Electrical Safety: Fires and Wires

Used every day by billions of people across the world, electricity is something that we all take for granted until it either stops working or develops a fault.

When you turn on a light switch, you don’t even question whether or not the light is going to come on, unless you’re still in the dark after you’ve flipped the switch.For something that is used on such a huge scale, making our daily lives so much easier and safer, there is also a real potential for it to cause us problems.

This article will look at the ways you can maintain electrical safety in and around your home and workplace, reducing the risk of electrical fire and giving you, your family or your staff a safe environment to be in.

Overloading Sockets

This is a common error that is committed in homes and workplaces alike; plugging too many appliances into one electricity outlet using extensions etc. can put a huge strain on the electrical source, which can quickly cause the plugs to overheat, which in turn can start an electrical fire. Try and avoid exceeding the limit of plugs in one outlet: one extension cord is acceptable, but anything over that can be quite risky.

Correct Plugs

Make sure that all plugs and sockets that you use have a British or European safety mark on them when you buy them. This way you can be sure they have met the appropriate standard, as buying non-accredited plugs can often result in problems as they are poorly made – this can be incredibly dangerous for you and those in your home or workplace. If you are unsure about the validity of your plugs and sockets, contact a local registered electrician who can give you all the information you need and recommend any changes that need to be made.

Regular Checks

Even if your electricity is working fine, it is important that you schedule it for an inspection every four years. Contact your local registered electrician to carry out the inspection and you can then rest assured that any faults that are present or have the potential to develop will be rectified. Ensure that any electrician who checks your systems is fully accredited.

Here at City Fire, we are a leading independent fire protection company specialising in the supply, installation and maintenance of all kinds of fire safety equipment. If you would like help with fire safety, or you would like us to test your electrical appliances, get in touch with us today and we’ll be happy to help.