Electrical guide to fire safety

Help prevent a fire in your home!

Most of us take electricity for granted, we use it all day every day and forget that it can be a lethal force if not handled correctly. Did you know that 35 electrical fires occur in UK homes every day, and most could be avoided if householders gave priority to having their electrical installations checked.
An outbreak of fire can have tragic results so to minimise the threat of electrical fire, the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC) advise householders to take some simple precautionary measures.
The Chief and Assistant Chief Fire Officers' Association (CACFOA) agree with the NICEIC's advice. Chief Fire Officer Phil Toase, CACFOA's Policy Director for Safety and Standards said:
'There is significant potential to improve the standard of electrical safety in dwellings by householders taking some simple precautionary measures which in turn will reduce number of fire related injuries and deaths attributed to electrical faults.

Carry out these safety checks on a regular basis:

Do....
Install at least one smoke alarm and don't forget to test them regularly.
Find out the age of wiring in your home – faulty and inadequate wiring is one of the major causes of electrical fires. Get your electrical system checked at least once every 10 years.
Check flexible cables for damage, if the wiring is loose or exposed don't continue to use them.
Test residual current devices (RCDs) by pressing the 'T' or 'Test' button. RCDs work by switching off the electricity supply when a fault is detected and should be used when plugging in all outdoor electrical equipment.
Check your socket outlets – if you see burn marks, hear buzzing or feel excessive heat, ask an NICEIC Approved Contractor or Domestic Installer to replace them.
Show others how to check their electrics – elderly relatives or friends may have out of date electrical systems. Are they in rented accommodation? If so, the electrics are the responsibility of the landlord, make sure the system is checked by a professional and ask to see a copy of the certificate – NICEIC Approved Contractors and Domestic Installers will always provide one.

Don't....
Obstruct your fuse box – you will need quick and easy access to it in an emergency.
Leave electrical appliances on unnecessarily – get into a routine of switching them off before going out or going to bed.
Overload adaptors by plugging in too many appliances, it's a serious fire hazard – it's far better to install some extra socket outlets.

Don't DIY
Don't take a chance with DIY electrical installations, you may be able to get it working, but it's far more challenging to make it safe – don't put yourself at risk.

Buying a new home?
A standard mortgage survey does not include your electrical system, without this you could be putting your life at risk. Before you part with your money, take the time to get the electrics checked, especially if the property is pre-1960s and in need of modernisation.

Always....
Leave it to the experts when it comes to electrical work – don't let cowboys put your family's lives at risk. The NICEIC has a register of over 11,000 Approved Contractors and Domestic Installers. You can find one in your area by visiting
www.niceic.org.uk or call the NICEIC helpline on 0870 013 0381.

Information supplied by NICEIC

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