It’s that time of year when we decorate our homes inside and out, with greenery, bunting and that all important lighting. Fairy lights or garland lights are a key fixture in seasonal decorations but how safe is this widely available, low cost lighting? 

Euroconsumers member Testachats/Testaankoop has safety-tested 25 sets of Christmas fairy lights to see if they are strong, electrically safe and fire-resistant. 

Fairy lights that don’t meet these standards might cause electric shocks, or risk short circuiting and fire. It’s really important that lights designed for outdoor use are waterproof – if not users run the risk of electrocution. 

Lighting up the test lab

Testachats/Testaankoop bought 25 sets of fairy lights of about 10 meters each, 24 were sent to the laboratory to be tested, but one that was ordered online did not arrive. The lights underwent a range of tests to check a whole range of different safety aspects:

• • A tensile test and an impact test to measure their strength
• • An electrical insulation test
• • An examination of the fire resistance of the LEDs
• • An examination of leak control for any advertised as suitable for outdoor use

They also verified the maximum indicated power and checked they had all the required markings and labelling.  

Fourteen sets of fairy lights failed at least one test

Of the 24 sets of fairy lights tested, 14 did not meet safety requirements, although most of these were minor issues like a lack of incorrect markings. Here’s more detail:

• • Seven models had no or incorrect markings
• • Seven did not extinguish quickly enough during the fire resistance test
• • Four did not indicate maximum power.

Three fairy lights failed on multiple safety points the tests 

More concerning three of the products posed serious risks, which has led to our member in Belgium advising against buying them. 

These lights, which were all purchased on online platform Shein failed virtually every test: lack of labeling, failure to meet mandatory Class III protection requirements for Christmas lighting, a  lack of protection against electric shock, non-waterproof electrical components, and a control box that was far too fragile. In practical terms, this means an increased risk of electric shock and short circuits.

Other unbranded garlands purchased from Action and Hubo did not pass the waterproof test. The electrical insulation of these two models was not good enough for humid weather conditions and so brings the risk of electrocution and short circuiting.

Christmas should be a warm and safe holiday, and consumers should be able to trust the lights they buy.

Testachats/Testaankoop has filed a complaint with its national authority for the three dangerous garlands, and also for the eleven others that do not meet all the safety requirements.

Keeping your fairy lights safe every christmas  

Here are some top tips to keep your lights safely twinkling and avoid any risks:

• • Buy garlands with the CE marking, preferably not too cheap, and check that all components but in particular the electrical components, are still intact before use.
• • Avoid leaving them on 24 hours a day, LEDs may not consume much energy , but as a precaution, don’t let them burn out for too long when you’re away.
• • Store them by wrapping them around a reel or hanger, that means they won’t get damaged and will be ok to use next year. To store them, wrap them around a hose reel or hanger. This way, they won’t be damaged and you can use them again next year.