In today’s technology and gadget driven world, ever more electrical appliances are being introduced both into the workplace and into the home. It is important to remember that electrical fires can be started just as easily as through any gas appliance in the home. The following points are areas to look out for in your home, to ensure that your electrical safety is not compromised through everyday use.
Sockets and adapters — Be aware that overloading adapters with multiple appliances can result in the adapters being required to carry loads in excess of what they are designed to under normal operation. This can lead to damage to the adapter, the installation and most importantly, a risk of fire. Always try to use other socket outlets for other appliances before resorting to adapters. If adapters must be used, ensure that the adapter is of the fused variety and houses an appropriately rated fuse.
As a guide the following fuses should be installed for the respective power requirements of appliances:
Damage to appliances and accessories — If a plug or socket is cracked or has part of the protective shell missing, it must not be used! Cut the plug off immediately so that no-one can use the appliance, until a new plug has been fitted. In the case of sockets, remove all appliances from the socket, ensuring that everyone knows not to use it and call a qualified electrician to come and replace the damaged unit.
It is also important to perform regular visual checks on appliances used in the home, to ensure that the casing is not damaged, that the cord and plug are not damaged and that the cord is properly and securely located into the plug and into the appliance. At no time should either a live, neutral or earth wire be visible in normal operation.
Electric fires and heaters — these appliances draw large currents and as a result create very high levels of heat. It is very important not to place clothing or any other soft furnishings or combustible materials either on such appliances or within at least 1m. Good ventilation should be ensured, to enable the correct and safe operation of the appliance.
Never place a cord or extension under a carpet. Whilst it may seem as though the wires are protected, in fact they are liable to damage from being walked on, and any damage will not be visible until it is too late. Neither should cables be run around the edge of a room. Instead, an appropriate protective strip should be employed, which will not allow the cable to be crushed when it is trodden on.