Don’t underestimate the fire risk from electricity. Just because there’s no flame doesn’t mean there’s no risk. Electric wires don’t even need to touch anything for a spark to jump and a fire to start.

What to check for – The Danger Signs • Watch out for hot plugs and sockets. • Fuses that blow for no reason. • Flickering Lights. • Scorch marks on plugs and sockets.

• Check electrical leads and plugs for wear and tear and faulty wiring
• Frayed leads or exposed internal wires are fire risks
• Don’t overload sockets
• Keep electrical appliances away from water
• Keep electrical appliances clean and in good working order, and have them serviced regularly. This is especially important for washing machines and tumble dryers that may be left on overnight
• New appliances should have the British or European safety mark on it. If the appliance is second-hand, always have it checked by a qualified electrician before you use it
• Throw away and replace damaged cables. Never use tape to mend or join cables
• Never run cables under mats or carpets where you cannot see wear and tear
• Never cut sealed plugs off to use them again

Don’t take chances with electricity. If you have any concerns, consult a qualified electrician.

(The Plugs and Sockets (Safety) Regulations 1994)

APPROX WATTAGE/AMPS REQUIREMENTS FOR COMMON HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES

Electrical appliances use varying amounts of power and it is very important to have a general understanding of just how much each will use. When using extension leads, do not exceed 13 Amps (3000 Watts)

The following is only an approximate guide to power consumption. To find out the exact Amp usage for your appliance, locate the ‘rating plate’ at the rear or underside of the appliance.

Various types of appliances have very different power requirements, for example TV sets, cookers, hi-fi equipment, kettles and filament lamps have RESISTIVE LOADS which means that their starting and running current are virtually the same and as stated on the rating plate.

Refrigerators, vacuum cleaners, freezers and central heating pumps can have a starting current up to 500% of the normal running requirement, so the rating plate must be checked carefully. For example, if a refrigerator's stated power requirement is 200 Watts, additional start up power requirement is approximately 1000 Watts, so the total power required to start the refrigerator is 1200 Watts. Fluorescent lamps, on average, require approximately 150% of their stated Wattage to start up. Irons switch themselves on and off, causing momentary power spikes.

This is a possible reason for trip switches activating.
Microwave ovens are often referred to by their COOKING POWER which, on average, is only 50% if their actual operating power consumption. On top of this, when switching on, the oven needs another 25% power as the capacitor is energised, hence a normal '600 Watt' oven in fact needs 1500 Watts to operate it.

NEVER underestimate the risk of fire from electricity.

DON’T OVERLOAD

• Arson Prevention
• Babysitters
• Boat Safety
• Candles
• Caravan/Mobile Home
• Car Fires
• Care Homes
• Chimney Fires
• Close That Door
• Cooking Fires
• Domestic Sprinklers
• Electrical Safety
• Fire Action Plan
• Fire Extinguishers
• Fire Extinguisher Guide
• Fire Safety Outdoors
• Firesetters
• Firework Safety
• Flying Lanterns
• Heater Safety
• High Rise Fire Safety
• Hoax Calls
• Kitchen Safety
• Shared Housing
• Smoke Alarm Maintenance
• Smoke Alarm Provision
• Thatch Fires
• Unwanted False Alarms