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Why Aussies are being warned over imported Christmas lights

Anyone looking to display Christmas lights this year is being warned a number of imported products are not only illegal but highly dangerous.

A number of imported Christmas decorations don’t meet Australian safety standards.

Fair Trading senior investigator Glen Toole showed Seven News some he purchased from a $2 store.

“The bulb breaks easily and exposes live parts,” he said.

A Christmas tree goes up in flames while a Fair Trading officer shows lights purchased at a $2 store with bulbs that break off. Source: 7 News (file) and 7 News
A Christmas tree goes up in flames while a Fair Trading officer shows lights purchased at a $2 store with bulbs that break off. Source: 7 News (file) and 7 News

He added another imported product didn’t have an approval rating and “should never have been sold in Australia”.

Mr Toole also described a “cheap and nasty power supply” didn’t have insulation pins.

Fair Trading inspectors have been scouring hundreds of stores, checking fairy lights, fibre optic Christmas trees, wiring and plugs. They’re also checking online stores.

Matt Kean, the minister for Fair Trading, said these particular overseas products aren’t Australian certified and “potentially deadly”.

If in doubt check for the Australian safety compliance marks. Source: 7 News
If in doubt check for the Australian safety compliance marks. Source: 7 News

It’s recommended to check for the Australian safety compliance marks and to conduct checks.

Sydney resident Brian Fulmer regularly decorates his home for the silly season.

He said he’s always meticulous.

“Every year before I put these up every wire gets checked, every single inch,” Mr Fulmer said.

“No loose fitting, no fraying of edges.”