Seasonal safety
Christmas & festive lights safely
Every year the fire brigades attend homes where a tired old set of lights, an indoor extension run outside, or a cheap set from a marketplace seller has caused a serious fire. It is easy to avoid — here is how.
If a set trips the RCD
Unplug it, do not put it back on. A tripped RCD means an earth fault — usually damaged insulation or water ingress on an outdoor run. Replace the set, don't try to keep using it.
Three rules that matter most
Match the lights to the location
Indoor lights are not rated for wet or damp locations. For outside — porch, tree, garden — every part of the run (lights, connectors, adaptor, extension lead) must be at least IP44, ideally IP54 or IP65 for exposed sites. Look for the rating printed on the packaging and the transformer.
Use an outdoor RCD adaptor for garden displays
A plug-in 30 mA RCD adaptor (BS 7071) in the outdoor socket disconnects the supply within milliseconds of an earth fault caused by damaged insulation or water ingress. Any home installed after 2008 already has RCD protection on the socket circuit — the adaptor is belt-and-braces for outdoor use.
LED, low-voltage where possible
Modern LED sets typically run at 12V or 24V via a plug-in transformer — much safer than 230V mains sets, run cool (no fire risk on a real tree), and use a fraction of the electricity. Old incandescent sets get hot enough to scorch pine needles and dry curtains.
Before, during and after
- ✓Inspect every set before you put it up: no cracked bulbs, no damaged flex, no exposed conductors, no melted casings.
- ✓Never join two mains-voltage sets end-to-end unless the manufacturer says so — it usually overloads the first plug fuse.
- ✓Do not run leads under carpets, through doorframes or across walking routes.
- ✓Never staple or nail through a cable — use plastic clips only, or self-adhesive hooks for indoor runs.
- ✓Turn lights off at the socket before you go to bed or leave the house — timers are handy but do not defeat this rule for old sets.
- ✓Keep pets away from cables — cats and puppies will chew a flex given the chance.
Never do this
- ✕Use indoor lights on an outdoor tree or wreath.
- ✕Daisy-chain multiple extension leads to reach the tree.
- ✕Cover a plug-in transformer with tinsel, fabric or a blanket.
- ✕Run outdoor lights on a lead coming out through a window with the window closed on the cable.
- ✕Use lights bought from unbranded overseas marketplace sellers with no UK plug and no BS/EN markings.
Want an outdoor socket that's actually built for this?
Paul installs weatherproof IP66 outdoor sockets with RCD protection — a permanent, safe supply for the tree, garden lights, EV charger or lawnmower. No more running an indoor lead through a window.