Stay safe this Christmas
You’ve found the boxes, put up the tree and you’ve untangled the lights, but before you switch on, have you checked if they’re safe?
One of the biggest causes of fires in the UK is faulty or misused electrical appliances or leads, which can easily be avoided with a bit of care and attention.
Your safety is a top priority and you can find important information about safety in your home here.
Here’s our top tips:
Avoid overloading your sockets
Typically, an electrical socket can handle around 13 amps going through it at a time, so it’s best to know what you’ve got plugged into them to avoid an overload.
An electric kettle usually uses the full 13 amps while it’s in use, while a toaster might use between five and 10. A television only uses around two amps to run.
Most appliances will tell you how many amps they need to run, so just make sure you’re not going over the limit. You can take a look at how many amps your appliances are using on this socket calculator designed by Electrical Safety First.
If you’re using any multi-socket adaptors or extension cables, you might consider using a surge protector which can prevent the socket from overloading and causing any damage. Surge protectors are also ideal when using any power intensive devices and tools.
If you're not sure, use this electrical socket calculator from Electrical Safety First to help you work out how much power you're putting through your plugs
Check safety guidance before plugging in
Only plug in electrical devices and appliances that have been tested and meet the UK’s safety standards. To check, take a look to see if you can find the CE or UKCA mark on the device you’re using.
Some devices, such as cheaper or alternative phone chargers, may not have these marks on them and are therefore a potential fire hazard. If you see the mark on the packaging but not on the device itself, it could mean that it’s not compliant with safety standards and you could be taking a risk by using it.
Don’t take a chance on DIY
As your landlord, we’re responsible for your electrics, so if you notice any faults or exposed wiring, let us know so we can come and fix it.
You should always get any electrical work done by a qualified professional and never try to do it yourself. Faulty wiring is a major cause of fires and electric shocks.
E-scooters and e-bikes
E-scooters and e-bikes have been incredibly popular over the last few years, but with them comes a significant fire risk, especially around the batteries.
Here’s our checklist to make sure you’re safe if you’re thinking about buying or using one:
Always but them from a reputable retailer
Faulty or damaged items can be a serious safety risk, and can’t always be seen when you hand over your money. It can also be very difficult to get a refund if it goes wrong.
· Check your batteries
Do a quick inspection of your batteries before you buy or use an e-scooter or e-bike. If there’s any damage, don’t use them.
Don’t charge batteries when you’re asleep
The chemicals in lithium polymer batteries can be unstable, and can catch fire quickly. Think of them like a candle, and don’t leave them unattended for long periods of time, especially when you’re asleep as by the time you realise there’s a problem, it could be too late. Once it’s fully charged, unplug it.
Follow the instructions
Every bike and scooter is different, so make sure you take a look at the instructions and any maintenance notes that it comes with to minimise the danger.
Dispose of them responsibly
Batteries are bad for the environment if you just throw them in your household bins, so you need to take them to a recycling point when they don’t work anymore.
· Don’t charge in communal areas
Leaving batteries to charge unattended is dangerous, so you should never charge them in communal areas. This can also increase your service charges if people use the communal electric for personal use.
Check your smoke alarms
Smoke alarms can save lives. Check yours regularly to make sure it can warn you when it’s time to get out.
Store in a cool, dry place
You can protect your batteries and your e-scooter or e-bike by making sure you store them in a cool, dry place.