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When lit they twinkle like stars, brightening up the whole ambience. They resemble a long line of bright flowers, strung together. Described variously as ‘parallel lights’ or ‘lighting series,’ these tiny decorative lights — particularly those coming from China — have made the festival of lights even more brighter and colourful. But how safe are these lights coming form across the border, and also those manufactured in the country? In fact what’s prompted me to write on this issue is a tragic incident involving these series of lights recounted by a friend. A resident of south Delhi had strung these decorative lights across her balcony fitted with metallic grills. Perhaps there was a leakage of current from a loose wire and the lady got electrocuted when she was putting out some wet clothes to dry on the balcony. Taking cognizance of the dangers inherent in the use of unsafe decorative lights, several countries have enacted laws and regulations to protect consumers. In Singapore, for example, under the Consumer Protection (Safety Requirements) Registration Scheme, 1997, these lights cannot be sold without the mandatory safety certificate. In fact a couple of years ago, following a market surveillance and independent testing of some of these decorative lights sold in the market, the Standards, Productivity and Innovation Board (SPRING), Singapore, called a press conference to warn people about the unsafe nature of some of these lights that had come into the market, and the possibility of their causing electrocution or a fire. It would be worthwhile to quote the official on what constitutes unsafe lights. First and foremost, these lights or their packaging should carry the name of the manufacturer, safety instructions, the electrical rating and, of course, in Singapore, the safety mark. In the absence of these markings, consumers are not forewarned about the potential danger posed by the decorative lighting when used incorrectly. Besides, it would be impossible to take the manufacturer to task should the lighting result in fatal accidents. Second, these lights should have cord anchorage to prevent the lights’ wires from being pulled out of the control box. In the "pull test" conducted, the cord of these lights that did not carry the safety mark, broke off from the control box exposing the live wires, thereby exposing consumers to the danger of an electric shock or electrocution. Third, the wires should be fitted in such a way that these should not come out easily from the lamp holder. Exposed wires can cause electrocution or an electric shock. Besides, the wires used in these decorative lightings were far too thin. As the power drawn by the decorative lightings also exceeded the permissible limit, the thin wires could cause an overloading and start a fire. In India, let alone bringing them under mandatory certification, we do not even have a safety standard for these lights. However, observing the popularity of these lights, the Bureau of Indian Standards, which is the standards-making body in India, has begun the process of formulating one. At least by next Divali, we must have mandatory standards for these lights. Till that is done, consumers would do well to follow certain basic precautions while decorating their homes with these lights. In fact, I would like to give here excerpts from the safety tips issued by the Electrical Safety Foundation International of North America :(a) Before putting up these lights, check them carefully. Cracked, frayed, loose or bare wires, and loose connections may cause a serious electric shock or start a fire. Replace damaged items; (b) always unplug an electrical decoration before replacing light bulbs or fuses; and (c) don’t mount or support light strings in any way that might damage the cord’s insulation. Never nail or staple light strings or extension cords; So follow these instructions and have a safe Divali.
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