Electrical safety is a priority at Bara Electrical, and we have all the testing equipment needed to ensure homes are safe during winter.
Additional appliances are plugged in during winters, such as electric blankets, portable heaters, and clothes dryers. This means greater demand and more chance of circuits overloading.
Check out our Annual Compliance Program here.
Here are our electrical safety tips:
TEST YOUR SMOKE ALARM – 1 April
Every year on April Fools’ Day, the DFES promotes this day as a reminder to regularly change smoke alarm batteries each year using a high-quality, long-life battery.
To ensure smoke alarms work correctly, DFES encourages householders to test smoke alarms monthly and change any batteries annually.
Smoke alarms must be located in all sleeping areas and all travel paths between sleeping areas and exits to open air.
All smoke alarms have a maximum life of ten years and need to be replaced. A licensed electrical contractor must fit smoke alarms, and the DFES recommends mains powered photoelectric smoke alarms.
Smoke alarms must be clear of obstacles and not painted, the DFES recommends removing any dust with a soft brush attached to a vacuum.
RCD TESTING
Ensure your RCD (Residual Current Device) is working. RCDs cut the electricity supply instantly if a person touches a live part and receives a shock.
Ensuring your RCD’s are tested and working protects all the occupants in your home.
INSPECT WIRING FOR DAMAGE
You should visually inspect wiring before using the appliance, especially if it has been in storage.
Household wiring inspection should occur annually by a qualified electrician; this includes:
- Inspect fuse boxes for over-heating, melted elements, noise or sparks.
- Test power points to ensure the electrical current and wiring is safe to use.
SERVICE YOUR HEATING, VENTILATION and AIR-CONDITIONING UNITS
Schedule a regular clean to avoid dust build-up and to ensure optimal functionality. Bara Electricals’ trained professionals should complete this service to ensure structural integrity and safety.
PROTECT ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
- Install power surge protection for power points and appliances.
- Ensure that outdoor electricals (pools, spas, lighting, pumps) are covered and away from hazardous chemicals, equipment and water ingress.
PORTABLE HEATERS
- Ensure that a licensed contractor has serviced your heaters as faulty heaters can lead to serious health issues.
- Ensure the home is well ventilated.
- Clean heaters to avoid flammable triggers.
- Turn heaters off when leaving the room, your home or going to bed.
- Ensure your heaters are kept away from cabinets or flammable items.
ELECTRIC BLANKETS
- Avoid putting on furniture that can pinch wiring, e.g. sofas, pull-out beds, adjustable beds.
- Don’t place heavy objects on top of electric blankets.
- Make sure the blanket is left flat and un-bunched.
- Avoid heated bedding with infants or immobile persons.
- Follow the care instructions.
- Avoid animals on electric blankets as their claws can puncture an element or wire.
EXTENSION CORDS
- Do not put extension cords under rugs. These can be a significant fire hazard due to being trampled and overheated.
- Avoid using extension cords for prolonged periods, if you are using one; avoid plugging it into a power board.
- Always keep cords protected from direct sunlight and water.
- Do not try to repair damaged extension leads.
- If the extension cord is overheating, put it in the bin it.
Electrical safety is vital for all homes!
Check out Bara Electricals’ Annual Compliance Program here.
