Households decorating with Christmas lights this festive season have been warned that their displays could cause slow or intermittent Wi-Fi. Experts say the electrical interference from certain types of lights can disrupt wireless signals, leading to poor connectivity.
The issue is most common with older incandescent bulbs, which generate electromagnetic interference. LED lights are generally less problematic, but some cheaper models may still cause issues. Placing lights near routers or using them on the same circuit can exacerbate the problem.
To minimise disruption, experts recommend keeping lights at least a metre away from Wi-Fi equipment and using shielded cables. Upgrading to a dual-band router or switching to a wired connection for critical devices may also help.
While not a legal matter, the warning follows recent reports of potential fines for improper use of Christmas crackers and lights, but Wi-Fi interference is not subject to such penalties.
