Why is there even an Electrical Fire Safety Week?
Electrical fire safety week is aimed at raising awareness of the risk to life from fires occurring either in the electrical distribution system or in electrical apparatus. These fires account for fires in the home each year. Probably most notorious of these is the fire that ripped through Grenfell Tower, in June of 2017, which started in a fridge freezer. This small everyday item caused the most fatal fire to hit the UK since the Second World War.
So how do you avoid having an electrical fire in your home, without going back to the days of coal and gas?
Six things you can do to avoid an electrical fire
Many of the fires in electrical apparatus start as a result of manufacturing design faults. Often this has been identified and a recall has been issued by the manufacturer. However, many of us are not aware of the recall.
To find out if your electrical goods are subject to a recall you can check them against this online register.
There are several multiple socket devices available. All of which are safe if used appropriately.
When you buy a multi-gang socket it comes with a power rating, which will usually be 13A which means that the maximum safe power draw is a total of 13A. Therefore, you should only plug in lower power equipment if using multiple sockets at once.
Many charging units for every day items like mobile phones and e-cigarettes are manufactured abroad. Whilst, if they are sold in the UK they would still have to conform to our stringent electrical safety standards. They can enter the UK market place from direct overseas online retail, which allows the seller to by-pass the UK safety standards.
There is nothing nicer in the winter, than climbing into a pre warmed bed. However, if you don’t look after this simple household item it may get hotter than you anticipated.
If you have had your electric blanket more than a year or two or if you have not stored and used it according to the manufactures recommendations you are advised to get it checked. Most local fire services offer free testing of electric blankets, or can put you in touch with a testing charity.
The whole purpose of your lovely duvet is to keep heat in. The problem is, when we put a phone, tablet or laptop on to charge, the electrical resistance of reducing the voltage from 240v down to whatever your device runs at has a by product of heat. If you put them on the duvet and leave them the heat can’t dissipate and can, therefore, build up sufficiently to start a fire
When you run electricity through a cable there is power loss due to friction in the wire. Like all forms of friction this can cause heating, especially as the wire is insulated so air can’t cool it down. If you roll the cable around a drum this is exacerbated and can cause sufficient heating for a fire to start, so always fully un roll any cable reels or drums prior to use.
Over time all electrical systems can become worn and faulty. The vibration of movement and switching on and off can lead to wires working loose in sockets. Residual circuit detectors can become faulty and cables can begin to break down. It is therefore, advisable to get your electrical wiring periodically tested. Of course if you are a commercial organisation or a landlord you are required to to do this by law.
Still unsure if you are safe?
If you are a homeowner then you can usually get a free fire safety check and advice from your local fire and rescue service. If you are a landlord or commercial organisation we can provide you with a fire risk assessment.
