Easter is a time when decorative lights become especially popular – LED eggs, bunnies with flashing lights, glowing garlands, or figurines that move and play sounds. Most of these are electric or electronic devices, powered by batteries or directly from a socket. Before plugging anything in, though, it's worth asking a simple question: is this product safe?
What types of decorations are available?
- Battery-powered LED lights and figurines – These are popular, budget-friendly, and easy to use. Since they don’t require installation, they’re often seen as small gadgets. But even simple decorations need to meet safety standards and must come with proper usage instructions.
This category includes string lights shaped like eggs, bunnies, or flowers, available in various lengths and colors, making it easy to create attractive lighting displays. Table or window decorations, like softly glowing Easter eggs or rabbits, are also common choices. - Mains-powered decorations (230V) – These include items like light garlands, window decorations, and garden ornaments. They offer stronger illumination and tend to last longer, but they must meet strict safety and technical requirements. That means proper insulation, protective housing, and complete documentation, including a user manual.
You can find Easter-themed versions, such as garlands with egg or bunny motifs, that can be hung on walls, windows, or outdoors. For gardens or balconies, consider larger, illuminated decorations like glowing bunny or egg figures. - Electronic decorations with special effects – These feature added elements such as sound, motion, or flashing lights. They’re often battery-powered and sometimes come with remote controls. While visually impressive, these are still electric products and must meet the same safety standards as other electronics. That includes proper labeling and a clear, readable manual.
Common examples include light-up chicks, bunnies, or other Easter figures. Many are remote-controlled, which adds convenience – especially if they’re placed somewhere hard to reach.
1. Look for the CE mark
All electrical or electronic decorations – whether battery-operated or plugged in – should have the CE mark. This indicates the manufacturer declares compliance with EU standards for:
- Safe use
- Electromagnetic compatibility (important for decorations with sound or light effects)
- Proper insulation and power supply
If there’s no CE mark, the product may be illegal or untested – and therefore unsafe.
2. Check for manufacturer or importer details
By law, every product or its packaging must include:
- The manufacturer's contact details (if based in the EU)
- The importer’s information (if outside the EU)
- The model number or product type
If these details are missing, it’s a warning sign. If something goes wrong, there’s no one to hold responsible.
3. Make sure there's an instruction manual
Every electric or electronic decoration – even a basic one – must come with clear instructions and safety guidelines. This isn’t optional, it’s a legal requirement.
The manual should include:
- How to connect to power or insert batteries
- Where and how the decoration can be used (indoors/outdoors)
- Warnings about children, moisture, and storage
You can read more about user manuals in our dedicated RCC article. Go to the article.
4. Outdoor decorations need proper protection (IP rating)
If you’re placing decorations outside, they must have an appropriate IP rating – this shows how well they’re protected against water and dust. For example:
- IP44 – resistant to rain and moisture
- IP65 or higher – for decorations exposed to heavy rain or placed near the ground
Products marked IP20 or with no IP rating at all are not suitable for outdoor use.
You can learn more about IP protection classes and what they mean in our RCC guide. Go to the article.
5. Be careful with cheap, undocumented products
Low-cost decorations – especially from unverified online sellers – often don’t meet any safety standards and lack required labeling. Using them can lead to:
- Electric shock
- Short circuits
- Fire hazards
At RCC, we encounter such risks regularly. That’s why we recommend:
1️⃣ Buy from trusted retailers
2️⃣ Read the labels
3️⃣ Look for the CE mark and manufacturer info
4️⃣ Don’t ignore the instructions
RCC – Helping you identify safe products
As an independent research and development center, RCC helps consumers make smart, safe choices. We test and verify products, review their documentation, and assess potential risks. Our mission isn’t just about inspection – it’s also about education. We want everyone to enjoy decorations that are not only beautiful and durable but also truly safe.
Not every glowing Easter decoration is just a harmless trinket. If it has a power cord, batteries, or electronic functions – it’s an electrical product. And that means it must meet legal safety requirements and be properly labeled. If you’re unsure – contact us.
RCC.com.pl – we test, advise, and support you.
