Electrical Safety Tips

The purpose of this post is to provide the residence of Canberra a few useful electrical safety tips.  Most of you will already know about these tips, but there is nothing wrong with a little reminder and of course I am hoping some of you will learn something!

Download the Electrical Safety Tips here OR read the excerpt below:

Using electrical appliances can be dangerous 

By ACTEWAGL (2.5mb) PDF

• Always read the manufacturer’s instructions.
• If an appliance has a damaged power cord, switch it off immediately at the power point, disconnect the appliance and have the cord repaired.
• Never handle wiring that is damaged or worn. Contact a licensed electrician to replace it.
• Never place metal ladders or steps, furniture or bed bases or other heavy objects on power or extension cords as they may cut through the cord’s electrical insulation.
• Never touch electrical appliances or switches with wet hands.

Using electrical appliances outdoors

• Plug appliances and power tools into an earthed power point or extension cord. It’s best to use a power point protected by a fixed or portable safety switch.
• Never leave electrical appliances and cords outdoors and exposed to rain.
• Never use electrical appliances and cords near a pool or spa.
• Never use power or wiring for pool pumps and spas to operate gardening power tools.
• Ensure that supply cords to caravans are in good condition, are 3 to 15 metres long and supported off the ground by 2.5 metres. They should be rated at 15 amps and plugged into an earthed, safety switch protected socket outlet installed by a licensed electrician.
• Don’t run extension cords through doorways or windows.
• Use approved plugs and extension sockets.

Cleaning electrical appliances

Cleaning your electrical appliances regularly and in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions is a simple but effective way of helping to ensure your appliances work safely and efficiently. Before cleaning, turn off and unplug them.

Second-hand appliances

Examine second-hand appliances for signs of damage. A safe appliance has a secure and undamaged flexible cord and plug, secure and undamaged covers, guards and control knobs and has been tested for performance at the point of sale.

Work around the home

It’s safe to do simple electrical work around your home, such as changing light bulbs and fuses, starters for fluorescent lighting fittings and resetting circuit breakers and safety switches. However, specialist tasks must always be performed by a licensed electrician. This includes work such as rewiring or replacing plugs, switches or power cords, repairing electrical appliances, or installing, repairing or replacing fixed electrical wiring.

If you don’t use a licensed electrician you could put you and your family at a serious safety risk, you could be fined and your home insurance policy could be voided.

If you have any questions or concerns with regards to domestic electrical safety in your ACT home then please don’t hesitate to contact me for further information or help.

Further safety tips can be found in the PDF here

Yours in safety

Barry 0487 789 585

PDF courtesy of ACTEWAGL