Festive Lighting Safety Brisbane: How to Decorate Without Overloading Your Power
Decorating for Christmas? Here’s your beginner-friendly guide to keeping your Brisbane home merry and safe. Learn how to hang lights, avoid overloads, and keep your power running smoothly all season long.
Festive Lights Are Fun — Until the Power Trips
It’s that time of year again — fairy lights, inflatable Santas, and that “just one more string” moment. But before you go all Clark Griswold, let’s talk about keeping your home safe from electrical overloads. Trust me, it’s easier than you think — and your circuit breakers will thank you.
1. Plan Before You Plug
Grab a coffee and map it out first.
Where do the lights go? How many outlets do you have?
Think of your power like a budget — every string of lights “spends” a little electricity. Add too many, and you’ll blow the budget (aka trip a breaker).
Quick tip: Spread your lights across different outlets and rooms if you can.
2. Choose LED — Your Wallet and Wires Will Love You
If you’re still using those old-school incandescent lights, it’s time to upgrade.
LEDs use up to 90% less power, run cooler, and last longer.
They also won’t heat up and melt your tinsel (yes, that’s happened before).
Example:
A typical LED light string might use just 10 watts. Old ones? Up to 200 watts. Multiply that by 10 strings and you’ll see the difference.
3. Use Outdoor-Rated Gear Only
Brisbane weather can be wild — sun one minute, storm the next.
Always look for outdoor-rated (IP44 or higher) lights, extension cords, and plugs. If the packaging doesn’t say “outdoor use,” it belongs inside only.
And please, no running cords through windows or doors — that can damage insulation and expose live wires.
4. Don’t Go Overboard with Power Boards
You know that one outlet that’s doing all the heavy lifting? Give it a break.
Don’t daisy-chain power boards (plugging one into another). It’s one of the quickest ways to overload a circuit.
Use a single, quality board with built-in surge protection, and keep it off the ground in case of rain.
5. Test Your Safety Switch (RCD)
Your RCD (Residual Current Device) — aka safety switch — is the unsung hero of your switchboard. It cuts power instantly if something’s not right.
Press the “test” button before the holidays to make sure it works. If you don’t have one, it’s time to call your friendly Brisbane electrician.
6. Keep Cords Dry and Secure
Rain and electricity? Not friends.
Use cable clips or zip ties (never nails or staples!) to keep your cords tidy and off the ground.
If you’re setting up near your garden or pool, use waterproof connectors and covers — easy to find at Bunnings.
7. Protect Against Summer Storms
Queensland storms can be brutal.
A lightning strike or power surge can fry your lights or worse — your switchboard.
A surge protector or whole-home surge system is a smart investment before storm season kicks in.
8. Watch for Warning Signs
If your lights flicker, plugs feel warm, or breakers keep tripping — stop. Unplug.
That’s your house saying, “I’m overloaded!”
Call a licensed electrician before something serious happens.
Quick Summary:
Plan your setup before you start.
Use LED and outdoor-rated products.
Avoid chaining power boards.
Test your RCD (safety switch).
Add surge protection before storms.
If something feels off — call a pro.
When to Call Exclusive Electrical & Air
If you’re in Brisbane and want to keep your festive season bright and safe, our team can help:
Install outdoor power points
Add or test safety switches (RCDs)
Upgrade overloaded circuits
Set up surge protection for storm season
Book your “Festive Lighting Safety Check” today — before the lights go up! www.exclusiveqld.com.au/connect