During New Year's events, all installation and connection of additional electrical equipment, garlands, and festive illumination must be carried out by qualified electrical personnel.

Garlands and festive illumination should only be connected to an electrical network equipped with protective devices. For 220V networks, residual current devices (RCDs) must be installed. The safest electrical decorations are those operating at voltages below 25V.

Connected garlands and illumination must be suitable for the place and conditions of installation. When choosing decorations, pay attention to their ingress protection (IP) rating.

The "IP" marking on a device indicates the conditions under which it can be used:

— A device marked "IP20" is intended for use only in dry indoor environments, as its insulation is not moisture-resistant.

— If a device is marked "IP44," it is designed for outdoor use but should only be used under a canopy.

— The marking "IP67" means the device is suitable for outdoor use and is also resistant to moisture and water. Decorations with this marking will be the safest for decorating a house, building, or yard during winter.

How to prevent electrical injuries and fires:

— use garlands and illumination, as well as additional devices for their connection (power supplies and extension cords), only of factory production. Garlands connected to the power grid are subject to mandatory certification. They are covered by the Technical Regulations of the Customs Union (TR CU 004/2011), which will be indicated in the garland's passport;

— study the operating instructions before connecting garlands and illumination to the electrical network;

— visually ensure that the electric cable, plug, and other decorative elements are free from damage before connecting them to the electrical network;

— immediately disconnect the device from the electrical network if signs of insulation melting appear (smoke, unpleasant odor, sparking);

— carry out repairs of any electrical appliances only after disconnecting them from the power grid. Entrust repairs to a qualified specialist;

— do not fasten electrical wires and cables with excessive tension, do not subject them to other mechanical stress, do not place them near heat sources, such as radiators or open flames;

— do not allow children to connect electrical appliances to the network, as they cannot fully assess their technical condition. Warn them about the dangers of electricity.

In case of an electrical emergency or damage to electrical appliances, it is important to remember and follow the main safety rule: first of all, disconnect the electrical equipment as quickly as possible, and if it is not possible to do so, disconnect the main fuses or circuit breakers of the house or apartment! Everyone should know the location of the protective devices, how to quickly access them, and how to disconnect the power supply. In a critical moment, this can prevent a fire or save a human life.

Aleksandr VORONIN, Head of the District Energy and Gas Inspectorate, State Inspector for Energy and Gas Supervision.

"Zarya"