Electrical Fire Safety

Do you have ever use in your residence put some electrical cord plug to one adaptors? I think many people ever use it, many reason one of the may take economic and simple think without thinking fire risk. Fire can be produce by overload electrical cord to one adaptors. Electrical circuit overloads happen when more amperage is put across an electrical wire or circuit than it can handle. For instance, a #14 wire can safely carry 15 amps and should be protected by a 15-amp breaker. If it happens to get connected to a 20-amp breaker instead, the breaker will allow 20 amps of current to flow through a wire that can only handle 15 amps. The wire and breaker start to heat up and could cause start an electrical fire. Ampacity can be calculated by dividing the amount of wattage by the voltage. Let's say you have a 1,000-watt hair dryer that runs on 120 volts. Divide that out and you'll get 10 amps of current draw. On a 20-amp circuit, that's half of the circuit used already. 

Electrical hazards are the cause of numerous workplace fire each year. Faulty electrical equipment or misuse of equipment produces heat and sparks that serve as ignition sources in the presence of flammable and combustible materials.

For Example of common ignition hazards:

1. Overloading circuit
2. Use of unapproved electrical devices
3. damage or worn wiring.

So, that’s way if you want to connect more than one electrical cord, you have to use only for temporary and under monitoring.

We want share to any reader when use electrical just follow to Electrical Fire safety, in order no fire will be presence in your house or workplace.

1. When using extension cords are only approved for temporary use. They may only be used for a period of three days or less.
2. When using extension cords check for defaults such as frays, brittleness, or broken wires.
3. Never place extension cords in high traffic area where they can damaged by being stepped on or run over by equipment.

Never underestimate the fire risk from electricity. No Flame does not mean no risk. Electric wires do not even need to touch anything for a spark to jump and fire to atart.

Always turn off and unplug electrical appliances when they are not being use, unless they are designed to be left on (for example, freezers and video recorders).

Some danger signs you need to check for:

·        Watch out for hot plug and sockets, fuse that blow for no reason, flickering light, and scorch marks on sockets or plugs.

·        Check electrical leads and plugs for wear and tear and faulty wiring. Frayed lead or exposed internal wire are fire risks.

·        Do not overload sockets, use one plug in each socket.

·        Keep electrical leads, plugs and appliances away from water.

·        Keep electrical appliances clean and in good working order, and have them serviced regularly. This is especially important for washing machines and tumble dryer that may be left on overnight.

·        Never buy an electrical appliance without knowing it is safe to use. If the appliance is second hand, always have it checked by qualified electrician before you use it.

Multi Plug Strip:

·        Should only be used for office equipment such as computers, printers, and fax machines.

·        Other common items such as microwave, refrigerators, and copy machines must be plugged directly into wall outlets.

·        Multi plug strips should have a fuse or circuit breaker and be UL approved.

The rule for plugs and cables: Prevent overheating use the right plug

o       Through away  and replace damaged cables. Never use tape to mend or join cables.

o       Never run cables under mats or carpets where you cannot see wear and tear.

o       Do not plug adaptors into adaptors, use one adaptor in each socket.

Do not Overload Sockets

·        Do not allow total amps of all plugs in the adaptor to add up to more than 13 amps (or 3000 watts of power).

·        Do not plug adaptors into adaptors, use one adaptor in each socket.

Wire Plug carefully

·        Keep the outer covering of the power lead securely inside the plug. Make sure the internal wires are firmly in place and thet the right color wire is in the right place.

Avoid the following improper and hazardous practices:

·        Never use three prong adapters that allow a three pronged plug to plug into a two prong outlet.

·        Never use any item with a damaged or frayed electrical cord.

·        Space heaters are not allowed in campus building.

·        Never daisy chain or piggy back multi-plug strip and electrical cord (plugging strip and cords into each other)

Fit a Smoke Alarm

·        The best way for you to protect yourself and your home is to fit a smoke alarm

·        Make sure you test the smoke alarm’s battery regularly.