Sparkle safely this Christmas!
Christmas is just around the corner and some households may already be planning their outdoor illuminations.
Rachele Walker, Safety Officer at Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE), the electricity network company, highlights a few simple precautions which will help keep everyone safe when installing Christmas lights outside the home.
Rachele says, “Before you start hanging lights or decorations outside your home, look up and identify any overhead lines which may be coming into your home, or crossing your property. Keep an eye out for any overhead power lines as you might not notice how close they are if you’re working at height.
“Electricity can jump gaps so, before starting work, look up and keep well away from any overhead lines. Power lines regularly get mistaken for phone lines so keep at least five metres away from them if you’re not sure,” she explained.
“If you are using a ladder to hang the lights make sure it is stable and that it will not come close to any power lines when you are carrying or positioning it.
“It’s also worth installing a Residual Current Device (RCD) at the socket outlet where your lights are connected, this provides safety protection in the event of a fault or damage to your lights.
“Unplug your lights when you go to bed or leave the house, and have a safe and happy Christmas,” Rachele added.
For more advice about keeping safe when working safely near the electricity network go to nie.co.uk or follow us on Twitter @NIElectricity.
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