A Practical Guide to Christmas Lights in Strata & Community Schemes
Christmas lights are a great way to bring some cheer to your building, but in strata and community schemes you need to think about safety, rules and the people living around you. As electricians, we have seen what goes wrong and most issues are easily avoided with the right gear and a bit of common sense.
Here’s how to keep things bright without creating hazards or headaches.
Pick Lights That Are Built for Australian Conditions
When buying lights, don’t just grab the cheapest set you see online. Australia’s heat, storms and UV can be tough on electrical gear.
Stick with:
LED lights: They run cool, use far less power, and don’t overload circuits.
Solar or battery LED options: Handy for outdoor spots with no power outlet.
Low-voltage (12–24V) systems: Much safer for balconies and outdoor areas.
Outdoor-rated products: Look for a proper IP rating (IP44 or above) and Australian electrical compliance markings.
If the product doesn’t show compliance or looks flimsy, leave it on the shelf.
Electrical Safety Comes First
A nice display isn’t worth risking fire or electrocution.
Make sure you:
Don’t overload power boards or run multiple boards off one outlet.
Use outdoor-rated extension leads and keep all plugs well away from water.
Avoid daisy-chaining extension cords.
Check cables for damage before hanging anything, cracked insulation is dangerous.
Use timers so your lights turn off overnight.
Keep lights away from anything flammable.
If something smells hot, trips a switch, or starts flickering, unplug it straight away.
Be Careful on Ladders and When Working at Height
Most Christmas injuries we hear about aren’t electrical they’re falls.
Before you climb:
· Use a sturdy, good-quality ladder. Not a chair, not a pot plant.
· Keep three points of contact. Two feet and one hand at all times.
· Ask someone to steady the ladder; especially on tiles or decking.
· Never lean over a balcony rail to hang or adjust lights. That’s extremely unsafe.
· Avoid windy or wet weather. It can wait.
· Don’t stand on the top rung; or anything wobbly.
· Plan your layout beforehand; so you’re not overreaching or stretching.
Your Christmas does not need an unnecessary trip to the emergency department.
Install Lights Without Damaging the Building
One of the biggest issues in strata is damage to common property.
You can avoid that easily:
Use clips, hooks, cable ties or removable adhesives never nails, screws or drilling.
Secure your cables so nobody can trip on them.
Don’t hang anything over balcony edges, as lots of schemes prohibit this.
Keep lights clear of walkways, fire exits and utility areas.
Take everything down once Christmas is over.
If you’re planning a big display, let the do let your committee know, it avoids arguments later.
Your Scheme’s By-laws Still Apply at Christmas
Each strata or community scheme in Australia has rules about external appearance and fittings. Before you start:
Check your by-laws or rules, especially for anything visible from the outside.
Get written approval from you committee or Strata & Community Manager if you’re unsure.
Internal decorations inside your lot are usually fine; it’s the external ones that can cause issues.
A quick check now saves a complaint letter later.
Keep the Peace With Your Neighbours
Christmas lights shouldn’t start disputes.
Be considerate:
Use timers so lights switch off at a reasonable hour.
Go easy on the brightness, especially if the display points at someone’s bedroom.
Avoid musical or sound-effect lights they might be fun for you, but not for a whole building.
Install and remove lights quietly, especially early or late in the day.
With the right lights, a bit of care, and some basic electrical safety principles, you can put up a Christmas display that’s safe, compliant and enjoyable for everyone in your community.
Cowan Fire is a trusted provider of expert fire protection services across New South Wales. Specialising in compliance, testing, and tailored fire safety systems for commercial, industrial, and strata properties, they help protect what matters most.
Under the leadership of Director Adam Rourke and Operations Manager James Carlton, their team delivers responsive service, technical precision, and a proactive safety-first approach. Every day, they help communities stay protected, without compromise.
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