Ashborn Partners

Because we use it everyday, it’s easy to forget how dangerous electricity can be. Even if you are handy around the house, never, ever do your own electrical work. Not only is it dangerous, it’s illegal - a licensed electrical contractor must carry out all electrical work.                 

Top 10 electrical safety tips                     

1. Install circuit breakers
2. Read all the instructions for appliances carefully before using them to make sure they are used correctly and safely
3. Switch off appliances before removing the plug from the power point
4. Switch off appliances at the power point, when not in use
5. If your appliance fails to operate, blows a fuse, overheats or sparks heavily, disconnect it and have it checked by a licensed electrical contractor
6. Broken switches and sockets are dangerous. Have them immediately replaced by an electrician
7. Remember that light fittings are usually connected to live wires, even if the light switch is turned off. Light fittings, switches and power points should not be removed for painting
8. Aluminium ladders, metal scaffold and painters' trestles can be a real electrical hazard. When working close to wiring, they should not be used
9. Nailing and fixing metal roofing and tile battens can be dangerous so take care to avoid contact with electrical cables
10. Electrical equipment should be kept away from pools and spas at all times. Never use extension cords near a pool

• No matter how careful you are, never use electrical appliances near basins and baths that contain water
• Use permanently fixed electric wall heaters
• Always unplug electrical appliances when not in use
• Ensure that children cannot pull electrical appliances into the bath, shower or basin.

Cords and plugs                                           

• Always remove a plug from the power point by firmly grasping the plug, NOT the cord
• Look out for damaged or incorrectly wired cords and plugs – these are the most common cause of electrical accidents
• Regularly check all cords, particularly extension cords for fraying or wear and tear
• Never ‘repair’ worn or damaged cords with PVC insulation tape. Have the cord replaced
• Avoid overloading power points by connecting double adaptors in piggy-back fashion, or by connecting one power board to another
• If an extension cord is wound on a reel, always fully unwind it before use - otherwise it could overheat if used for heavy electrical loads

Spikes and surges

Modern appliances including microwaves, air conditioners, TVs and DVD recorders, computers, fax machines, stereos, clock radios and reticulation controllers all have sensitive electronic components. These appliances can be damaged by what are known as electrical ‘spikes and surges’ which can occur on all general purpose power supplies.

Spikes and surges can arise from:

• storm, wind or lightning
• trees touching overhead wires
• bush fire
• vandalism
• vehicles colliding with power poles
• operation of customer equipment
• unforeseen failure of generation, transmission or distribution equipment

How to Minimise Your Risk

Your risk will be reduced by:

• unplugging electrical appliances when not in use
• checking manufacturers' warranties
• purchasing appropriate insurance
• fitting protective devices

Protective devices

A range of protective devices are available to safeguard sensitive electronic components from spikes and surges. Just ask at your local electrical appliance retailer, electrical/hardware store or supermarket, or talk to an electrician.

Some of these devices have a three-pin plug and connect directly to your power point like an adapter. Your electrician can also fit devices to your switchboard or replace power points with surge-arrester types.

Safety switches

A safety switch is an electrical safety device specially designed to provide a high level of personal protection from electric shocks. If a safety switch detects even a very small irregularity in your power supply, it will switch the power off within 10 to 15 milliseconds to prevent electric shocks.

However, it is important to note that a safety switch will not protect against all instances of electric shock. For example, if you touch the active and neutral conductors while handling faulty a plug or appliance, and there is no current flow to earth, the safety switch will not detect the contact and cannot protect you from an electric shock. This is why it is so important to repair faulty appliances and plugs as soon as you notice the problem.

Safety switches are mandatory in all new homes.
We recommend that you install a safety switch to protect all power points. Some people choose not to protect power points for fridges and freezers (as inadvertent tripping of the safety switch could result in food spoilage if your home is unattended) but it's best to discuss your options with your licensed electrician.

There are three types of safety switches:

1. Switchboard units - installed on the main switchboard, these provide complete installation protection or selected circuit protection
2. Power point units - inbuilt in a standard power point, these provide single point or single circuit protection
3. Portable units – these are suitable for use with extension cords and portable power tools

A licensed electrical contractor should install all safety switches (apart from portable unit switches). Always keep your appliances in good order and test your safety switch at least once a month, by pressing the test button.

Please remember, a safety switch is no substitute for common sense, proper care and maintenance.