Public urged to follow electrical safety during Christmas, New Year

Colombo, Dec. 25 (Daily Mirror) - The public has also been cautioned not to overload extension cords and to use only SLS-certified electrical products of proper standards, as authorities warn of an increased risk of electrocution during the Christmas and New Year festive season.

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) said that every year a considerable number of injuries and fatalities are reported due to the unsafe use of electricity in homes, often caused by faulty or substandard decorative lighting and electrical equipment. They emphasized that homes, though considered safe spaces, can pose serious hidden dangers when electrical safety guidelines are ignored.

Authorities urged consumers to purchase decorative lights only with properly certified SLS 13A Type-G square pin plugs and to inspect them carefully before use for exposed wires, loose connections, damaged insulation, or signs of overheating. They also advised replacing bulbs or LED lamps only with types approved by the manufacturer.

The public has been further instructed to keep plug tops, extension cords, and control units dry and indoors, away from moisture, and to use electrical supplies equipped with a 30 mA residual current circuit breaker (RCCB) for both indoor and outdoor decorative lighting. Decorative light sets used outdoors should be specifically designed and certified for outdoor use and resistant to rain.

Officials warned against placing decorative lights near curtains, paper decorations, or other flammable materials and advised not to connect multiple decorative light sets together unless approved by the manufacturer. They also stressed that bulbs should never be installed or removed while the lights are connected to electricity and cautioned the public against attempting to repair damaged decorative light sets, recommending safe disposal instead.

Authorities reminded the public that electric shocks caused by faulty or substandard decorative lighting can be fatal and urged everyone to follow these safety precautions to ensure a safe and joyful Christmas and New Year.