Importance of electrical household safety
When investing on a property, utmost importance should be placed on ensuring its safety from electrical hazards and fire.
Whether you own, rent, or have your property leased, priority should be given on electrical safety. As the use of electricity is essential for our comfort and access to appliances and gadgets, we should be aware of the potential dangers that could happen if electrical lines and systems are not well-maintained.
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Electrical safety is very important. Statistics show that every year, approximately 500 Australians are hospitalised due to electrical injuries. Majority of household electrical incidents were related to exposed cords and switches. About 10 per cent of the reported electrical injuries were fatal.
Moreover, electricity-related incidents are not only dangerous to the lives of the people living in the household. The property itself is at risk whenever proper safety precautions are not implemented. Almost 70 per cent of fire incidents are caused by faulty electrical wirings and outlets, circuit overload, improper use of extension cords, and poorly ventilated light fixtures.
How to keep your home and investment safe from electrical hazards
Properties that are protected from hazards, well-maintained, and have installed failsafes against potentially life-threatening situations such as electrical incidents. Your property is an investment. The lives of the people residing in your household are more than just investments. Take all precautionary measures to keep your investments safe from the dangers of electricity.
Many electrocutions and fires can be prevented by practising the safety guidelines suggested by the Electrical Equipment Safety System (EESS) and the laws of your state. The guidelines are there to promote consumer safety in household electrical equipment and buildings across Australia.
Making sure that your property is safe from electricity-related incidents will as well protect your investment and its value. If you reside in Sydney, here are some tips that you should keep in mind as recommended by Gordon Powers Level 2 Electricians:
- Regularly have all the wirings, outlets, circuit breaker and safety switch checked by a licensed level 2 electrician at least every six months.
- Install a safety switch for every circuit you have if you haven’t yet. These lifesavers, also known as residual current devices (RCD), will protect you from deadly electric shock.
- Replace all electrical wirings every 10 years. Old wirings are among the common causes of all fires (40 per cent) caused by electrical faults.
- Replace all damaged or worn-out electrical cords immediately.
- Make sure you’re using the correct wattage for all of your appliances, gadgets, and fixtures.
- Refrain from overloading the outlets in your home. Check all outlets if they are cool to touch. Any rise in temperature is a sign of overloading. Don’t touch the insides of the outlet!
- Don’t attempt to perform do-it-yourself (DIYs) electrical work as they are illegal and extremely dangerous. Call a professional instead.
- All electrical installations, modifications, repairs, and upgrades on your property must only be done by a licensed electrician.
- If you own a property or renting one, make sure to check the condition report and have it updated on a yearly basis.
Electrical safety is of extreme importance and should be prioritised whenever you’re looking at a property. Remember that the accountability and responsibility of the safety of the occupants will always fall onto you. If you’re not sure what to do, ask professional electricians for advice.
