For home and business

Whether it’s a frayed appliance cord, using a metal knife to remove toast from a toaster, or overloading a plug with multiple adaptors, these situations aren’t safe. Follow these tips to prevent electrical fires, avoid shocks, and know what to do if an electrical fire occurs to keep yourself and others safe. 

In any electrical emergency, call 111 immediately.

How do I prevent electrical fires?

Appliances

  • Only use appliances as intended and follow the instructions
  • Don’t leave appliances like ovens, irons, dryers, or portable heaters running when you are not home
  • Check electric blankets for damage every season and every time you change the sheets. Look for any kinks, exposed wires, or scorch marks and inspect the switch and plug for any damage
  • Always clear the lint from your clothes dryer before you use it
  • If an appliance blows a fuse, trips a circuit breaker, or has given you a shock disconnect it straight away. Get it repaired by a professional or replace it
  • If an electrical appliance has been waterlogged or submerged in any liquid, throw it away immediately
  • Watch for warning signs like flickering lights, burning smells, or sparking
  • Keep appliances like portable heaters away from curtains, bedding, furniture, and clothing

Cords and trip hazards

  • Don’t run cords under rugs, mats, or through doorways where they can be crushed or pinched
  • Keep cords and appliances away from heat, moisture, and sharp edges

Power boards and outlets

  • Don’t overload power boards or plug too many appliances into one socket
  • Check your power board regularly for wear and tear. If the power board is damaged, or the connections are loose, stop using it and replace it
  • Use a power board with a built-in surge protector
  • Only use light bulbs with the wattage displayed on the appliance. If there is no indication on the product, use a 60-watt bulb or less

Professional work and repairs

  • Get any electrical work done by a licensed professional

What are the warning signs of electrical problems?

Call your landlord or a licensed electrician immediately if you notice any of these:

  • You feel a tingling sensation when you touch a plug or light switch
  • An appliance gives off a faint rubbery or burning smell
  • Your outlet plates are warm to the touch or discoloured
  • An outlet sparking
  • Your lights dim or flicker
  • Repeated tripping of your circuit breaker or blowing fuses. Overloading your electrical circuits and tripping the circuit breaker or blowing a fuse can happen occasionally, but it’s not normal for it to happen repeatedly

What should I do if there is an electrical fire in my home or business?

Golden rule: Never use water on an electrical fire

Electrical fires are different from other types of fire. Water conducts electricity, so putting water on an electrical fire can cause serious electric shock or make the fire worse.

Electrical fires caused by appliances, cords, or sockets can be dangerous. Never use water to put them out.

Take these steps:

  1. Call 111 and tell them it is an electrical fire
  2. If it is safe, turn off the power at the wall or your main switchboard
  3. Only use a fire extinguisher marked for use on electrical fires
  4. If the fire is spreading or you feel unsafe, evacuate immediately and wait for emergency services

How do I prevent electrical shocks?

Some hazards may not cause a fire but can cause injury. Protect yourself with these tips:

Appliances

  • Don’t use an ageing or faulty appliance, including those with frayed cords, cracked or broken plugs, or that has caused a shock
  • Don’t use a hot water bottle together with an electric blanket
  • Keep metal objects away from the toaster when removing food
  • Always remove cords from the wall by the plug, not by pulling on the cord
  • Watch for appliances giving off a faint rubbery or burning smell

Cords and trip hazards

  • Make sure all power leads are tucked out of the way or secured to prevent trip and fall hazards, especially in areas where children or staff move around

Power points and professional work

  • Don’t attempt to repair faulty appliances yourself – only qualified technicians or licensed electricians should do this
  • Don’t touch or attempt to repair a loose, cracked, or broken power point switch – cover it immediately and arrange for a licensed electrician to replace it
  • Don’t overload power points by piggybacking adaptors or plugging in multiple high-current appliances like kettles, irons, and heaters
  • Be alert for outlets that are warm to the touch, discoloured, or sparking

Remember: Treat all electrical equipment as live at all times.