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Being fire safe is something we all need to be aware of. In the Adelaide summer, even a small fire can quickly become unmanageable and we all have a responsibility to minimise the risks.
Electrical fire safety helps you to prevent fires and will also warn you of their existence. The electricians at TPR Electrical recommend using our checklist to make sure your home is as fire safe as possible now that the heat is almost upon us.
Smoke Alarms
Are they connected to the electricity mains power or battery powered?
If they are mains powered, you need to make sure you have a battery backup in case of a blackout or electrical outage. If they’re powered by battery, check to make sure the battery is still charged.
The MFS recommends that “the best protection is provided by photoelectric smoke alarms which are hard-wired to the 240 volt power supply and interconnected to give you the earliest warning possible.”
Are your smoke alarms loud enough to wake you up in an emergency?
Interconnected smoke alarms will wake you up sooner by positioning extra alarms around your house. All of them will go off if one picks up signs of a fire. Smelling smoke won’t wake you up – it will make you sleep deeper. You and your family need to be able to hear the alarm go off as loudly as possible. Consider installing connected alarms in all bedrooms and living areas of your house.
When was the last time you replaced your smoke alarm?
Smoke alarms should be replaced every ten years, whether or not a fault is present. You should be changing the smoke alarm battery at least once a year, or if a battery low warning (‘beep’) is sounding. Cleaning the smoke alarm also helps it to pick up on the signs of fire as early as possible, giving you extra precious minutes to safely leave the house.
Fuses
Are all your fuses functioning correctly?
A broken or missing fuse (or circuit breaker) will stop an appliance from working at all, but a broken fuse may allow a faulty appliance to malfunction in a way that could cause a fire.
Do your fuses often blow?
Fuses that seem to blow regularly, like hot sockets, flickering lights, or scorch marks, are signs of loose wiring or other electrical problems. It’s best to get an electrician to look at your wiring if you notice any of these issues.
Are your fuses ceramic?
Ceramic fuses are a dangerous fire hazard, so when we find them in commercial properties or houses, we recommend a switchboard upgrade. The older fuses often don’t have an RCD (residual-current device) to protect their home either, so it’s best to consider having fuses checked, especially in older homes.
Wiring
Is your wiring in good condition?
Electrical fires can start at any time from wiring that is fraying or in otherwise poor condition. You should check the condition of your wiring when you move into a new home and then once every ten years. If you’re renting, it’s the landlord’s responsibility to make sure your wiring is safe and in good condition.
Do you have a safety switch installed?
It’s a requirement when moving into a new home that there’s a safety switch installed for your wiring. Without a safety switch, there’s nothing to protect you in the event you get an electric shock. It could be the difference in staying alive after a hazardous situation, so it’s best to make sure you not only have a safety switch, but that it’s functioning correctly.
Appliances
Are the cables on your appliances safe?
Regularly check these cables for signs of fraying, general wear and tear, or loose plugs. If any coloured wires are sticking out, they could come loose or come into contact with debris.
Have you switched all hand held electrical equipment off?
Switching off and unplugging after use not only helps prevent overheating, but also saves electricity by avoiding standby power mode.
Are all sockets loaded correctly?
Overloading your power sockets or adaptors can cause faults and overheating. It’s safer to have extra sockets installed if they’re needed.
If you are unsure of any of these items or have noticed fire safety risks in your home, the experienced electricians at TPR Electrical are available to do a complete fire safety check of homes in the Adelaide metropolitan area.
To ensure you’re as fire-safe as possible, give us a call today or use the quote estimator.