Electrical Safety At Home
Every year, defective wiring or appliances cause over 14,000 fires in homes like yours, resulting in 40 deaths and over 900 injuries.
There are also over 700 injuries and 10 deaths caused by faulty electrical installations. Recent surveys show that over 3 millions homes in the UK need some kind of electrical repair. Old houses are especially at risk. There are also 3,000 injuries and 50 deaths from electrocution at home, many of which are due to DIY and amateur repairs. That’s why the Institution of Electrical Engineers recommends that home wiring installations are checked every 10 years.
Legislation is being enforced to try and prevent a number of accidents and deaths from faulty installations and repairs. If you live in England or Wales especially, you are now required by law to use a competant electrician, to carry out most electrical work. You are not only risking penalties, but also your life.
DONT DIY GET A QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN!
Here are a few things which you may be able to check yourself:
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Is the wiring older than 15 years old
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How long ago was the wiring last checked
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Has electrical work been carried out by amateurs and never checked
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Do your plugs or sockets get warm or hot
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Do your fuses blow
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Do you use adaptors
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Do you use extension cables
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Do you use electrical equipment outdoors like hedge trimers and lawnmowers
Stay Safe
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Replace old style, dangerous fuseboxes with the latest generation, which are safer and easier to use, with mini circuit breakers to protect every circuit in the house and respond quickly to prevent the risk of danger. They can be fitted in the most convenient position for you and have extra protection through the use of RCD.
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Secure your home with outdoor security lighting and the latest intruder alarms to deter opportunists and reduce the risk of being affected by such crimes.
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Outdoor electricity is just as important as indoor. Avoid trailing wires through windows and open doors by having weatherproof and dustproof outdoor switches and sockets fitted outside your home and in your garden.
- Electrical tools such as lawnmowers and hedge trimmers require RCD protection for your safety. There is a full range of RCD switches and sockets available, ask our technicians for advice.