As the festive season approaches more of us are being adventurous in our choice of Christmas lighting. We’re rapidly becoming more ambitious and imaginative, a fact that is reflected by the steadily rising annual sales of outdoor Christmas lights. Without wishing to introduce a Scrooge-like note, it’s just as well to be cautious in exactly how we go about putting up those outdoor fairy lights. Winter weather often means snow and rain †and that means water. And water and electricity are a potentially dangerous mix. Not only this, but we’re getting more accustomed to draping runs of icicle-effect lights along our guttering or soffits, which can be a hazardous project, especially if you have more than one storey to scale. So, in showing that old curmudgeon Ebenezer the door, as we should in the season of goodwill, we ought not to throw sensible safety precautions out with him. A most important first safety precaution is to make absolutely sure that the outdoor Christmas lights you’re planning to put up really are designed for use outdoors. Using last year’s indoor lights won’t do †that’s the best way to end up with an electric shock or even a fire. Indoor lights have a different design specification to outdoor lights, which are more heavily insulated and safely water-proofed. Even if you’re sure that your lights are safe for outdoor use, you should check them carefully to make sure they’re all intact. All it takes is one small split in the insulation and the results could be disastrous. And it’s a good idea to test your lights before hanging them, only switching them on outdoors when you’re certain they’re safely fixed. Battery fairy lights, which have been designed for outdoor use are now available in a range of colours and designs and provide a relatively safe alternative to mains-powered lighting for smaller features. Avoid hanging outdoor lights on a metal tree or gate at all costs †the metal can get charged with electricity if a fault develops and will deliver a dangerous shock to anyone who touches it. And to get to the guttering or soffits, you really need to be aware of ladder safety. It may take two to tango, but it certainly takes two to operate a ladder. You’ll need someone at the base of the ladder to â€foot’ it †literally place their feet at the base to prevent it from sliding outwards. The ladder should always be on flat, firm ground (avoid soft earth, gravel, or sand) and don’t be tempted to lean it against the guttering at the top †it’s very likely to slide. And don’t over-lean when you’re up there; if you can’t reach the next bit, clamber back down and move the ladder along or you could well end up plummeting back to terra firma at an alarming speed. Finally, always secure electrical lighting cable with either plastic clips on guttering or plastic-coated cup hooks on soffits: nails and staples are strictly forbidden as they can perforate the insulation. Move over Ebenezer †it’s time for some Christmas lights!
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