Home Electrical Safety

Electricity is all around us – especially in-doors. There are many things to remember in order to be safe around electricity:

Do not play with power points or appliances.
Do not play with power points. Power points can shock, give a zap that will hurt, burn or kill. Power points need to be protected where there are babies or small children.

Lots of electrical cords in one socket are dangerous.
Putting many plugs in one socket is dangerous. It is called "piggy-backing". Instead of using a socket with many plugs, use a powerboard.

Tell a responsible adult about broken electrical plugs or cords.
Always get an electrician to fix broken or damaged electrical equipment. To try to fix electrical equipment yourself is dangerous.

Water and electricity do not mix. Together they are a very dangerous combination.

• Never touch electrical appliances or switches with wet hands.
• In the bathroom, make sure electrical appliances like hairdryers or shavers can not fall into the bath or basin.
• Keep extension cords, or portable appliances (like electric radios or televisions) away from the bath or pool.

Second-hand appliances
All electrical appliances sold by second-hand retailers are required by law (Electricity Act and Regulation 1994) to be labelled as either "electrically safe" (by a qualified electrical worker) or "not been proved electrically safe".

Before you decide to buy a second-hand electrical appliance check for this label. If you see signs of damage or signs of past neglect you may be wise not to buy it. Be especially careful when buying appliances from garage sales, flea markets, etc.

When buying second-hand appliances look for:
Missing guards; broken pieces; burned, cut, cracked, frayed cords; signs of scorching, melting, blistering; bare wires, smoke or sparks.

When buying second-hand appliances listen for:
Spluttering, popping; erratic, stop/start operation.

When buying second-hand electrical appliances smell for:
Fumes, smoke, burning - beware of any of these signs this indicates overloading or overheating and fire risk.

If you find any of these symptoms
Stop using the appliance immediately and have it checked and repaired by a licenced electrician.

Electrical maintenance
Lack of electrical maintenance is a major contributing factor in electrical accidents today.

Early warning signs that electrical maintenance is needed are:

• Flickering lights
• Power failure
• Hot fuses
• Constantly tripping safety switches
• Tingles or zaps from appliances (stop using these appliances immediately)
• Leads that are worn or frayed
• Missing or broken guards or covers

Any of these signs indicate the appliance needs to be attended to immediately. Damaged appliances are dangerous. But, it is equally important to have damaged or problem electrical appliances attended to by a qualified electrician. Repair with care - electrical repair is only for qualified electricians.