Electrical Safety Advice: Plugs & Sockets Electricity is used everywhere in our homes and we would find life very difficult without it. Imagine no light, no heating, no kettle or hairdryer, how would we cope? Although electricity is fundamental to life as we know it, it is also potentially very dangerous. Therefore it is important that we are aware of the safety precautions we need to take to make sure we are using it safely.
Plugs, Sockets & Cables: Things to watch out for that could spell danger
hot plugs and sockets fuses that blow for no apparent reason flickering lights scorch marks on sockets or plugs. Damaged cables these are all signs of loose wiring and/or other problems.
If a plug or cable becomes damaged or broken in any way THROW IT AWAY do not tape it up and continue using it
Overloaded Sockets
Ensure that you DO NOT plug too many appliances into an adaptor as you could overload the socket, which can lead to overheating.
It is better to use a bar adaptor on a lead, rather than a block adaptor. Don’t plug adaptors into adaptors. Only use one adaptor per socket. Don’t allow the total current used by the appliances plugged into the adapter to add up to more than 13 amps of current altogether - or 3,000 watts of power. So, for example, you could have two 2 amp appliances and one 5 amp in an adaptor. That means you should never run more than one appliance that uses a lot of current, such as a kettle or television, from one socket.
Badly Wired Plugs
If any wires are sticking out of a plug, not only could they be pulled loose but water, dust or debris could get inside the plug and become a potential fire hazard.
Fuses
The fuse is designed to stop overheating. If the wrong fuse is fitted and there’s a problem, a fire could occur. The following indicates the correct fuse that should be used depending on the wattage of the appliance in question:-
Appliances that use up to 700 watts: 3 amp fuse Appliances that use 700 to 1000 watts: 5 amp fuse Appliance that use 1000+ watts: 13 amp fuse If in any doubt check the appliance’s handbook.
The Danger of Water & Other Liquids
Don’t let cables or plugs get wet. Keep ALL liquids away from electrical appliances. For example don’t put a vase on top of the TV and don’t fill the kettle up when it’s plugged in.
