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Many Christmas lights unsafe - EU | Many Christmas lights unsafe - EU |
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One in three sets of Christmas lights tested in an EU survey presented a direct risk of fire or electric shock. | One in three sets of Christmas lights tested in an EU survey presented a direct risk of fire or electric shock. |
In Hungary, 95.7% of the lights tested were hazardous. In the Netherlands 56% of those checked fell short of compliance standards. | In Hungary, 95.7% of the lights tested were hazardous. In the Netherlands 56% of those checked fell short of compliance standards. |
The European Commission, which sets EU-wide safety standards, found thin wiring, weak cord anchorage and poor insulation in many sets of lights. | The European Commission, which sets EU-wide safety standards, found thin wiring, weak cord anchorage and poor insulation in many sets of lights. |
It says shoppers should go to reputable dealers and switch lights off at night. | It says shoppers should go to reputable dealers and switch lights off at night. |
Lights should also be switched off when a property is left empty, the commission says. | Lights should also be switched off when a property is left empty, the commission says. |
Hazards were found in 30% of the 196 random samples of lights checked in five EU member states - Germany, Hungary, the Netherlands, Slovakia and Slovenia. | Hazards were found in 30% of the 196 random samples of lights checked in five EU member states - Germany, Hungary, the Netherlands, Slovakia and Slovenia. |
Lighting chains frequently failed more than one of the safety tests. | Lighting chains frequently failed more than one of the safety tests. |
About 50% of the dangerous products revealed by the survey came from China. | About 50% of the dangerous products revealed by the survey came from China. |
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