Did you bag a bargain in the New Year sales? Whether you bought a new electrical item recently in the sales, received as a gift or spotted a second-hand bargain, it’s important to make sure your electrical items are safe to use.
Sarah Wilkinson, Head of Prevention stressed the importance of "It's vital for everyone to make sure they have working smoke alarms on every level in their homes. These alarms play a critical role in keeping everyone safe and alerting them in the event of a fire.
"If you're incorporating a new electrical item to your home and business, it’s important to check you are not overloading plug sockets and you can easily check using the socket calculator on the Electrical Safety First website, see our advice for more information.”
Electrical fires can be easily avoided by following the advice below:
Always
- Always make sure you use the right fuse to prevent overloading. It’s so important to use the right fuse for each electrical appliance to make sure the cable doesn’t overheat and that the appliance is protected in the event of a fault.
- Always stop using appliances if the cables are frayed or worn. Also check the cable is fastened securely to the plug and check sockets for scorch marks.
- Always check electrical blankets regularly for wear.
Remember
- Remember to register your white goods at www.registermyappliance.org.uk. This website provides up-to-date contact information for owners who have acquired specific models of electrical appliances within the last twelve years, so manufacturers can issue safety updates or repair notifications to the right homes. The website provides access to the registration pages of over 40 leading brands of domestic appliances, including most of the UK’s top selling brands of major white goods.
- If you think something needs fixing or changing, do it immediately.
Avoid
- Avoid storing electric blankets tightly folded. Always store them either flat, rolled up or very loosely folded to prevent damaging the internal wiring and always unplug blankets before you get into bed.
Never
- Never overload plug sockets. If too many electrical items draw power from one socket it can overheat and catch fire. An extension lead or adaptor will have a limit to how many amps it can take so make sure you check you’re not overloading it. You can check using the socket calculator on the Electrical Safety First website www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk