Prioritise safety, quality when purchasing Christmas lights – GNBS

With the holiday season abuzz, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) has urged Guyanese to prioritise safety and quality when purchasing and installing Christmas lights.
The Bureau outlined that safety starts from the purchase of standards-compliant lights that are of quality and which must be correctly installed.
The GNBS, under its Product Compliance Department, monitors decorative lights according to the requirements of the National Standard GYS 232:2017, UL 588:2018 – Safety for Seasonal and Holiday Decorative Products. The standard outlines crucial labelling and quality requirements for this widely used holiday item.
Based on the requirements of the standard, decorative lights must undergo rigorous scrutiny to ensure they carry vital information for users. Essential details include the manufacturer’s name or trademark, the month or year manufactured, the voltage ratings, certification marks which attest to quality and User instructions for appropriate installation and care.
The GNBS outlined, “Labels on lights shall provide legible instructions pertaining to the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury, operation of the product and the user-maintenance and storage. These instructions encompass a comprehensive overview of risks and empower users with the knowledge to navigate potential hazards.”
Over the years, the Bureau acknowledged that there have been several instances of injuries and fires caused by holiday electrical lights.
To curtail such events this year, it recommended that users be on the lookout for the safety approval marks such as UL, CE, CSA and NOM, which are included in the labels of these items and they are crucial indicators of compliance with safety standards.
“Lights must be tested for safety and approved for use by recognised independent testing and certification bodies. Certification marks provide consumers with tangible evidence of the product’s reliability and adherence to quality benchmarks.”
Secondly, with outdoor lighting, options should be chosen which are explicitly designed for such conditions. That is, never use indoor lights outside, as their insulation may not withstand wet and windy weather, posing risk of fires, electric shocks, and further injuries.
“For those reusing lights, inspect them for defects like damaged wires, burnt-out bulbs, or loose connections before use. New lights should always be tested, ensuring all bulbs are functioning before purchase and installation,” the GNBS added.
Thirdly, when mounting outdoor lighting, exercise caution and keep them away from flammable materials like paper, cardboard, curtains, and metal foils to minimise the risk of accidental fires. The agency recommended the use of plastic clips or hooks for mounting rather than metal pins, nails, or staples.
Lastly, to promote safety, lights should be turned off when going to bed and homeowners should refrain from modifying lights, fully unwind extension cords to prevent overheating, and regularly test safety switches.