Protect Your Whanau and Home: 5 Electrical Safety Tips
We use electricity everyday – to power our homes, connect us to one another, and complete a range of everyday tasks. As it’s an integral part of our day-to-day lives, we have a responsibility to use it safely. Electrical fires are some of the most common causes of house fires. You can easily avoid electricity injuries and damage by practising a few safety habits.
We have put together 5 electricity safety tips so you can stay plugged in but protect your whanau.
1. Avoid Overloading Outlets
The outlets around your home can only deliver so much electricity. Therefore, you can overload the outlet when too many devices or appliances are plugged into it, through a multi-board. An overloaded outlet can cause a small explosion or electrical fire. You can avoid overloading outlets by plugging large appliances directly into the outlet, not into a multi-board. Don’t have a lot of clutter around the outlets either.
Extra Tip: If you are needing to use lots of multi-boards around the home, consider requesting for an electrician to install more outlets.
2. Avoid Extension Cords Where Possible
Extension cords can be a tripping hazard. You don’t want to hurt yourself by tripping unnecessarily. You could also cause damage to wires or outlets if the cord is ripped from the wall. If you do need to use extension cords, make sure they are laid out of the way, and you can even pin them down with tape to avoid tripping.
3. Water and Electricity Aren’t Friends
Keep water away from electricity! Water conducts electricity, meaning it can cause nasty injuries. Even a little bit of exposure is dangerous! Always wipe spills from counters to prevent them from coming into contact with plugs. Keep appliances and devices away from the sink and bathtub. If you have a plug near your bathroom sink, consider installing a caddy or a shelf to store your hair dryer or straightener.
4. Replace Damaged Cords
Check your wires regularly. If the coating is frayed, and the cords are exposed, it’s time to replace them. The coating protects us from getting hurt. You don’t want to risk the cords sparking and causing damage to your belongings.
5. Air and Space
All electrical devices and appliances need proper air circulation to prevent them from overheating and short circuiting. If the appliance gets too hot, it can start an electrical fire. Ensure your appliances have enough room behind and around them to “breathe” and allow air to circulate to keep them cool. For example, there needs to be space between your dryer or fridge, and the wall so they stay cool and safe. It’s also important to not run appliances and devices in enclosed spaces.
Keep your wallet safe from a too-hot electricity bill by comparing power with Power Compare.
Protect your wallet from high power bills by jumping on Power Compare to compare different power plans and providers. This is one of the most effective ways to save money on your power bill, as you can make an informed decision, and will have a better chance of finding a cheaper power plan, or one that offers more value for money. Unlock savings that make a difference to your monthly budget, and long term financial wellbeing.
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