The days are growing shorter and temperatures are dropping. In about four weeks, Christmas will be here. Yet many people are already decorating their homes, gardens, or balconies with bright string lights or colorful figures. But caution is advised: these beautiful decorations can, in the worst case, cause a short circuit or even catch fire. TÜV Süd offers tips on what to keep in mind regarding safety and energy consumption when putting up Christmas decorations.
Christmas lights hazards: Check for damage
The first step before plugging in the tried-and-true string lights should always be a thorough inspection of the plugs and cables. If there are any cracks in the insulation or damaged plugs, the lights should definitely be discarded. Caution is also advised with power strips. Connecting too many devices to one outlet can overload the electrical circuit.
Tips für Christmas lights: Watch the IP protection rating
A very simple yet crucial rule is that indoor string lights must never be used outdoors. Florian Hockel, a product expert at TÜV Süd, explains that there are different IP protection ratings. This value indicates how well the casing is protected against environmental factors such as water or dust. For lighting installed outdoors, Hockel therefore recommends a minimum IP rating of 44. If the decoration is exposed to heavy rain or snow, the expert suggests using lights with a protection rating of 54 or 65 to prevent short circuits or fire. Accessories like battery boxes or power supplies must also be certified for outdoor use.
TÜV SÜD explains: LEDs and timers to save energy
Those who want to save electricity but still enjoy beautiful Christmas lighting should use LED light strings, recommends Hockel. "They consume up to 90 percent less power, last significantly longer, and generate hardly any heat," the expert explains. However, even energy-efficient LED lights should not be left on around the clock. Hockel advises using timers. These allow the lighting to be set so that it only comes on when it is truly dark. This reduces energy consumption and ensures compliance with legal quiet hours for outdoor lighting from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Christmas lights: Beware of deals that seem too good to be true
TÜV expert Hockel also strongly warns against hastily ordering particularly cheap offers online. Often, these string lights lack certification from testing organizations such as TÜV Süd. If this is the case, the lights have not been tested for electrical safety or material quality. Especially for products imported from non-EU countries, Hockel advises checking whether the retailer appears reputable and if a user manual in German is provided.