Candles and string lights: a home check before the holidays
Unpack decorations in daylight so damaged cables and awkward placement are easier to see.
Unpack decorations in daylight so damaged cables and awkward placement are easier to see. Assess the whole installation, including its power supply, rather than only whether the bulbs light up.
Choose the candle position
Estonia’s Rescue Board recommends a stable non-combustible holder, separation from flammable materials and continuous supervision. Consider moving curtains and table edges. In a home with small children or curious pets, a flameless arrangement may be more practical. An attractive wreath is not automatically a safe candle holder.
Read the light set’s intended use
Check indoor or outdoor suitability, the required power supply and whether sets may be linked. Tape over damaged insulation does not establish that the product is fit to use. Ask the seller for missing or unclear instructions before connecting it.
Follow the whole cable route
Inspect the plug, transformer and extension lead too. Avoid trapping cables in doors, running them under rugs or creating trip points. Do not build a chain of extension leads instead of finding an appropriate connection. Position the power supply according to its instructions rather than hiding it wherever the decoration looks best.
- Inspect condition and readable markings.
- Match location and power supply.
- Keep walking routes clear and cables protected.
- Switch lights off and extinguish candles at the end of the evening.
Agree an evening closing check
Decide who checks the room before bedtime. The Rescue Board also warns against leaving electrical Christmas decorations unattended. Test the smoke alarm according to its manufacturer’s instructions. Stop using equipment that becomes unusually hot, smells burnt or shows other signs of failure. New or expensive equipment still needs inspection; price is not proof of condition.
Related reading
Living room lighting: combine three useful layers
Sources and verification
Information checked on 30 October 2026. Recheck the source before buying or visiting.
