The holiday season is meant to be a time of celebration, connection, and creating special memories with family and friends. But with all the excitement of Christmas lights, new appliances, outdoor decorations and last-minute gatherings, electrical safety can often be forgotten. Unfortunately, that’s when many household electrical accidents happen, overloaded circuits, damaged extension leads, and faulty wiring are some of the most common causes of electrical emergencies in December.
Whether you’re hosting guests or simply decorating your home, it’s essential to stay mindful of power use. As a trusted level 2 service provider in Sydney, we have seen how quickly small electrical issues can turn into bigger complications. That’s why we’ve put together practical electrical safety tips to help keep your home safe, powered and stress-free this holiday season.
1. Check Your Christmas Lights Before Plugging Them In
Old or damaged lights are a major fire risk. Before you hang anything on the tree, along the roof line, or across your garden, check:
- Are the cords cracked, frayed, or brittle?
- Is the plug loose or discoloured?
- Are there any exposed wires?
If anything looks questionable, don’t use it. This applies to both indoor and outdoor lights. Be especially careful if you’re using older lights that have been stored for 10–11 months.
If you’re unsure about any power source outdoors, call a level 2 electrician to check your outlets or switchboard before powering decorations.
2. Never Overload Power Boards
It’s tempting to run multiple decorations from one power point, but overloaded power boards can overheat and cause electrical fires. Use power boards with overload protection and avoid “piggy-backing” adaptors or unsafe extension cable connections.
If you feel like you never have enough power outlets during the holidays, this is a perfect opportunity to book a certified electrician to install additional safe circuits. A qualified level 2 electrician can safely upgrade or repair your electrical supply to match increasing demand.
3. Use Outdoor-Rated Electrical Items Only
Always check the rating label on lights, cords, and connectors. Outdoor electrical products must have weatherproof and water-resistant ratings. Using indoor lights outside is dangerous as they are not designed to handle moisture, heat or exposure.
If rain is forecast and your lights or leads are outside, make sure all plugs are protected and raised off the ground. Keep them clear of metal objects, fences and patio railings.
If an unexpected storm hits, and something trips the power, call a 24 hour electrician immediately. Never attempt to fix outdoor wiring yourself, especially if it has been exposed to water.
4. Test Your Safety Switches
Every home should have safety switches installed on the main switchboard. They are designed to cut power instantly if something goes wrong, preventing electric shock and house fires.
Press the “test” button before the holidays begin. It only takes a few seconds. If your safety switches fail, contact a licensed emergency electrician right away.
If your property does not have safety switches, a level 2 service provider can install compliant switchboard upgrades to keep your system protected.
5. Keep Cords Away From Heat and Pets
During summer, people often place decorations near fireplaces, candles, BBQs or kitchen appliances. Heat can quickly damage insulation and melt plastic coating, turning cords into shock hazards.
Also, keep leads away from children and pets. Cats and dogs may chew on cords, damaging the protective layer and exposing the wiring.
Use cord protectors, cable ties, and insulated clips to keep everything tidy and safe.
6. Be Careful With New Appliances
From air fryers to coffee machines, summer entertainment usually means more electrical devices being used at once. Always follow these safety reminders:
- Read instruction manuals
- Avoid plugging multiple high-current appliances into one socket
- Turn off and unplug devices when not in use
If lights are flickering or breakers are constantly tripping, that’s a warning sign. You may need more circuits or a switchboard upgrade. In that case, call an experienced level 2 electrician to assess your home’s power capacity.
7. Have a Plan for Electrical Emergencies
Electrical issues never choose a convenient time. Power outages, blown fuses, fallen power lines, and damaged metering equipment often happen when you least expect them.
That’s why it’s smart to keep a trusted 24 hour electrician saved in your phone. A professional can respond quickly if:
- Your power suddenly cuts out
- A burning smell comes from a socket
- You suspect faulty wiring
- A storm brings down power lines
Don’t wait for the situation to get worse, call a licensed local emergency electrician straight away.
Enjoy a Safe, Bright Holiday Season
Enjoy a safe, bright holiday season by taking a few simple precautions to avoid unwanted electrical issues. A little preparation goes a long way in preventing hazards, especially when using lights, appliances and outdoor power during the festive period.
At IZCO Electrical, we’re fully licensed to handle everything from switchboard upgrades to private power pole repairs, meter installations and overhead/underground services. If you need reliable support from a certified level 2 service provider, we’re here 24/7 with fast, professional solutions. Don’t wait if you notice faulty wiring, tripping power, burning smells or damaged outlets. Call now on 0470 123 811 to speak directly with a qualified level 2 electrician or 24-hour emergency electrician in Sydney and get safe, expert service when it matters most.
