Safety

Electrical Safety Tips

We all take electricity for granted, using it throughout our homes without much thought. From light and heating to cooking and powering our home entertainment systems, however, it only takes one badly wired plug to start a fire.

Regular checks on electrical supply points and equipment are advised in order to remain safe in our homes.
Check out Roberts and Co Top 10 Electrical Safety Tips:

1. Pay attention to your residual current device (RCD)
   Your RCD is designed to protect by detecting faults, so don’t ignore it. The RCD that trips after it’s reset most likely signifies an electrical problem, so don’t keep resetting it as it could cause a fire.
2. Water and electrical fires
   Throwing water on an electrical fire will make it far worse as water conducts electricity. A chemical fire extinguisher is needed.
3. Flickering lights
   Lights that flicker are often caused by loose wiring or a worn out light fixture. Whichever is at fault will need to be replaced, after the power has been turned off.
4. Wobbly switches
   Improperly mounted devices or switches that have come loose need to be fixed. Disconnect the power and remove the faceplate in order to tighten the mounting screws.
5. Damaged flexes or cords
   If the flex is damaged and the wires are exposed don’t use the device. Instead repair or replace.
6. Hanging pictures
   When hanging up pictures or putting up shelves ensure that they are not directly in line with any sockets and switches as this is where the electric cables feeding the socket or switch will be embedded.
7. Standby
   When electrical devices are not in use switch them off at the plug to decrease the risk of fire and also to avoid wasting energy.
8. Don’t overload
   Avoid plugging adapters into adapters. Overloading sockets with too many devices drawing power from one socket can cause overheating leading to a fire risk.
9. BEAB seal of approval
   When purchasing any electrical items check that they are approved standard and keep them properly maintained.
10. Electrics and water don’t mix
    Unless designed for use there, don’t use any electrical items in the bathroom. Even with those specially designed items such as shavers and toothbrushes care is still needed. Avoid wet hands and plugs.

Electrical advice

• If you carry out any electrical repairs, always turn the electrics off at the mains first.
• Only attempt electrical repairs if you know what you are doing. Otherwise call a NICEIC approved electrician.
• Always use the correct wattage light bulb for all light fittings.
• Circuit breakers and fuses need to be the correct size current rating for their circuit.

Danger signs

• Hot plugs and sockets.
• Fuses that blow for no reason.
• Flickering lights.
• Sockets or plugs with scorch marks.
• Damaged sockets.
• Loose or exposed wiring.
• Rcd tripping with no reason.