Christmas Safety Checklist
Electrical Continuity Group • 9 December 2013
December is a time for Christmas cheer with many homes and gardens turned into spectacular festive displays.
During this time it's important to remember electrical safety. Too often decorative lighting isn’t installed correctly, or no electrical safety measures have been considered.
Master Electricians Australia urges everyone to be aware of common sense electrical safety measures to keep you and your family safe. They have published a Christmas lights safety checklist on their website, to help prevent this festive season from being marred by an unfortunate electrical accident.
Check for recalls
Check the Federal Government’s product safety recalls website to ensure Christmas lights have not been deemed unsafe by regulators. Even reputable retailers occasionally need to recall dangerous items.
Master Electricians Australia urges all home owners to check the ‘recalls’ website before installing Christmas lights, regardless of where they are from.
Consider safety switches
The only way to be truly safe is to ensure all lights are connected to power points controlled by a safety switch. A safety switch will detect any imbalance of power associated with electric shock and stop the flow of electrical current in less time than a heartbeat.
Adding a safety switch to a switchboard costs a lot less than many of the more elaborate lighting products that many homeowners buy for their Christmas lights displays, and can give you the peace of mind you are safe from an electrical accident this happy season.
For those with extensive lighting displays consider having a Master Electrician or licensed contractor install additional outdoor power points, rather than overloading existing circuits.
Christmas Safety Checklist
- Check for an Australian Approval number when purchasing lights such as Q12345, V01294, or N12345
- Visit www.recalls.gov.au to check for any recalled Christmas lights
- When installing lights outdoors, only use lights designed for external use. Generally these types will have a transformer
- Use extra low voltage lights - look for lights with a transformer
- Always turn off outdoor lights during rain or storms
- Ensure your outdoor connections are weatherproofed
- Do not piggyback double adapters or power boards
- Always keep clear of powerlines, swimming pools, driveways, and walkways
- Secure outdoor lights to fixtures and keep out of children’s reach
- Follow the instructions and recommendations of manufacturer
Looking to learn some more?
If you'd like any more information on Christmas light safety in Ipswich and West Brisbane, get in touch with the team at ME Electrical.
In today's world, electricity is the lifeblood that powers our daily routines. Whether it's brightening our living spaces with cozy lighting or keeping our appliances and devices humming along smoothly, we rely on it more than ever. But with this modern convenience comes a responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly – ensuring that our electrical systems are not only functional but also safe and reliable. Think about it – from the moment we flip a switch to the intricate wiring behind our walls, there's a complex network of electricity at play. And when it comes to installation, maintenance, or repairs, it's crucial to have someone with the right skills and expertise. That's where a qualified electrician steps in – they're like the unsung heroes behind the scenes, making sure everything runs smoothly and safely. So, in this blog post, ME Electrical explains the 6 reasons why having a qualified electrician for your home isn't just a matter of convenience – it's a fundamental step in protecting what matters most: your family, your home, and your investments. We'll explore how these professionals ensure safety and compliance with regulations, deliver top-notch workmanship, and even help preserve warranties – all while providing you with peace of mind.
In the sweltering heat of summer, few things are as appreciated as the cool, refreshing embrace of air conditioning. Your trusty air conditioning unit can work tirelessly some days and even nights to provide you with cool comfort. But like any machine, it needs tender loving care occasionally to keep performing at its best. Regular Air Conditioning maintenance is not just a good idea; it's crucial for the efficiency and longevity of your cooling system. In this blog, we'll delve into why Air Conditioning maintenance matters and offer some valuable tips for homeowners to keep cool and save big.
As we move through spring, temperatures are soaring. Summer is approaching and the sweltering heat is soon to become unbearable. It is in the heat of an Australian summer that air conditioners emerge as our saviors, providing us with the much-needed relief and comfort. However, there are many different kinds of aircon and you may want to put some thought into which one is right for you.
When you’re looking for an electrician you want a reliable and versatile team to make things as stress free as possible. That's where ME Electrical Brisbane steps in, offering a range of specialized services to cater to all your electrical needs. Let's delve into the extensive range of services we offer: Ab distinctio nihil et magni odio ut assumenda earum eum doloribus exercitationem et dicta cupiditate et praesentium maiores est animi labore. Est suscipit eaque et nemo nobis non voluptatem adipisci et eius nobis non distinctio cumque. Eos inventore amet sit dolorem aliquid ut veritatis fugit ad unde voluptatem a dolore quasi. Id voluptatibus error et dicta voluptatum qui voluptates deserunt qui totam consequatur quo praesentium iste.
Perhaps its time we talk about Smoke Alarms. With the looming deadline for landlords and prospective sellers to have smoke alarms up to standard to meet legislative requirements, now is the time to begin taking action in order to beat the last-minute rush. Under the new laws, dwellings (houses, units, etc) in Queensland which do not meet the new requirements, will not be able to be sold or leased after January 1, 2022. To put that into perspective, from this point, roughly 800 rental properties a day across Queensland will need to be upgraded to beat the upcoming deadline. To briefly summarise the legislation, each dwelling will require every bedroom, and any hallway that connects a bedroom with the rest of the dwelling, to be fitted with a Photoelectric Smoke alarm. There also must be at least one smoke alarm fitted to each storey of a house. All alarms must be interconnected. They will also need to be hardwired to the property's’ 240-volt electrical supply or powered by a 10-year Lithium battery. Whilst we are only discussing the target date for landlords and prospective sellers at the moment, please keep in mind, the new legislation will eventually affect everyone.
Electrical Switchboard Testing - have you had your annual check-up?
Are you up to date with Queensland’s Smoke Alarm Legislation? Have you taken precautions to protect yourself, your family and your home? From 1st January 2017, new laws regarding the installation of photoelectric smoke alarms in all Queensland homes came into effect. So what does the new smoke alarm legislation mean for you? The new legislation states that every residence/dwelling is required to be fitted with: Photoelectric smoke alarms An interconnected smoke alarm system Smoke alarms in all bedrooms Smoke alarms in hallways Smoke alarms need to be either a hardwired interconnected system installed by a licensed electrician, or a system of 10-year lithium battery alarms with wireless interconnectivity. When will this come into effect for you? The installation timeframe is set within a 10-year rollout and will vary depending on your situation. If you are building a new home or significantly renovating the legislation is already in effect for you and has been since 1st January 2017. If you are leasing a home (a landlord) or selling a home the legislation will come into effect from 1st January 2022. All owner occupied dwellings will need to meet compliance by 1st January 2027. All smoke alarms being replaced after 1st January 2017 must be photoelectric alarms.
Only 6 more Monday's until Christmas! Now is the time that many will start pulling out their Christmas decorations and lighting to prepare for the festive season. As the holiday season approaches, it's essential for Australians to prioritise safety by adhering to our national safety regulations for Christmas lights. These guidelines are designed to prevent electrical dangers for an accident-free holiday. But how can you protect your home and loved ones from these risks? Check out our safety tips to make sure you don't get caught out whilst getting caught up in the silly season!
It is important to remember you should never attempt DIY electrical work. We recommend getting a qualified electrician to check your wiring if you notice signs of rodent infestation around your home. Potential electrical disaster averted... this damage was caused by rodents having a little nibble. We were able to safely repair the damage and eliminate the unsafe environment.
Each year in Queensland around 70 kids under 15 end up in the emergency room because of an electrical injury. More than a third are under five. You can help prevent shocks and burns with these simple fixes at home.