Electrical Safety & Energy-Saving Tips for Christmas
The festive season is a time for lights, laughter, and celebration — but it’s also one of the busiest (and riskiest) times of year for electrical systems.
Between extra lighting, heating, decorations, and new electrical gifts being plugged in, December can put serious strain on your home or business electrics.
At SJM Electrical, we want you to enjoy a safe, stress-free, and energy-efficient Christmas. Here are our top tips to help you save money, stay safe, and avoid electrical hazards this festive season.
1. Check Your Christmas Lights Before You Plug In
Old or damaged Christmas lights are one of the most common causes of electrical fires in December.
–Inspect before use: Look for frayed cables, cracked sockets, or loose bulbs.
–Replace damaged sets: If in doubt — don’t risk it.
–Go LED: Modern LED lights use up to 90% less energy than traditional bulbs and run much cooler, reducing fire risk.
–Use indoor/outdoor-rated lights appropriately: Never use indoor lights outside.
SJM Tip: Always turn off or unplug lights before bed or when leaving the property. A timer plug or smart socket can automate this safely.
2. Avoid Overloading Extension Leads
With so many gadgets, chargers, and decorations plugged in, it’s easy to overload extension leads — and that’s a fire hazard.
-Never “daisy-chain” multiple extensions together.
-Check the amperage rating of your extension lead (most are 13A) and stay within limits.
-Plug high-power appliances (like heaters or kettles) directly into wall sockets.
SJM Tip: Use a surge-protected extension lead for sensitive equipment like computers, TVs, or smart home devices.
3. Be Smart When Buying Electrical Gifts
Electrical items are a popular gift choice — but not all are created equal.
–Buy from reputable retailers — avoid counterfeit or unbranded electrical goods.
–Check for the UKCA or CE mark on all electrical items.
–Register new appliances with the manufacturer so you’re notified of any safety recalls.
SJM Tip: If gifting rechargeable devices, include a high-quality charger. Cheap, untested chargers are one of the biggest causes of electrical fires.
4. Use Portable Heaters with Care
Portable heaters can help keep homes and offices warm over the holidays, but they need to be used safely.
-Keep heaters at least one metre away from decorations, furniture, and fabrics.
-Never leave them unattended or use them to dry clothes.
-Check cables and plugs for wear before use.
SJM Tip: Consider upgrading to energy-efficient heating or smart thermostats to manage heat safely and reduce bills this winter.
5. Keep It Efficient – Save Energy, Save Money
The cost of keeping the lights twinkling can add up — but a few simple changes can help you cut costs without losing festive cheer.
-Switch to LED lights for all decorations and general lighting.
-Use smart timers to automatically turn lights off during the day.
-Turn off appliances at the wall when not in use — standby power still costs money.
-Lower your thermostat slightly and wear an extra layer. Even 1°C less can cut heating bills by up to 10%.
SJM Tip: If your energy bills are higher than expected, you could benefit from an electrical inspection (EICR) or energy efficiency review to ensure your systems are running optimally.
Stay Safe, Stay Bright
The holidays should be full of warmth and light — not electrical worries.
By following these simple safety and efficiency tips, you can enjoy a festive season that’s merry, bright, and hazard-free.
If you’d like professional advice, testing, or maintenance before Christmas, SJM Electrical is here to help.
Call us on 01903 680599
Email: [email protected]
