Electrical safety is a crucial aspect of maintaining a safe and healthy property.
Whether you own a residential or commercial property, it’s essential to ensure that your electrical system is up to standard to prevent hazards such as fires and electrocution.
In this article, we will share some important electrical safety tips that every property owner should know.
Why Electrical Safety is Important
Electrical safety is crucial for property owners for many reasons. First and foremost, it keeps you, your property, and other people inside the property safe from electrical fires and other hazards. Along with this, electrical safety can also impact your property value and insurance. A property that has a well-maintained, updated electrical system is more attractive to potential buyers or tenants and may command a higher sale or rental price. Plus, insurance companies may also offer lower premiums for properties that have a reduced risk of electrical hazards.
Get a Professional to Check Your Electrical System
The first and perhaps most crucial step to ensuring electrical safety in your property is to have a professional electrician conduct a thorough inspection of the system and go through the pat testing procedure. The best way to do this is through EICR testing, or an Electrical Installation Condition Report. An electrician will be able to conduct electrical safety testing on wiring, sockets, appliances and more. They will identify any potential hazards such as faults in the system or outdated wiring and provide recommendations on the next steps to take to keep your property safe. It is recommended that property owners have electrical testing carried out on their systems at least once every five years or more frequently if there are any known issues or changes made to the property. Find out more and get an EICR from Hexo Electrical Testing.
Install Residual Current Devices (RCDs)
Residual Current Devices, commonly known as RCDs, are safety devices that are designed to prevent electrocution. RCDs work by monitoring the electrical current and cutting off the power supply when there is a fault in the electrical system. These devices are especially useful in wet areas like kitchens and bathrooms, where the electrocution risk is higher. RCDs are relatively inexpensive and easy to install. Property owners should ensure that their property is fitted with RCDs and that they are tested regularly.
Upgrade Outdated Wiring
If your property’s wiring is outdated, it may no longer be able to handle the electrical demands of modern appliances and devices. This can result in overloaded circuits and potentially lead to electrical fires. Upgrading your wiring can also be useful for improving energy efficiency and saving you money in the long run. It’s recommended that property owners upgrade their wiring to make sure that it is up to modern standards. A professional electrical can advise you on the best course of action for your specific property and ensure that the rewiring work is carried out safely and to the required standard.
Avoid Overloading Circuits
Overloading circuits is a common cause of electrical fires. Property owners should ensure that they do not overload their circuits by using too many appliances or devices on a single circuit. If you find that you are constantly tripping your circuit breaker, it might be an indication that your electrical system is in need of an upgrade. It’s also important to avoid using power strips or extension leads as a permanent solution for powering multiple devices. Instead, consider installing additional outlets or upgrading your electrical system to ensure that it can meet your household’s needs.
Be Careful with Electrical Appliances
It’s important to handle any electrical appliances that you use with care. Never use an appliance that has damage to the cord or plug, and never touch an electrical appliance with wet hands. You should also avoid placing appliances close to water sources such as sinks or bathtubs, and never use electrical devices that are plugged into the mains while in the bath or shower. It’s also vital to ensure that your appliances are properly maintained and not left unattended while in use.
Use Correct Light Bulbs
Using the wrong light bulbs in the light fixtures of your home can lead to electrical hazards. Property owners should ensure that they use the correct light bulbs for their fixtures and do not exceed the recommended wattage. Using the wrong bulb can lead to the fixture overheating, which increases the risk of a fire. It’s also important to turn off lights when not needed or when leaving a room. Not only does this increase safety, but it can also help with reducing energy usage and save you money on your electricity bill.
Keep Electrical Cords Safe
Electrical cords can pose a tripping hazard, so it is important to keep them safe. Avoid placing cords underneath furniture or rugs and make sure that they are not twisted or tangled. It’s also crucial that you don’t staple or nail cords to walls, as this can cause damage to the cord and potentially lead to electrical shocks. If you do need to keep cords neat and out of sight, consider using trunking that has been designed for the purpose. Make sure that any extension cords or power strips that you use within your property are rated for the devices you’ll be plugging into them, and that they are placed in a safe location where they will not be damaged or tripped over.
Have a Fire Extinguisher
In case of an electrical fire, it’s crucial that you have a fire extinguisher on hand. Property owners should make sure that they have a fire extinguisher that is suitable for electrical fires and is easy to access. It’s also important to ensure that anybody who may need to use the fire extinguisher in the event of a fire has been shown how to do so safely and effectively.
Keep Children Safe
If you have children at home, it’s important to understand that they are naturally curious and may not understand the dangers of electricity. Property owners should take steps to ensure that children are kept safe, including ensuring that electrical outlets are covered and that cords are out of reach. It is also essential to teach children in an age-appropriate way about why it’s important to not touch electrical devices and what they should do in the event of an emergency. Children should always be supervised whenever they are using electrical devices or appliances.
Keep Electrical Wires and Cables Away from Pets
If you have pets in your home, it’s important to ensure that electrical cords are kept out of the animal’s reach. Pets like dogs and cats, especially puppies and kittens, may find electrical cords and cables very tempting to chew on, which can lead to electrical dangers in the home. Use trunking or cable management systems to keep any electrical cables out of the reach of your pet, to keep both them and you safe.
Electrical safety is a crucial aspect of keeping your home, rental property, or commercial building safe. By following these electrical safety tips, property owners can prevent electrical hazards and keep the property and everyone within it safe. Remember to always handle electrical devices and appliances with care and work with a professional for testing any new installations.