Basic Electrical Safety

Following Shane’s presentation at the recent resident engagement meeting here are a few reminders of basic electrical safety in your home:

• Avoid overloading sockets and extension leads.
• The use of extension leads is not necessarily a risk providing they are used sensibly. Avoid plugging high powered appliances into extension leads. This includes things like kettles, hairdryers, straighteners, etc. Anything that heats up is likely to overload the extension lead and risk starting a fire.
• Only buy electrical products and appliances from reputable retailers. This includes device chargers and extension leads. Online retailers such as eBay, Amazon and Wish are not bound by the same laws as traditional retailers meaning fake and counterfeit goods are sold unknowingly to customers.
• Register your electrical products and appliances for their warranties. This will make it easier for the manufacturer to contact you in the event of a product safety recall.
• If you notice something is not right with an electrical item such as excess heat or smell of burning, turn it off an unplug it.
• The charity Electrical Safety First have loads more useful information on their website, including details of all electrical products with outstanding safety recalls.

  www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk