Electrical safety is paramount for every household. As we head into the warmer months in Adelaide, the demand on our electrical systems increases. Here are five essential tips to keep your home safe.
1. Check Your Safety Switches
Safety switches (RCDs) save lives. They cut the power in milliseconds if a fault is detected. You should test them every 3 months by pressing the "Test" button. If it doesn't trip immediately, call us right away. For a proper professional test and a switchboard health check while we're there, see our guide to RCD testing and thermal imaging.
2. Watch Out for Overloaded Power Boards
With more devices than ever, it's easy to daisy-chain power boards. This is a major fire hazard. If you need more outlets, it's safer and neater to have new powerpoints installed.
3. Inspect Cords and Plugs
Regularly check appliance cords for fraying or damage. Never use an appliance with a damaged cord, and don't run cords under rugs where they can overheat.
4. Keep Water and Electricity Apart
This seems obvious, but in bathrooms and kitchens, it's easy to forget. Ensure your hands are dry before touching switches, and keep appliances away from sinks.
5. Know the Age of Your Switchboard
Old ceramic fuse boards are no longer up to standard. They don't provide the same level of protection as modern circuit breakers and safety switches. If your switchboard looks like it's from the 70s, it's time for an upgrade.
Related service: Electrical Maintenance & Safety
Get a Full Electrical Safety Check
Have a licensed Adelaide electrician run through the checks covered here properly, including a professional RCD test, so you know exactly where your home stands.
Book an Electrical Safety InspectionOr call 0435 006 420 for a free quote.