Here at Everest, your specialist Northern Beaches electrician, we are aware of the problems that can arise from the use of your winter appliances, and offer these simple tips to ensure that they pose no danger to you and your family.
Check the Cords
Before you plug in and switch on your heater or electric blanket, check the state of their cords. If they are damaged, frayed or worn, have them repaired or replaced by a licensed electrician.
You may decide that replacing the item is a more cost effective option, but when disposing of an appliance with a damaged cord, ensure that it is not able to be used by anyone who may ‘find’ it.
Cords can also create trip, fire or electrocution hazards. Be careful to place cords in such a way that they do not cause people to trip, and away from any possible water sources or spills.
Outlets
Wall sockets themselves can pose a danger – as most people with small children are aware. So at a time when extra appliances are in use, it is worth a reminder that the natural curiosity of children can lead to them poking all manner of things into power points. Child-proofing your power outlets is as easy as a trip to your local hardware or electrical store.
Avoid Overloading
When plugging in appliances, be careful not to overload outlets by piggy-backing double adaptors. Many outlets are designed for only one or two plugs and will become overloaded if more are added. If you need to run more appliances from one wall socket, use a power board with a in-built safety switch, and avoid potential overload.
When using power boards, it is important that you only use one per outlet, and avoid using them for appliances that draw large amounts of power.
Plugs
When unplugging an appliance, never pull from the cord. Always turn them off at the switch, and to release from the power point, pull from the plug.
Switches
Power and light switches should only be wired and installed by a licensed electrician – even minor jobs. So this winter, remember to put safety first, and contact our friendly team here at Everest for any wiring or electrical repairs around your home – don’t even think about DIY electrical work!
Every home should have a safety switch, installed in the meter box, and winter is an ideal time to test that it is working properly – you can do this yourself by pressing the ‘test’ or T button.
Electric Blanket and Heater Safety
We have some safety tips specifically for electric blankets:
- Always read the product and safety information supplied with your blanket
- Replace electric blankets that are older than 10 years
- Turn them off when not in use
- Turn them off before sleeping
- Do not wash or clean with any chemicals
Electric Heater Safety
As with electric blankets, it is essential you read the manufacturer’s instructions before using electric heaters, and follow the safety information provided.
- Do not leave your heater on and unattended
- Do not use your heater with an extension cord, as an overheating cord can cause a fire
- Place cords on top of rugs and not under furniture (movement of furniture could damage the cord)
- Keep combustible and flammable materials away from your heater
- Do not block your heater’s air intake or exhaust
- Unplug your heater when not in use
- Don’t leave children unattended near heaters
- Never use portable heaters in bathrooms, damp or wet areas
Appliances in Wet Areas
The laundry, kitchen and bathroom are traditionally classified as ‘wet areas’ in your home. Wet areas pose unique issues for electrical appliances and safety, so when there are both water sources and appliances in the same rooms, safety is paramount.
Three key safety steps to minimise the risk of electric shock when electrical appliances are present are to:
- always wear rubber soled shoes in areas with wet floors, or outside
- never touch an appliance with wet hands
- ensure appliances are kept away from water and splash risks, even when turned off
If you touch a tap, sink, shower, tub, or other water fitting, and get a tingle or shock, it is possible there is something faulty with the ‘grounding’. Turn off the power at the mains if it is safe to do so, and call an electrician immediately.
Heaters in Wet Areas
If you want to heat the bathroom, it is best that you have a fixed heater installed by an electrician.
Ensure that heated towel rails are correctly installed so that the lowest heated rail is mounted high enough off the floor to be safe for young children.
Clothes Dryer Safety
As well as these general safety measures above, there are some specific safety considerations for clothes dryers.
Tumble dryers can create conditions which cause fire when used unsafely. Clothes dryers need to be installed, maintained and used in compliance with the manufacturer’s instructions. You should clean the lint filter, exhaust duct, vent and exterior of the dryer as part of routine maintenance.
Electric appliances such as heaters and electric blankets can make winter more comfortable, but always consider their safe use, and call us here at Everest if you are concerned about wiring and their correct installation.