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Fulcher Edwards Ltd: How to Avoid an Electrical Fire

Fulcher Edwards Ltd: How to Avoid an Electrical Fire

Electrical fires are one of the main reasons fire starts in the home and very often the fire is caused by something that could have been fixed easily by the home owners.

It’s not just home holders that need to avoid electrical fire, it is business owners too. The same electrical recommendations apply whether in the home or work place.

There are two main components to electricity – that is the wiring itself in the property and electrical appliances. If either (or both) of these are defective, then the risk of fire is of course far greater.

To keep yourself, family and colleagues safe you need to look out for a few simple indicators that all is not well as well as well as follow a few common sense procedures to avoid electrical fire.

Wiring

If you notice any of the following problems, then consult a qualified electrician at the earliest opportunity. Fulcher Edwards are the main electrical contractors in London who have vast experience in dealing with fire safety and not only do we offer a wide range of electrical services in London, we can also advise on fire safety both in the home and business.

  • Hot plugs and sockets
  • Lights that flicker
  • Scorch marks on sockets, fuse boxes and switches
  • Fuses that blow for no obvious reason

Electrical Appliances

Some of these recommendation may seem obvious but it is not uncommon for us to visit properties and business premises and find electric heaters in bathrooms, towels covering electric heaters and multiple adapters in plug sockets. Quite often, the householder is aware of the risk they are taking and because they haven’t yet experienced a fire assume that all is safe. It can take some time for a fire to occur, it doesn’t have to happen straight away.

  • 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 being used. 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 an 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 related 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.

Checking regularly for faults with wiring and electrical appliances can help avoid an electrical fire. Electrical fires have caused devastation to homes and businesses across London as well as claimed lives.

Taking a few minutes on a daily basis could save your life.

For more information, visit www.fulcheredwards.co.uk