Fires in the home can be caused by faulty wiring in plugs and electrical appliances or electrical equipment not being used safely. A few simple checks and precautions can make all the difference to the safety of your home.
Wiring
If you notice any of the warning signs below, ask a qualified electrician to check your wiring:
- hot plugs and sockets.
- fuses that blow for no obvious reason.
- lights that flicker.
- brown scorch marks on sockets, plugs and fuse boxes.
Electrical appliances
- Turn off and unplug all electrical appliances when you are not using them except those that are meant to be permanently switched on (like the fridge or DVD recorder).
- Make sure plugs have the correct fuse for the appliance. If in doubt, refer to the manufacturers instructions.
- Use only one plug in each socket.
- If you have to use an adapter, use a fused ‘in line’ type.
- Avoid multi-way adapters and overloading electric sockets by using several adapters as they may overheat.
- Don't run leads or cables under carpets or rugs – you won't be able to see if they become damaged.
- Check for signs of loose wiring and faulty plugs or sockets (such as scorch marks or flickering lights) and have any problems you find fixed by a qualified electrician.
- Replace worn, damaged or taped up leads and cables.
- Find out if your electrical products are on trading standards product recall list, a list of items which have been recalled by the manufacturers. (See useful links).
- Always use a proper ironing board and turn off the iron after use. Make sure the iron is left to cool on a heat resistant surface away from curtains, carpets and anything else that may catch fire.
- Always switch off hair straighteners/curling tongs after use and leave to cool on a heat resistant surface away from curtains, carpets and anything else that can catch fire.
Electric blankets
Electric blankets are a hazard in the home, particularly when they are old and badly maintained. Many of those affected by faulty blankets are elderly people. If you have an elderly relative or neighbour, make sure they know how to look after their electric blanket.
Please read an follow the current Government guidelines on electric blanket safety.
