From overloaded sockets to cheaply made toys, the festive season can quietly introduce new hazards, especially for children. At Electrical Safety First, we want every family to enjoy a happy Christmas. Here’s what to watch out for, and how to make sure your home stays safe amid the Christmas chaos.
Watch where little fingers wander
Children are naturally inquisitive. Anything that lights up, spins or flashes will draw them in. Electrical sockets, cables and plugs can be areas of concern when it comes to tiny hands.
If you have young children at home, tidy away loose leads and chargers where possible. Especially in bedrooms or play areas. Not only do cables pose a tripping hazard, but they can also become frayed or damaged if pulled, twisted or chewed.
Take care with new toys and gadgets
Christmas morning often brings a mountain of new electronics, from kids’ tablets to gaming consoles and remote-control toys. But before you plug them in or power them up, check everything is safe and compliant.
Safety starts with where you shop. So only buy electrical toys and gadgets from reputable retailers you know and trust, either on the high street or their official online store. And avoid third party sellers via online marketplaces.
Counterfeit and substandard products can look identical to the real thing but may lack essential safety features like fuses or correct wiring. Faults in substandard or counterfeit products can lead to overheating, electric shocks or fires.
Once unboxed, inspect plugs and cables for any damage before use. And always read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. If a toy requires batteries, make sure they’re inserted correctly. And keep button batteries well out of reach of children, as if swallowed, they can cause severe internal burns. If you can get button or coin batteries out easily, the product is unsafe and should be returned or safely recycled.
Check if you can register your product with the manufacturer as well. It's a free and quick process that ensures you can be contacted by the manufacturer for essential safety updates, recalls or repairs. There may be a form in the box for you to fill in or you can do it online.
Avoid overloading sockets
With fairy lights, chargers, televisions and festive cooking gadgets all running at once, it’s easy to forget how much electricity your home is drawing.
Each extension lead has a maximum load, usually around 3,000 watts, but that’s quickly reached if you plug in multiple high-power items like hair dryers, heaters or kettles.
You should also never plug one extension lead into another, a practice known as daisy chaining, or use a cable reel without fully unwinding it, as this can cause it to overheat and potentially catch fire.
Be cautious with Christmas lights
Christmas lights are a festive must-have for some, but they’re also one of the biggest sources of electrical hazards at this time of year.
- Check the condition of the cables before you hang them. If they’re damaged or frayed, replace them immediately.
- Always use indoor and outdoor lights appropriately. Lights designed for indoor use aren’t built to handle damp or fluctuating temperatures.
- Turn off all decorations before going to bed or leaving the house. Even modern LEDs can fail and start fires if left on unattended.
- Avoid overloading sockets by daisy-chaining multiple sets of lights together. Use a single plug socket per set, where possible.
If you’re buying new lights, opt for low-voltage LED options with the UKCA or CE safety mark – and avoid third-party sellers via online marketplaces.
Charging safely
Between tablets, headphones and remote-control cars, there’s no shortage of devices that need charging at Christmas.
If a product comes with a charger, use the charger that is supplied and be sure to buy replacements directly from the manufacturer. If the product is USB powered, use a charger from a reputable retailer.
Avoid charging devices on furniture like beds or sofas, where heat can build up quickly.
Don’t leave devices charging overnight or unattended, especially if children’s toys or gadgets are charging in their bedrooms.
Make sure you have working smoke alarms on each floor of your house. If something goes wrong, it could give you the extra time you need to get out safely.
Teach children the basics
Even young children can learn simple electrical safety habits. Explain, in age-appropriate ways, why they shouldn’t put fingers near sockets, pull at plugs or mix water and electricity. Turning it into a game or story can help the message stick without frightening them.
A safe Christmas is the best Christmas
Amid the tinsel and toys, it’s easy to overlook electrical safety. But a few simple steps, buying quality products, checking plugs and sockets and staying alert can make all the difference.
As you deck the halls this Christmas, take a moment to double check your electrics and enjoy the festive season knowing your little ones are safe.
Find more festive safety tips and tools at: https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/christmas