Sent to us from the U.K. , written by David Quarmby.
It’s important to make sure that your electrics aren’t faulty to keep your home safe. Here are some top tips for safe electrical installation in order to reduce electrical fires and shocks.
1. It’s vital to visually check any plugs, cables and electrical appliances for any problems. This could be signs of scorching around sockets or damaged cables which are both potential hazards.
2. In order to detect any potential risks of safety to an electrical installation, a qualified electrician should carry out an inspection. They have the knowledge and experience to identify electrical dangers and ensure your home is safe.
3. You should think about getting an RCD, or a residual current device that can be installed to prevent shocks. This device disconnects a circuit automatically if there is a fault.
4. Make sure that there are enough sockets for appliances as you don’t want to be using too many multi-way sockets.
5. When you do have multi-way sockets take care that you don’t overload adaptors, particularly with high current appliances such as irons, kettles, or heaters.
6. Ensure all covers are in place to prevent anyone touching any live parts that are visible.
7. It’s important that your electrician checks that earthing arrangements are in place so a fuse or circuit breaker can clear a fault. These will cut the circuit so that a fire or shock is prevented.
8. They also need to check that there’s sufficient protective bonding so a shock is minimised.
9. Cables should be selected and installed in relation to a fuse or circuit breaker in order to protect the circuit.
10. In your home circuits should be installed to avoid danger and inconvenience caused if there was a fault.
The most essential thing to remember is to make sure electrics in the home are checked regularly by yourself and an electrician. Any electrical faults can present a possible threat to you and your family, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
David, the author, is an expert in electrical compliance and testing for businesses and is part of the ElectricalCerts group.