Christmas lights competition

Western Power has urged residents entering the Kununurra Christmas Light Competition to be mindful of safety when decorating their houses with lights.

Safety will be the major consideration for judges this year.

Western Power will offer prizes of thousands of dollars worth of free electricity.

Western Power's Regional Branch Manager Mike Laughton-Smith said safety should be the priority when creating a lighting display.

"Use your inventiveness and artistic flair but please ensure your electrical lights and equipment is safe," Mr Laughton-Smith said.

The most effective way to ensure your house and family will be safe is to use an earth-leakage safety switch.

"A safety switch will detect any leakage of electricity to ground, such as through a split in the cabling, and switch off the circuit."

Householders should also:

* Keep well clear of any existing electrical equipment such as the house service cable when installing or removing Christmas lights.

* Check that the equipment, including the transformer being used, is suitable for outdoor use. Equipment marked for internal use only should not be used outdoors.

* Keep installations clear of reticulation and other water sources.

* Avoid using double adaptors. Use rated and protected plug boards.

This is the third year the Christmas lights competition has been held in Kununurra WA.

Mr Laughton-Smith said the competition was designed to raise spirits at a time when many people felt the isolation of living in remote communities.

"Western Power proudly sponsors many community events and organisations throughout the year to help ease the isolation felt by community members," he said.

People must register for the competition at the Shire Office to be eligible for prizes.

Registrations close on December 17.