With winter comes a real risk of electrical fires. Pay attention to how you use your heating appliances. Did you know that household fires increase during our winter months? The primary cause of electrical fires is from electric blankets and heaters. Heating from an air conditioner is the safest way to warm your home.
Read our top 5 tips to keep your family and your home safe this winter.
Inspect Your Electrical Appliances
Clean all electrical appliances and equipment before first use. Dust can smoke, ignite, or cause appliances to overheat. Before plugging in those heaters and electric blankets, give them a thorough check. Look out for frayed wires, damaged plugs, and signs of wear and tear. If the wiring is cracked or damaged, have it checked by a licensed electrician. 
Choose Heating Options Wisely
For better electrical safety, consider using modern air conditioners instead of electric heaters for efficient and safer heating, as this is the safest way to warm your home. While electric heaters can provide quick warmth, they come with risks. Before firing up your reverse cycle air conditioner, ensure that the internal head unit filters are clean and free from dust and mould, and that the outdoor unit is clear from debris buildup.
Handle Electric Blankets with Care
Electric blankets offer a cosy prelude to a good night’s sleep but demand extreme caution. Experts recommend limiting use to 30 minutes and turning them off before going to bed, as this is the safest way to use them. Ensure there are no protruding wires. If they are black, have frayed areas, or are 10 years old, throw them away! Never place heavy objects on them or cover them with additional blankets. Always roll your electric blanket – do not fold Regularly inspect cords, plugs, and the blanket itself for any damage. Plug directly into a power point – do not use power boards.
Space Heater Safety Measures
Keep space heaters away from combustible materials like toys, clothing, or curtains. Place them on stable surfaces to prevent tipping and ensure they have an automatic shutoff feature in case they do tip over, which is the safest way to prevent accidents. Always turn them off when unattended. Fire prevention experts recommend plugging electric heaters directly into a powerpoint for improved electrical safety. Always avoid plugging other appliances into the same outlet.
Test Your Safety Switches
For enhanced electrical safety, safety switches are your guardian angels against electrical mishaps and are one of the most important safety devices in your home electrical system. They cut power off in the blink of an eye when there is a power leakage, representing the safest way to prevent electrical emergencies. Regularly test them by pressing the test button and ensuring they trip the circuit. You should have safety switches on all circuits in your home., If in doubt, consult a licensed electrician to ensure your home's electrical system is up to standard.
By following these simple yet essential electrical safety tips, you can safeguard your home and loved ones from these known winter electrical hazards. A little caution goes a long way in preventing electrical accidents. Don’t leave your safety to chance; download the Winter Fire Safety fact sheet from Queensland Fire and Emergency Services here, as staying informed is the safest way to protect against risks.
https://www.qfes.qld.gov.au/sites/default/files/2021-05/WintirFireSafetyChecklist.pdf
Contact a Licensed Electrician in Brisbane for Your Home Electrical Maintenance, Repairs and Installations
Installation, maintenance, repairs, upgrades, lighting advice for your home and outdoor spaces. No matter what your home renovation plan calls for, you can trust Allyn White Electrical. With over 45 years experience in all aspects of domestic, industrial, commercial and emergency electrical work, Allyn will be able to assist with your electrical needs in Brisbane.
For a free quote by a licensed electrician call 0416 235 641 to arrange a time to discuss your electrical needs.
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