Posts tagged “Electrical safety”

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Unsafe electrical devices at home – worrying figures

Posted on 2nd December 2019 at 12:21

Between January and July this year British Gas engineers discovered over 25,000 dangerously unsafe electrical devices during their home visits.

That’s about one in every 20 homes where they have carried out an electricity and gas safety check when installing meters. The most common faults involved old ovens and boilers.

British Gas says that its engineers regularly visit customers who haven't had their electrical wiring or gas appliances checked for 10 to 20 years. In some cases, the unsafe appliances they discover could have a devastating effect on health and safety.

Residual Current Device warning

Posted on 29th October 2019 at 09:19

Quality, health and safety experts, Bureau Veritas, have warned that an increasing number of AC-type residual current devices (RCDs) are being affected by direct currents (DC) from modern electronic devices, electric appliances, and renewable energy sources.

The previous (17th Edition) Wiring regulations said that AC-type RCDs should be used for sockets that might supply outdoor equipment. However, with increasing number of domestic, commercial and industrial sites now installing renewable energy sources such as solar panels, Bureau Veritas says that these RCDs might not be fit for purpose.

Is your property electrically safe?

Posted on 3rd August 2019 at 11:17

Electrical installations and appliances are linked with around 350,000 serious injuries and almost half of all domestic fires each year.

The best way to reduce this risk is to use a competent, registered electrician for repairs or renovations in your home.

However, there aren’t any requirements for regular electrical safety checks in UK homes.

One third of us have bought counterfeit electrical products

Posted on 21st March 2019 at 19:22

It’s difficult to identify counterfeit electrical products, just by looking at them.

The problem is growing as more products are bought online. Some online sellers are misleading shoppers with images taken from official product sites and fake official safety marks. They are often priced only slightly lower than the recommended retail price to avoid suspicion.

Thanks to the humble plug

Posted on 19th February 2019 at 18:11

There are some things in the home that we just take for granted. The humble three pin plug and socket are amongst them.

When is surge protection needed?

Posted on 30th November 2018 at 13:04

The new Wiring Regulations have introduced changes that focus on surge protection to help improve safety in our homes and commercial premises.

An electrical surge, or ‘transient overvoltage’, is a brief voltage peak between two or more conductors. A surge can be just a few volts or thousands of volts.

Seven cheap electrical solutions that could be expensive

Posted on 29th August 2018 at 12:52

1. Outdoor lighting fixtures

Insultation can melt in poorly installed outdoor electrical fittings, leading to a short circuit. You might then have to change your entire distribution board.

2. Circuit breakers for outdoor sockets

Because of the risk of exposure to water, outdoor sockets should have a circuit breaker. Without this you are risking electric shocks and fire.

3. Bathrooms and kitchens

Sockets, light switches and other electric installations in wet environments can be risky. If you are planning a bathroom or kitchen renovation, make sure a qualified electrician inspects the wiring.

Electrical safety in the office

Posted on 27th June 2018 at 12:18

We often visit offices where computers, printers, screens, scanners, lamps, smartphones and other chargers are all plugged into overloaded sockets and boards.

If you’re working with overloaded electrical circuits you can be running the risk of electrocution or fire.

Keen Millennials paying the price for DIY

Posted on 23rd May 2018 at 19:51

The Millennial* generation is especially keen to tackle an ambitious range of do-it-yourself (DIY) jobs, ranging from changing a light fitting to complete house extensions.

Around one in five say they will happily tackle electrical wiring at home.

Take a look

Posted on 22nd April 2018 at 18:08

Here’s a 30 second video about the potential electrical dangers that can be hidden in a home. It's produced by the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC).