Third of Christmas lights pose risk

Almost a third of Christmas lights available to buy in the European Union pose a safety risk to consumers, according to a new study published today.

The survey, which was carried out by the European Commission, found that many of the products on sale could cause electrocution or go on fire.

Consumers have been advised to only buy lights from reputable dealers where basic safety standards are assured and to never leave lights on at night time or when they go out.

According to the report, serious non-compliance problems with local standards leading to an increased risk of electric shock, fire hazard or both were found in 30.4 per cent of the196 random lights checked in five member states - Germany, Hungary, the Netherlands, Slovakia and Slovenia as well as in the European Commission as a whole between 2007 and May 2009.

Problems with plugs, wiring, insulation protection, labelling and instructions for use were found in a further 40 per cent of products investigated by the European Commission.

The three main problems identified in the study were lights which did not have sufficient cord anchorage which can lead to wires coming loose, poor insulation and construction of cables and wiring which is too thin for the current it is designed to carry.

“If we are going to “keep the lights on” at Christmas, consumers need to be confident that there are no compromises on safety. Consumers want value for money and choice when they shop around at Christmas but never at the expense of safety. This report is a “wake up” call," said the European commissioner for consumer affairs, Melegena Kuneva.

"National authorities and industry will redouble efforts to crackdown on the gaps and loopholes that can let shoddy goods into shops and our homes. But consumers also need to work to minimise safety risks: so be vigilant, be active and be aware, that way everyone can have a safe and happy Christmas,” she added.

The European Commission is advising consumers that have bought lights which have a fault to return them to the stores from which they were purchased.