Electricity is an essential part of modern-day life.
We rely on it for almost everything, from lighting up our homes to powering our appliances. However, electricity can also pose a significant risk to you and your family if not handled properly. According to the National Fire Protection Association, electrical failures or malfunctions are one of the leading causes of fires in homes. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of potential electrical hazards and take steps to keep your family safe. In this post, we'll discuss some of the most common electrical hazards in your home and provide tips on how to prevent accidents.
Extension Leads & Overloaded Sockets
Using extension leads can be a convenient way to get more sockets in your home. However, it's important to ensure that you never overload a socket by plugging too many devices into it. This can cause an electrical overload, which could lead to a short circuit or even a fire. It's also important to make sure that all extension leads are of good quality and in good condition, as faulty cables can also cause accidents. If in doubt, swap it out. It is better to be safe than sorry. On our website, we have a handy Socket overload calculator, which can help you calculate the load for each socket in your home.
Overloaded Circuits
Another common electrical hazard in homes is an overloaded circuit. Overloading a circuit can cause the circuit breaker to trip or, worse, start a fire. If you notice flickering or dimming lights, circuit breakers frequently tripping, or a burning smell from your consumer unit, you likely have overloaded a circuit. To avoid overloading circuits, use appliances and devices with lower power consumption or, if necessary, consider installing additional circuits. If you need help working out whether this is the case for you, don't hesitate to get in touch with Perform Electrical Services on 01934 707 142 or your local professional electrician.
DIY Electrical Work
Whilst it may be tempting to take on electrical work yourself, it is important to bear in mind that a qualified electrician should do any electrical work. Incorrectly installed wires, fixtures, and other components can present a potential fire hazard. Never attempt to repair or install any electrical equipment unless you are fully qualified and competent.
Faulty Appliances
As well as being careful with sockets, it's also important to be aware of any faulty appliances that could present a risk. Always check the condition of old or second-hand appliances before plugging them into an outlet, and make sure you unplug them when not in use. If an appliance is behaving unusually, it's best to get it checked out by a qualified electrician or appliance engineer before using it again.
Damaged Wiring
Wiring is the backbone of your home's electrical system. Any damage to the wiring can pose a significant hazard. Damage to wiring may happen for a variety of reasons, such as floods, rodents, normal wear and tear, or simply due to ageing. It's essential to get your home's wiring checked and fixed by a professional electrician on a regular basis. One of our main causes of damaged wiring is other non-electrical DIY work. If you are drilling a new curtain pole up or putting a nail in the wall for a new picture or clock, be aware that you may hit a wire. If unsure, take extra care or ask a qualified electrician for help and advice. In the UK cables can run both horizontally and vertically from every socket or light switch, and 150mm from each corner and from the top of the wall.
Be more aware
In conclusion, it's crucial to be aware of potential electrical hazards within your home to protect your family and property from accidents. Keep an eye on your electrical outlets, circuits, wiring, appliances, and light fixtures to spot warning signs of electrical hazards proactively. Regularly maintain your electrical systems to avoid accidents. It's always best to consult with a licensed electrician or call a safety officer if in doubt. Remember, electrical hazards can cause severe damage, and it's essential to take preventative measures to keep you and your family safe. For more informaion on how you can keep your home protected call or contact Perform Electrical Services today.