$600 fine for rule breach over Christmas lights

A Christmas decoration shop has been convicted and fined $600 for breaching electricity regulations and putting customers in potential danger.

Toplink Global Ltd, trading as Evergreen Christmas, was accused of selling Christmas lights without first making sure they complied with regulations.

Energy Safety, part of the Ministry of Economic Development, took the prosecution and at Manukau District Court on Tuesday Toplink was fined $600 with $130 costs.

The business, which opened a shop in the Botany town centre before Christmas last year, pleaded guilty to supplying the lights without obtaining the necessary approval.

Under electricity regulations, suppliers must ensure these types of lights are approved before supply. A recognised approval shows that an appliance meets New Zealand's electrical safety requirements, and that it has been adequately tested for electrical safety.

"Supplying electrical goods without first making sure they are safe not only puts the people using them at risk but also the supplier's business," said Richard Lamb, compliance officer for Energy Safety.

"Energy Safety takes breaches of the electricity regulations very seriously. This seller disregarded these regulations and as a result was prosecuted.

"Decorative lights are considered high risk because of the way they are used, such as being draped over Christmas trees, furnishing and around people's homes."

- NZPA