Safety Advice
Below is some safety advice for electrical appliances. It is worth a read, as we can become a little careless over time – and it is worth reminding ourselves that electricity can be a killer unless we use it safely and sensibly.
General Advice
- Keep water away from anything electric. Do not even wash walls without turning off the power at the mains switch.
- Never be tempted to use a socket or plug or equipment which could still have water in or on it - allowing it to dry could mean the difference between life and death.
- Read manufacturer's instructions on extension cables - they could overheat if left coiled. Check an extension is appropriate for the appliance it is connected to.
- Never overload a socket with too many plugs or adaptors.
- Do not allow cables and flexes to become kinked or frayed. Make sure plugs are undamaged and tightly closed with no loose connections and that cord grips are tightened.
Working Outside
- Always ensure that you have RCD when using electrical equipment outdoors
- Do not work with electricity in damp or wet conditions. If you MUST, always ensure that you have RCD protection
- Never wash electrical garden equipment with water - switch off first, unplug and then wipe it with a cloth
- Never use extension leads for permanent fixings such as greenhouse lighting or heating
- Never work in bare feet. Wearing shoes reduces your chances of getting a nasty shock in the event of an electrical fault
- Never clean, lift, adjust or even check electrical garden tools while they are still plugged in. Always switch off and unplug first
- Always place the cable of a hedge trimmer or mower over your shoulder and keep it behind you at all times
Fuses
- Ensure plugs are correctly fused. Fuses protect cables and flexes from the effects of overheating caused by short circuits and overload
- Always follow manufacturers' recommendations for fuses, or seek expert advice
- Check older appliances such as electric blankets and Christmas tree lights
- If a fuse blows for no obvious reason or an appliance is not working properly, switch off the appliance at the socket and unplug it before trying to find out why
- The same principles apply to fuse boxes or circuit breakers - always switch off at the mains before you investigate and remember to replace the cover before switching back on
- If you need to change a mains fuse, check the correct rating for that circuit - the blown fuse might have been incorrect in the first place. Using a thicker fuse wire than the correct rating is dangerous
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I change a plug on an appliance?
A. Yes. However, be careful as with newer appliances it can invalidate the guarantee/warranty, only attempt this if you feel competent.
Q. I have bought a new light for my bedroom, can I put it up myself?
A. Yes you can but only if you are competent, read the instructions carefully, you must also know how to isolate the circuit you are working on safely, and prove it so. If you are at all worried please call and we will be happy to help. We get a lot of calls from people after they have put up lights and discovered they have blown a fuse or the trip will not reset – not all the black/blue wires go together! We also have equipment to perform tests on the circuit following new installation of lighting that you probably don’t have at home. IF IN DOUBT – DON’T!
Q. I don’t have enough sockets in my bedroom, can I add another?
A. NO, if you are adding or making an alteration to an existing circuit it needs to be certified by a competent person and a certificate issued, specific testing must be carried out and recorded and records kept of these results.
In doubt? Call Pink and Blue Electrics