It is easy to forget that electricity can cause a fire as easily as any gas appliance. With an increasing number of electrical goods appearing in our homes, it is important to remember to use these appliances with care and safety, and to check them regularly for any potential dangers.
Around 35 electrical fires occur in UK homes every day. Prevent damage to your home and harm to your family by being aware of how you use and maintain your electrical goods.
In the event of an electrical fire, if the room is full of smoke get out immediately. If the fire is just small, you may be able to control it.
Pull out the plug or switch it off at the fuse box. If this doesn’t stop it, smother the fire with a blanket or with dry powder.
Never use water on an electrical fire.
To prevent an electrical fire, keep an eye out for hot plugs and sockets, or any inexplicable blown fuses and temperamental lights. These could indicate loose wiring or more significant problems.
Check the safety of the electrical equipment or appliances that you are using. Look for the BEAB, CE or BS (British Standard) mark. If it has an old BEAB safety mark of a round symbol it will be more than 10 years old and should be thoroughly checked or thrown away, depending on the item. The new BEAB mark has white capitals on a black background.
Preparation:
Make sure children are aware of the dangers, and do not let them play with electrical items. Ensure that pets are trained not to chew wires, and remove any mice in the home as soon as possible to prevent chewed through wires.
In case of an emergency, purchase a fire alarm and check it regularly. Fire blankets and small extinguishers will also be useful.
Cables, Plugs and Wiring:
Plugs that are fraying or badly wired are also a hazard. Any coloured wires that are visible could come loose, or cause water and dirt to get into the plug. If the plug lead is fraying, do not just repair it with tape and this will not fully prevent any dirt or damage occurring.
To ensure no leads get loose in the first instance, never unplug or carry anything by its cord.
Do not over load plug sockets. Too many plugs in one adaptor can overheat the socket. Use an extension, or only plug in what you need at any one time.
Never leave cables or electrical items anywhere vulnerable: near cookers or especially near water. Don’t fill up the kettle while it is plugged in.
Always make sure that the correct fuse is being used. The fuse is designed to prevent overheating, and if you get it wrong it could cause a fire. The handbook for the appliance should tell you the correct fuse to use.
- Appliances using up to 700 watts: 3 amp fuse
- Appliances using 700 to 1000 watts: 5 amp fuse
- Appliance using 1000+ watts: 13 amp fuse
Running cables under carpets may appeal aesthetically and hide a potential trip hazard, however your cables may wear through without anyone realising. Try to avoid laying cables where they are likely to get trodden on frequently, and ensure you can check them regularly.
If your electrical equipment and appliances are not in use, turn them off at the wall and unplug them if possible. This will prevent overheating.
Electrical Fires and Heaters:
Heaters have in the past presented quite a danger to the home user, as they consume a lot of electricity and create a lot of heat. For these reasons they should be kept well away from furniture and soft furnishings, and you should sit at least a metre away.
Do not dry washing over heaters or guards in case they catch fire, and do not cover any air grilles that ventilate the appliance.
Always keep your children out of reach, and keep it covered.