Can you tick off this home electrical safety checklist?

Electricity is one of those things the everyday person simply takes for granted. That is, until something odd starts to happen.

It’s imperative that you keep your home safe from any potential electrical hazards, and the best way to do so is to complete an electrical safety checklist at least once a year.

This doesn’t have to be a time-consuming task, and with our checklist below, you should be able to complete it within just half an hour.

This is one of the best ways you can prioritise safety in your home, keeping your family free from risk or harm!

Found any hazards? Call an electrician!

The best part is that this simple check will bring to your attention any possible hazards in the home, identifying them before potential disaster strikes.

Completed your checklist? Great work! Now call Briggs Electrical and let us know any problems you’ve identified that ought to be inspected and fixed.

Not sure where to start with your DIY electrical inspection? Follow the route below…

Sockets and switches

Running too many appliances within a single power socket or board is often referred to as “piggybacking”; for example, adding a double adapter to a 4-socket power board to plug in an extra device.

This can quickly lead to circuit overload resulting in:

• Damaged appliances
• Overheating
• Electrical fire

Are you overloading sockets?

Do you turn off switches when appliances are not in use?

If you’ve identified any sparking, faulty, or broken sockets, let us know.

 

Appliances

Portable appliances

Portable appliances can be more susceptible to general wear and tear if they are constantly moved around from room to room. Pay particular attention to cord or plug damage.

Small appliances

Toasters, kettles, microwaves, and other small electrical appliances are usually pretty good at warning us if something is amiss. If you notice any signs during regular usage like sparks or smoke, immediately switch off and unplug the appliance, and do not use it again.

Ensure appliances are switched off at the power point when not in use.

Cords

Fraying or broken cords are one of the leading causes of electrical fires in the home. A damaged power cord exposes electricity to flammable objects like carpet or furniture.

Do not put cords under heavy furniture (like a couch) as this can cause damage. Never run cords under carpets, either, as you can dramatically increase the risk of electrical fire.

If you notice any exposed wires or cracked cords consider a cable cover or completely replace the appliance.

 

Switchboard

Test your safety switch

As you likely already know, the purpose of a safety switch is to determine a leak in a home’s electrical current. When a safety switch is activated, electricity is switched off within a fraction of a second to prevent electric shock.

Testing a safety switch is easy: most are equipped with a “test” button. Simply push the button and ensure the switch flips. If the safety switch does not flip, call Briggs emergency electrician to investigate.

 

Outdoors

Power lines

Power lines are the responsibility of the power company. You must never touch or tamper with them.

Extension cords

You must only ever use cords suitable for outdoor use. Do not attempt to lengthen extension cords by connecting two or more together.

Electrical appliances

If you are storing electrical appliances outdoors (say in a garage or under a veranda or carport), place them in containers. This will prevent water exposure and damage.

 

Smoke alarm

Do you know how to test your smoke alarm?

Within just a few minutes, you can perform this simple task.

According to the Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB) you should, in fact, be testing your smoke alarms monthly, and replacing smoke alarm batteries once a year (they advise that when you change your clocks at the end of daylight savings, you change your smoke alarm batteries, too).

Electrical safety for children

• Keep all electrical appliances out of the reach of small children. Look out for “grab” opportunities like overhanging cords or exposed handles
• If you have children in your home, cover all unused outlets with protectors
• Educate children on the dangers of mixing electricity with water

 

Organise a thorough electrical inspection from an electrician in Melbourne

Take a leaf from MFB’s book and follow the checklist above at the end of daylight savings.

During your own check, you will identify any faults or damage that may be putting your home – and most importantly, your family – at risk!

Call a trusted electrician in Melbourne to offer rapid repair to any electrical faults in your home. Lodge a job using this form or give us a call!