How to decorate safely with Christmas lights - and what could be putting you at risk

It never really feels like the holiday season until our homes are lit brightly with Christmas lights. But with so many extra electricals around, it's fair to wonder if LED lights can start a fire - and how to keep things as safe as possible while they're up.

Of all the decorations we love to use around this time of year, Christmas lights are the ones which can carry the most anxiety. In fact, ADT's fire safety expert Peter Lackey warns that 50% of domestic fires are a result of electrical faults. The added burden of festive lighting only increases this fire risk. So we've found out what you should - and should not - be doing.

Christmas lights - how to stay safe

Possibly the most silly and, unfortunately, common mistake that many make when decorating with Christmas lights is overcrowding electrical outlets. By that we mean plugging in an extension cord and loading it up with strings and strings of fairy lights. It might look pretty, but it is far from safe.

'Never overcrowd electrical outlets and only use extension cords when necessary,' explains Peter from ADT. 'Overwhelming units by ‘daisy chaining’ extensions can lead to higher chances of an electrical fire.'

If you do need to use an extension cord, make sure it is from a reputable retail outlet. It needs to conform to British standards and be CE market. They don't cost the world, either, like this four gang extension lead, £7.99, Amazon.

'Whilst it is very unlikely, there is always a risk of fire with any electrical product if it has not been manufactured and tested in accordance with the UK's strict safety standards,' explains Amy Mason, Director of Product, Lights4Fun. 

'Fires of this nature can also be caused by faulty electrical outlets, rather than by the product that is being plugged into them.'

What safety precautions should you take with Christmas lights?

'Make sure to purchase your lights from reputable sellers, and check once they arrive that the product bears the 'UKCA' mark on both the product label and packaging, indicating that it has been tested fully in line with UK's safety standards,' advises Amy from Lights4Fun.

Before plugging in any of last years Christmas lights check for any frayed wires or damage. A set of good quality lights picked up in pre Christmas deals should last about six seasons if properly looked after, but if you spot any issues get rid of them immediately.

'Once the lights are plugged in, check the plug for noise, heat or smoke, and immediately stop using if any of these occur,' cautions Amy.

'Never run cables underneath flammable items such as rugs or carpets,' adds Heath Alexander-Bew, Director, Alan Boswell Insurance. 'Items like wrapping paper are also extremely flammable, so pick them up after Christmas morning!'

 Can LED Christmas lights start a fire?

Peter from ADT recommends to use LED lights on your real or artificial Christmas tree. 'LED tree lights are safer than older bulb-lit alternatives and battery-operated tree lights are safer still!' he explains.

'Whilst it is very unlikely, there is always a risk of fire with any electrical product if it has not been manufactured and tested in accordance with the UK's strict safety standards,' adds Amy from Lights4Fun.

Can I keep my LED lights on all night?

'As LED lights don't emit any heat, or use a lot of power, they're fine to keep on all night,' says Amy from Lights4Fun.

Christmas tree lights don't use a lot of electricity. 'However, to save on energy usage, we'd recommend using products with a built in timer, or purchasing a timer plug, so that you can set them to only be illuminated for the hours that you want to enjoy them in.'

So err on the side of caution, and switch your lights off before leaving the house or going to bed.