Electrical equipment
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.
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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 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.
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Electric blankets
If your blanket has fraying fabric, scorch marks, exposed elements, creasing/folding, soiling, loose connections or any other type of damage, have it replaced. If the blanket has a BEAB safety mark it should also be replaced as this means it is over ten years old.
- Electric blankets should carry the British Standard Kitemark (BSK) and the British Electrotechnical Approvals Board (BEAB) symbol on them.
- Don’t fold electric blankets. Protect the wiring inside them by storing them flat or rolled up.
- Don’t leave an electric blanket switched on all night, unless it is has controls for safe all night use.
- Check whether it is an under or over blanket and use it only for that purpose.
- Use the ties on an under-blanket to secure it to the mattress. This prevents slipping and creasing which could damage the elements.
- Have your electric blanket tested every three years – many councils run free testing days each year, usually at the end of summer.
- Get a new electric blanket at least every 10 years.
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