Electrical Items Safety Tips

Electrical items are become an integral part of every household. Any electrical item left plugged in to the mains has the potential to cause a fire. Always consult a qualified electrician.

Electrical items are become an integral part of every household from a simple electric clock to the microwave oven. Any electrical appliance left plugged in to the mains has the potential to cause a fire. Mains wiring inside domestic houses should be checked over by a qualified electrician at least every ten years. After considering fatal accidents due to faulty electrical appliances, the government has introduced various legislations relating to electrical safety of household appliances due to an increasing demand for consumer safety and the large numbers of electrical items used by a typical household.

Here are some tips that should be kept in mind while using electrical items in order to prevent any unnecessary exposure to hazards.

• Ensure that any appliances you purchase must be tested and approved. Electrical items often contain harmful chemicals like lead, brominated flame retardants, cadmium and mercury. These can cause pollution if not disposed of properly.
• Never run electrical cables under carpets. Keep access to sockets and the mains switch clear.
• Always remember to unplug unused appliances. Always use the correct fuse and follow appliance instructions carefully and avoid amateur repairs or upgrades. Always consult a qualified electrician.
• Do not operate any electrical items with wet hands or while standing in water. Faulty appliances should be withdrawn and repaired, if any.
• Every year, 25-30,000 tonnes of portable batteries are thrown away. It's important to recycle batteries as they can contain valuable metals. Some also contain harmful chemicals like lead and mercury which can leak into the ground and result in land or water pollution.
• Never use damaged flexes, plugs or faulty items. Don't overload sockets. Switching off at the socket and pulling the plug out is the only way to be sure no electricity is flowing through an appliance because lots of electrical appliances have transformers inside. Even if it is switched off, electricity still flows through the transformer. If a fault develops, the transformer could overheat and cause fires.
• Moreover, it is always advised that electric lights must be kept at a safe distance from flammable materials like curtains, furniture, paper etc. DON’T FORGET: If you're going to bed or going out, pull all the plugs out. These simple prevention measures can be effective solutions.
• Sometimes, using the wrong bulb can also damage the transformer or the wiring and may cause a fire. Make sure to read the instruction manual carefully.