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YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

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Where to see the best Christmas lights in Australia for 2019

Where to see the best Christmas lights in Australia for 2019

How to use smart coloured lighting to create stunning effects

How to use smart coloured lighting to create stunning effects

Outdoor Christmas decorating ideas

Outdoor Christmas decorating ideas

What’s the right way to hang your Christmas tree lights?

What’s the right way to hang your Christmas tree lights?

{headline}

{headline}

Woolworths reveals last-minute Christmas range with 16 new products

Woolworths reveals last-minute Christmas range with 16 new products

When should you take down your Christmas tree?

When should you take down your Christmas tree?

The best way to store Christmas decorations

The best way to store Christmas decorations

{headline}

{headline}

Tara's handmade Christmas decorations and gifts

Tara's handmade Christmas decorations and gifts

How to wrap a gift when the paper is too short

How to wrap a gift when the paper is too short

What is a Christmas Eve box?

What is a Christmas Eve box?

16 easy Christmas recipes

16 easy Christmas recipes

 When is the ‘correct’ time to open Christmas presents?

When is the ‘correct’ time to open Christmas presents?

14 gorgeous gift ideas from small Aussie businesses

14 gorgeous gift ideas from small Aussie businesses

Tara Dennis’ guide to DIY Christmas table decorations

Tara Dennis’ guide to DIY Christmas table decorations

  1. Home
  2. DIY

5 safety tips for putting up Christmas lights

Adorning your house with Christmas lights is a great way to show your festive spirit, but make sure you do it safely. - by Better Homes and Gardens
  • 08 Nov 2016
5 safety tips for putting up Christmas lights
Getty

Here’s a few ways to make sure your display doesn’t hurt you or your property.

1. Electrical essentials

Make sure the switchboard of your home is fitted with a safety switch, technically called an RCD or Residual Current Device. If there is an imbalance in the electrical current, which happens when a cord is broken, the switch cuts off the power in milliseconds preventing electrocution. If you don’t have a safety switch on your house, you’ll need an electrician to install one.

...
Getty

2. Get the right lights

Make sure you use low voltage lighting that is suitable for outdoors. Don’t be tempted to use that old set of lights you had draped around the tree last year! Check the power cords that connect the transformer to 240V power for any exposed wiring.

RELATED: 5 Power Tools for DIY Mums

...
Getty

3. Ladder safety

Hanging lights around your home usually means climbing up a ladder. As falls from ladders are the biggest source of injuries at home, it pays to take special care. Make sure it’s sitting squarely on the ground, with no wobbles. If you can, have someone at the base of the ladder to hold it while you’re up there. Never over-reach as you could lose your balance. Take a few seconds to climb down and reposition it closer to where you are trying to reach.  

For more info on ladder safety, visit Product Safety Australia.

...
Getty

4. Garden lights

Running lights through your garden is a great way to extend your display. Make sure you keep any extension leads away from paths or foot traffic areas where they can become a trip hazard. Don’t run them across lawns either. They’re really hard to see in the long grass when you’re mowing.

...
Getty

5. Power point basics

Obviously with lots of lights you’re going to need more power points. Don’t be tempted to piggy back double adaptors for the extra points you’ll need - use power boards as they are safer. Keep them undercover and out of reach of children. If you do have to make 240V connections in the weather, put them in an outdoor safety box.

RELATED: Fight expensive power bills with these tips

...
Getty
  • DIY
  • Christmas Decorating, Tips & Traditions

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YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

{headline}

{headline}

Where to see the best Christmas lights in Australia for 2019

Where to see the best Christmas lights in Australia for 2019

How to use smart coloured lighting to create stunning effects

How to use smart coloured lighting to create stunning effects

Outdoor Christmas decorating ideas

Outdoor Christmas decorating ideas

What’s the right way to hang your Christmas tree lights?

What’s the right way to hang your Christmas tree lights?

{headline}

{headline}

Woolworths reveals last-minute Christmas range with 16 new products

Woolworths reveals last-minute Christmas range with 16 new products

When should you take down your Christmas tree?

When should you take down your Christmas tree?

The best way to store Christmas decorations

The best way to store Christmas decorations

{headline}

{headline}

Tara's handmade Christmas decorations and gifts

Tara's handmade Christmas decorations and gifts

How to wrap a gift when the paper is too short

How to wrap a gift when the paper is too short

What is a Christmas Eve box?

What is a Christmas Eve box?

16 easy Christmas recipes

16 easy Christmas recipes

 When is the ‘correct’ time to open Christmas presents?

When is the ‘correct’ time to open Christmas presents?

14 gorgeous gift ideas from small Aussie businesses

14 gorgeous gift ideas from small Aussie businesses

Tara Dennis’ guide to DIY Christmas table decorations

Tara Dennis’ guide to DIY Christmas table decorations

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