Electrical Safety

Electrical safety in an Australian home is paramount. Every year, there are around 30 deaths due to electrical accidents, and many more people are seriously injured. Electrical safety should be a top priority in your home, and there are a few simple ways to ensure that your home is electrically sound.

Ways to Check Your Home’s Electrical Safety

Outlets 

Statistics show that most electrical accidents happen when people are using electrical outlets. Make sure that all of your outlets are properly grounded and that there are no loose wires. If you have any outlets that are not being used, cover them with childproof outlet covers.

Cords 

All of the cords in your home should be in good condition. If you have any cords that are frayed or have exposed wires, replace them immediately.

Circuit breakers 

Your circuit breakers are designed to trip when there is too much electricity flowing through them. If a circuit breaker trips, it is an indication that there is an electrical problem in your home.

Electrical panel

Your electrical panel should be located in a dry, cool area of your home. The panel should be free of any debris, and the wires should be securely connected.

Outdoors

If you have any outdoor electrical outlets, make sure that they are properly grounded and that the wires are not exposed. These outlets are at risk for moisture and weather damage, so they must be in good condition.

Appliances

All of the appliances in your home should be properly grounded. If you have any appliances that are not being used, unplug them and store them in a safe place.

Get a Professional Safety Inspection

While you can do a visual inspection of your home’s electrical system, it is always best to have an electrician do a safety inspection. Electricians are trained to look for electrical problems that the average person would not notice. An electrician can identify potential problems before they become dangerous. You’ll also be issued with an electrical safety certificate, which can help you get home insurance or sell your property more easily.

Electrical Safety

There is no dispute that the world today and our lives are heavily dependent on power. Electricity-powered equipment and appliances are the foundation of our entire way of life and work.

Unfortunately, our dependence on electricity exposes us to various covert threats that could result in serious harm, fatalities, or large financial losses. Contact Conford Electrics should you experience any of the following electrical hazards in your home, we are your trusted Melbourne Electrician:

1. Overloaded Outlets

Laptops, TVs, blenders, coffee machines, phones, fridges; the list of gadgets and appliances we use daily is endless, resulting in overloaded sockets.

An electrical socket has a maximum number of amps it can handle. Overloaded outlets can overheat and cause a fire. Disperse appliances across multiple sockets and unplug anything you’re not using. 

2. Old Wiring

Professionally installed wires should last for decades, but wear and tear are inevitable. It’s essential to test your wiring regularly to ensure it works safely with all appliances.

Avoid attempting to solve these issues yourself. Our licensed electricians can confirm compatibility with your appliances and suggest safety-enhancing modifications.

3. Old and Damaged Electrical Appliances

You inherited that blender your mom used for years, and it works perfectly well,  so why get rid of it?

Old appliances can compromise our safety as the old wiring is prone to pinched cords, cracks, kinks, and frays, all of which pose a safety hazard in your home. Replace or repair to keep your family safe. 

4. Using Light Bulbs With the Wrong Voltage

Choosing the correct voltage is crucial for bulb operation. Too high voltage can lead to overheating of the light bulb as the heat can melt the light socket as well as the insulation of the wires – this could easily result in property fires.

5. Wet Electrical Outlets

Water is a conductor of electricity, so a wet electrical outlet can increase the current. Water can cause electrical wiring to short circuit, which can heat the wires and potentially cause an electrical shock, not to mention electrical fires.

6. Faulty Smoke Alarms

According to a recent study, smoke alarms were inoperable in 40% of fatal home fires.

Further research shows that over 66 percent of residential fires occurred in homes without functional smoke alarms. Ensure your fire alarm is functioning correctly by getting a professional from Cornford Electrics to inspect and test your smoke alarm. It’s your greatest weapon against fire emergencies. 

7. DIY Electrical Repairs

With all of its DIY home improvement videos, YouTube has transformed us into electricians, gardeners, carpenters, and other tradespeople. Though this can be helpful in certain tasks, we must always take electrical work seriously and remember it can be lethal. Some jobs are best left to professionals with the proper training and experience.

Contact Cornford Electrics to Avoid Dangerous Electrical Hazards in Your Home

The team at Cornford Electrics are certified, experienced and licensed. An electrical safety check will give you peace of mind that your home is electrically safe. Stop minor electrical problems from becoming major by identifying faults early. Contact us for all your electrical needs.