Outdoor Christmas lighting (From Barry And District News)

Outdoor Christmas lighting

TO get into the swing of Christmas, there's nothing better than getting the decorations down from the loft and sprucing up the house for the festive season. But don't forget the garden because outside lighting looks really fantastic on those cold winter nights as the festive season approaches. Every Christmas, stories hit the papers of "the most festive houses in Britain". Most have so many lights that they light up the whole street and dazzle the neighbours! But you don't have to go to extremes. Outside lighting can be as simple as stringing a set of lights around a tree or for Christmas enthusiasts creating a winter wonderland in the garden. Whatever style you opt for the important point to realise though is that you need to make sure that your lighting is completely safe. This column provides you with advice on how to light up your house and garden safely and some top tips for what looks best to ensure you simply have a wonderful Christmas time!

OUTSIDE lighting v. inside lighting: Outside lighting differs from inside lighting because it is water resistant in order to protect it from the elements! Outside lighting can run off the mains or it can be low voltage, so make sure you check the voltage of your lights before purchase. If you're using low voltage lighting, you'll need a device called a transformer to bring mains voltage down to a low level. Simply plug it into the socket and connect it to your lights. If you opt for lights that run off mains voltage make sure you plug the lights into an RCD. This is a device that will reduce the chances of you receiving a severe electric shock if the cable is damaged.

EXTERNAL Electricity Points: Before you start planning your outdoor Christmas lighting, you should think about an external electricity point. It's better not to run a cable through an open window or under a door because the kids may trip over it and open windows might tempt burglars. Unless you've got wiring experience, you should seek professional advice to have a power point installed. However, you can only plug mains voltage lighting into an external electricity point. This is because low voltage lighting requires a transformer to bring mains voltage down to a low level. Currently, most transformers are not suitable for outside use, so you'll need to plug it in indoors and feed the lighting cable under the door. Luckily the cable for outside lights is much thinner so you won't have a problem closing the door. To ensure no one trips over it, make sure you use masking tape to stick it to the wall or floor.

ROCKIN' around the Christmas tree Most people have a Christmas tree in the lounge, but why don't you get one for the garden too. A tree, simply decorated with a set of outside lights looks great and will make your house stand out from your neighbours! B&Q stocks lights in a variety of colours including, red, purple, clear, pastille lilac, frosted clear and multicoloured. Most sets of lights are multifunctional which means they will constantly glow or flash at different speeds. Some sets of lights are operated with a control box and you will be able to push or twist a button to choose how your lights function. Whether it be a slow fade, alternate flashing or chasing, there is something to please all the family! Make sure you position your tree close to the external electricity point or choose a set of lights which have adequate length of cable to reach the tree. The packaging will detail how the length of cable from the plug to the first bulb and the length of light chain as well. You will not be able to extend the cable, as it will damage the set.

Tips to consider when purchasing outside lighting * Make sure you read the instructions in the box before you start. Many people don't bother with the instructions, they just throw the box away and panic when the lights don't work after they've spent hours arranging them perfectly round the tree! It's good practice to plug the lights in and check they're working before putting them on the tree. But you should still read the instructions to ensure your lights are operating safely. * When you purchase Christmas lights, if you're also buying a replacement set of bulbs, make sure you get a set which matches the original. The reason for this is, if replacement bulbs have a different voltage or wattage to the original set, your lights will be dimmer or brighter and this will overload the light chain and permanently damage the set.

SAFETY points * Keep wire out of reach so you and your children can't fall over it. * Use low voltage lighting if possible. * If you are using low voltage lighting make sure you use a transformer to bring mains voltage down to a low level. (A transformer will always come as part of the set with all B&Q outside lighting products) * If you do buy mains operated lights, make sure you use an RCD. * If you're using low voltage lighting, remember to always locate your transformer indoors. If you need additional advice before you start, you can ask one of B&Q's staff at your local store. Alternatively visit the B&Q website: www.diy.com where you can get further information on gardening, DIY projects and product information.