Consumers! Install and use your decorative lights in a safe manner this holiday

Dec 16, 2018 Features / Columnists, Standards in Focus

Whether it’s for the decoration of your home this Christmas, a party or any special occasion, decorative lights can really add to the atmosphere. However, as with any electrical outfit, decorative lights also need to be properly installed to ensure they don’t become a threat to users as fire hazards.
The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS), under its Standards Compliance Programme, monitors Christmas Tree and Decorative Lighting outfits according to the requirements of the National Standard to ensure conformance and safe use.
The Bureau aims to ensure that caution is taken during the selection, installation and use of decorative lights and recommends that consumers adhere to the following tips relating to decorative lights this holiday season:
Look for the safety approval mark- Decorative lights for sale must comply with relevant safety standards. It is illegal in many countries to offer decorative lights for sale without the necessary safety approval. Decorative lights must be tested for safety and approved for use by an independent testing and certification body.
Determine if lights are for indoor or outdoor use – If you are going to use the decorative lighting outdoors make sure it is suitable for outdoor use.
Never use indoor lighting outside because the insulation on the wires is not suitable for wet or windy weather and may result in fires, electric shocks and/or injuries to people.
Check lights before use – If you are re-using lights from a previous occasion, ensure that they are free of defects such as damaged wires, burnt-out bulbs or loose connections. New lights also have to be checked and this can be done by laying them along the floor to check that no bulbs are loose or missing.
Plug in the light set temporarily to check if all the bulbs are working. Always, unplug the light set from the power source before replacing the bulbs. Use new bulbs of the same type and wattage to avoid the lighting set overheating which could cause a fire.
When preparing your lights ensure you never turn on the light set while it is in the box or modify or cut a set of lights including the plug and fuse elements. Regularly monitor your lighting for faulty and burnt-out bulbs and replace them immediately.
When mounting your lights keep them away from paper, cardboard, curtains, material and other flammable material to minimise the risk of accidental fire especially if you want to leave your lights turned on overnight.
It is also important that you do not place the lights near metal foils – e.g foils from Christmas trees or other decorations. Always use plastic clips or hooks to mount the lights – never use metal pins, nails or staples to mount your lights.Do not connect one set of lights to another unless it is designed for that purpose – connecting lighting sets can cause overloading of the circuit.
When setting up outdoor decorative lights – Only use lights intended to be used outdoors and weatherproof your extension leads with handy accessories that cover and protect plugs. Secure the lights firmly to ensure they aren’t broken or damaged in wind or storms and turn off your decorative outdoor lights during storms and rain.
The GNBS would like all consumers to put safety first during the use of decorative lights during this holiday season, even as they enjoy their decorative lighting displays.
For further information on this subject, call the GNBS on Telephone number: 219-0065 or 219-0069 or visit the Bureau’s website: www.gnbsgy.org

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