Published: 2 Dec 2011
North Queensland residents and businesses planning Christmas light displays are being urged by Ergon Energy to consider environmentally friendly lighting and take a responsible approach to electrical safety.
General Manager Service Delivery Northern Paul Ryan said lighting options such as solar and energy efficient LED lights could provide spectacular lighting displays for little cost.
“LED lights use less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs and generally last longer. Repeated use within reason and coupled with solar lighting, won’t necessarily impact electricity bills,” he said.
Mr Ryan said there were a number of ways people could enjoy the spectacle of Christmas lights while helping the environment including;
- convert to strings of solar festive lights – they use free energy from the sun and are readily available;
- consider progressively replacing traditional incandescent displays with LED festive lights. LEDs use less electricity than incandescent festive lights;
- limit the time your lights are on – turn them on later in the evening;
- use timers to limit light displays to no more than a few hours each evening.
Mr Ryan said Ergon Energy did not want to see the festive mood dampened by unsafe electrical practices.
“We urge people to take a responsible approach to electrical safety especially at this time of the year. Festive lighting stored for 12 months could be subject to heat, humidity and possibly insects or rodents. It should be checked thoroughly before use by a qualified electrician to ensure correct and safe operation.
“Christmas lighting should also be installed in a safe manner,” he said.
Other safety tips for Christmas lighting include:
- ensure lights were suitable for their intended use, (e.g. indoors, outdoors etc), and check outdoor connections are weatherproof.
- use power boards fitted with overload protection and never piggyback plugs and double adaptors when installing multiple sets of lights.
- never leave Christmas lighting switched on in unattended premises;
- switch off lighting displays before going to bed;
- avoid placing temporary festive lighting around or above pools;
- take extra care with extension leads, including making sure they are not damaged and not passed through doors and windows.
Safety advice regarding Christmas lights is available on the Ergon Energy website at http://www.ergon.com.au/safety/christmas_lighting.asp.Contact: Mark Timmerman
Phone: (07) 4727 5731