4 real bad ones and we can show you how to avoid them.
**1. Power Play: Avoid Overloading!
Okay, let's start with the basics.
We all love plugging in our gadgets and gaming consoles, right? Well, your Christmas lights need some love too. Picture this: you've got your tree lights, roof lights,and lawn lights all plugged into one powerpoint.
Exciting, but not the best idea.
Why? Because you might overload the circuit, and that's a big no-no. It's like trying to charge every device you own with just one tiny charger – it won't end well. Overloading can lead to electrical issues, and we want to keep the holidays full of cheer, not sparks.
What to do: Spread the love!
Use different power points for different sets of lights. If you need more outlets, grab a cool-looking power board. Just make sure it's not overloaded. Safety First, Party Second!
**2. Rain, Rain, Go Away – Or Not!
Living on the Sunshine Coast means rain is a part of life, especially around this time of the year. But guess what? Not all Christmas lights are rain-resistant. Imagine yourself spending hours setting up your dream display. Then comes the disappointment, only for your display to short-circuit in the first rain shower.
Water and electricity? Bad combo. We want to avoid any DIY light shows that involve rain, trust me.
What to do:
Because some lights aren't built to handle the wet stuff. Look for lights labelled "outdoor" or "weather-resistant." These bad boys can handle a bit of rain without giving up the ghost. It's also a great idea to make sure there's no loose wires, and all connections are secure - so there’s no way it could be causing trouble.
**3. Fire Safety – Let's Not Play with Matches!
Sure, we want our decorations to be hot – but not literally. Traditionally party bulbs can get seriously hot. Especially if they're close to something flammable, like tinsel or paper. One stray spark, and your Christmas fairy land could go up in smoke, not to mention your dream holiday time.
Why? It's science – traditional bulbs produce more heat. We don't want your festive setup to turn into a fire hazard.
What to do: Go for LED lights.
They're cooler, more energy-efficient, and won't turn your decorations into a fire hazard. Plus, they come in all sorts of cool colours and patterns.
**4. Extension Power Boards – Friend or Foe?
Extension power boards are like the superheroes of the electrical world, right? Well, yes, but even superheroes have limits. By plugging too many things into one power board you can lead to overloading.We've already talked about how overloading power points is a party pooper.
Why? Just like power points, extension boards have their limits. Too many gadgets sucking up power from one board? It's like trying to fit your entire wardrobe into one suitcase – not gonna end well.
What to do:
Be mindful of how much you're plugging into one board. If it's starting to look like a spaghetti mess of cords, maybe it's time for a second board. And make sure the board is suitable for outdoor use if you're taking the party outside.
Weather Proof or covered in out of the rain.So, there you have it – a crash course in Christmas lighting safety for all you good DIYers on the Sunshine Coast.
Let's keep the holidays bright, cheerful, and free of electrical mishaps. Remember, safety first, and then let the festive fun begin! Happy decorating, and have a lit holiday season! If by chance you're unsure about something give us a call at DNA Queensland Electrical.
