To get into the swing of Christmas, there's nothing better than getting the decorations down from the loft and sprucing up the house for the festive season. Don't forget the garden because outside lighting looks really fantastic on those cold winter nights as the festive season approaches.

Outside lighting can be as simple as stringing a set of lights around a tree or for Christmas enthusiasts creating a winter wonderland in the garden.

Whatever style you choose, the most important point is to make sure that your lighting is completely safe.

This column provides you with advice on how to light up your house and garden safely and some top tips for what looks best to ensure you simply have a wonderful Christmas time!

Outside Lighting or Inside Lighting?

Outside lighting differs from inside lighting because, by design, it is water and frost resistant in order to protect it from the elements! Outside lighting can be either mains, or low voltage, so make sure you check the type you require before purchase. Low voltage lighting, is supplied with a transformer that simply plugs in into the socket in your home and is connected to your lights, although you must read the instructions as all types of lighting vary. If you choose lights that are mains voltage you must make sure that your lights are plugged into an RCD (Residual Current Device). This device will reduce the risk of you receiving a severe electric shock should an accident happen.

External Electricity Points.

Before you start planning your outdoor Christmas lighting, you may want to think about an external socket. This can be a project for a later time, as it will require some planning. Remember, you can only plug mains voltage lighting into an external socket as low voltage lighting requires a transformer and currently most transformers are not suitable for outside use. You should always seek professional advice before having an outside power point installed.

Installing Low-Voltage Garden Lighting.

When it comes to garden lighting, a low-voltage set-up is the simplest to install and the safest. The lights take their power from the transformer via cable designed for low voltage circuits. There are different types of lighting units from hanging arbours to ground spikes - these are simply fitted to the cable by small connecting boxes.

Running the cable.

The lights are fed via a transformer, which can be plugged into an indoor socket, or a socket in a shed or garage - it must however be protected from the elements. The cable can be passed through a hole drilled in the wall, in a door or window frame. Plug the hole with silicone sealant to keep moisture at bay. Because of the low voltage, the cable can be safely laid on the surface. To avoid the trip hazard of a loose cable, not to mention the sheer inconvenience of putting a garden spade through it at some future date, it is better place the cable at the back of the border and spur off to the lights.

Tips To Consider When Purchasing Outside Lighting.

• Make sure you read the instructions in the box before you start. Many people don't bother with the instructions; they just throw the box away and panic when the lights don't work after they've spent hours arranging them perfectly round the tree! It's good practice to plug the lights in and check they're working before putting them on the tree. But do still read the instructions to ensure your lights are operating safely.
• When you purchase Christmas lights, if you're also buying a replacement set of bulbs, make sure you get a set, which matches the original. The reason for this is, if replacement bulbs have a different voltage or wattage to the original set, your lights will be dimmer or brighter and this will overload the light chain and permanently damage the set.

Safety Points.

Keep wire out of reach so you and your children can't fall over it.

• Use low voltage lighting if possible
• If you use mains voltage lights, make sure you use an RCD.

These and hundreds of other DIY jobs are covered in DIY books available from book shops and the library. Don't be afraid to ask for advice.