Christmas Lightings

During Christmas, a joyful festival, many people would like to use Christmas lightings to enhance the festive atmosphere. Domestic Christmas lightings are regulated under the Electrical Products (Safety) Regulation, while Christmas lighting fixtures such as those installed at the lobbies or on the external walls of buildings shall comply with the safety requirements of the Electricity (Wiring) Regulations. The safety tips should be observed when purchasing and using such products. You may find the relevant details on this webpage. Please contact us if you have any enquiry.

Safety Guidelines for Choosing, Installing and Using Christmas Lightings

Safety Requirements in accordance with the Electrical Products (Safety) Regulation (Cap. 406 sub. leg.) for Choosing Christmas Lighting Chains

1. Lighting chains shall be issued with valid certificates of safety compliance like other electrical products;
2. Lighting chains shall be tested to comply with IEC60598-1 and IEC60598-2-20 and issued with a valid test certificate;
3. Lighting chains shall be fitted with 3-rectangular-pin plugs to BS1363 or 3-round-pin plugs to BS546;
4. Lighting chains shall bear product information such as brand name, model no., rated voltage, frequency and input power, etc. Where appropriate, symbol for Class II product´回´, caution notice/warning label, etc. should be adhered on the product; and
5. Insulation material of electrical wiring for lighting chains shall not be damaged or worn out.

Safety Precautions in Using Christmas Lighting Chains

1. Do not use lighting chains fitted with 2-pin plugs;
2. Do not use lighting chains if their flexible power cord or internal wiring is found damaged;
3. Do not use lighting chains if there are signs of overheating (e.g. discoloration, charring or deformation);
4. Use only lighting chains with double or reinforced insulation design;
5. Avoid using lighting chains in outdoor environment;
6. Unplug lighting chains before replacing light bulbs;
7. Unplug lighting chains if they will not be used for a prolonged period of time. Before it is used again after a long period of storage, it should be checked, inspected prior to use.
8. To install the Christmas Lighting in accordance with the instruction manual, do not overload.
9. Allow adequate space in the vicinity of the power supply and the lighting chain for heat dissipation.
10. Do not install the lighting chain in the humid area, such as bath room, balcony, etc. to avoid earth leakage.
11. Switch off the power supply when unattended.

General Safety Requirements in accordance with the Electricity Ordinance (Cap. 406) and the Electricity (Wiring) Regulations (Cap. 406 sub. leg.)

1. Employ only registered electrical contractors and registered electrical workers to carry out electrical work;
2. Energize an electrical installation only after proper testing and commissioning, and request the registered electrical contractor and registered electrical worker to submit a work completion certificate (Form WR1) to the installation owner on completion of the electrical work; and
3. Provide proper electrical earthing and equipotential bonding, as well as earth leakage protection, to festive decorations and lightings.

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