Electrical Overloading

Electrical Overloading
With all these appliances plugged in, you need to ensure that your electricity supply points and equipment are safe on a regular basis. It only takes one faulty plug to start a fire. You may not be able to see a flame but there could still be a fire risk.

Do not overload your power sockets
Too many plugs drawing power from one socket can cause it to overheat and catch fire. You can easily prevent overloading. Use these helpful tips to ensure you do not overload your plugs.

• Use a bar adaptor on a lead instead of using a block adaptor
• Apply the rule: One adaptor to one socket. Don’t plug an adaptor into another adaptor
• Before you plug your appliance into an adaptor, check the adaptor rating
The total current used by the appliance(s) plugged into the adaptor should be less than 13amps or 3,000 watts of power. For example, you can plug two 2amp appliances and one 5amp appliance into an adaptor. However, don’t plug more than one appliance that uses a lot of power into the same adaptor i.e. don’t plug your kettle, hi-fi and TV into the same adaptor as they all use a lot of current.

How to prevent electrical fires
Here are some useful tips to ensure your home is an electrical safe zone.

Warning signs
Loose wiring is a potential fire hazard. The following are signs of loose wiring:

• Hot plugs and sockets
• Fuses that blow for no obvious reason
• Flickering lights
• Scorch marks on sockets or plugs

Incorrectly wired plugs
A plug that is wired incorrectly could have coloured wires sticking out that can be pulled loose or allow water or debris to get inside. If you spot a loose plug in your home, change it or tighten it up.

Frayed power leads
All outer coverings of power leads should be intact. Do not expose any cables when you are fixing plugs.

Repaired power leads
If your power lead is split or frayed, do not tape over it.
Never use a power lead that has been taped over.
Avoid joining cables with tape. Water could get in or the tape could peel off.
When you are dealing with electricity, it is always better to be safe than sorry so toss the frayed lead out and by a new one.

Cable safety
Do not leave power leads where they can be tripped over.
Do not leave it near water or close to the cooker top.
Keep it away from children – they could pull or even chew on it.

Check your light bulbs
Use energy efficient light bulbs if possible. Always check that the light bulb wattage is correct for your lamp.

Avoid water
Keep plugs and cables away from water.
Keep water and liquids away from electrical appliances i.e. do not put a vase on top of the TV even if it does look good there. Check your kettle for leaks and never fill it up when it is plugged in.

Toaster safety
Put your toaster somewhere there are no curtains as they could blow onto the toaster elements and catch alight. A clean toaster is also less of a fire hazard.

Switch off
When you are not using your appliances, switch them off. Appliances like your stereo, kettle, radio and computer are plugged into live electrical sockets with enough power to start a fire instantly. So before you go to bed, turn them off. It will not only help prevent a fire but also help save the environment by reducing energy consumption.
For more information on home fire safety visit www.firekills.gov.uk.

Home insurance
The first thing you should do if you discover a fire in your home is to call the emergency services and evacuate everyone in the house to a safe place. It is wise to have home insurance cover to ensure that if your home suffers damage or loss by fire, you are covered. Some home insurance companies even include alternative accommodation while your home is being repaired. Most home insurance companies offer quick and easy home insurance quotes online. For a home insurance quote and more information about the types of home insurance available from Churchill, visit www.churchill.com/home/home_getquote.htm

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