Company spokesman Chris Rose said crew attended more than 1000 call-outs for electrical shocks each year, including during the silly season.

Fairy lights purchased online from overseas could be cheap, but the price customers could pay later – if the product was faulty – was dear.

He said a Sunshine Coast customer was shocked by electricity this month after switching on Christmas lights bought online with exposed 240 volt wires.

The incident sparked warnings from Energex for customers to only buy electrical appliances from reputable retailers that sold products compliant with Australian Safety Standards. 

“This time of year there will be plenty of people looking online for powered Christmas decorations but please remember the serious safety risks faulty or low-quality lights can pose far outweigh the savings,” he said.

Mr Rose said people with older lights also needed to check them for any faults.

“For most of the year Christmas lights and powered decorations are stored unnoticed in cupboards and sheds where they can easily be damaged or chewed on by pests,” he said.

“So before any lights or decorations are plugged in they should always be checked for faults such as exposed wires and broken bulbs.”

For more information about electrical safety, visit here.