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About ELECSA
ELECSA run a competent person scheme approved by the Department for Communities and Local Government (formerly the ODPM) to deliver a self-certification scheme for those trades people undertaking domestic electrical work.
The principles of ELECSA are to operate a straightforward certification scheme that is friendly and easy for contractors to use. To date there are 2500+ electrical firms registered with ELECSA, notifying approximately 500 jobs per week.
For more Information on click on the link ELECSA
Electrical safety
Minimise the risks of electrical fires
There are several things you can do to help prevent electrical fires, including:
• unplugging appliances that aren't in use
• never overloading adaptors with too many plugs
• getting electrical appliances tested by an approved contractor.
• Over rating of bulbs can cause the unit to get hot and melt the fitting or insulation on the wire
What are my responsibilities if I own my home?
• If you own your home, you should:
• arrange for an electrical inspection to be carried out every ten years (see 'what does an electrical inspection involve' below)
• watch out for danger signs and make sure all electrical equipment in your home is maintained and used properly (see 'what are the danger signs' and 'how can I minimise the risks' below)
• ensure all repair and installation work is carried out by a registered contractor. You will then be issued with a certificate to prove that the work has been done properly and is safe.
You can also check yourself for possible danger signs. These include:
• plugs or wall sockets which are overheating or are scorched or cracked
• cables or wires which are loose, exposed or fraying
• a burning smell when appliances are switched on
• fuses which blow frequently.
If you are concerned about any of the electrical installations or appliances in your home, call in an electrician immediately
What are the dangers?
• If electrical systems or appliances in your home are unsafe, you could be at risk of:
• electric shocks - severe electric shocks can cause heart failure
• electrical burns - these can require major surgery and can be permanently damaging
• fire - every year, 12,500 fires are caused in UK homes by electrical faults.
What does an electrical inspection involve?
The ELECSA recommends that you should get your home inspected by an approved electrical contractor every ten years. In addition, landlords should get rental properties inspected before they are let out.
During the inspection, the electrical contractor will:
check for potential electrical shock risks
check for electrical fire hazards
make sure your electrical circuits and equipment are not overloaded
make sure all the wiring is safe
test all electrical appliances.
If the inspection report highlights any urgent problems, you or your landlord will need to get them fixed as soon as possible.
What are the danger signs?
You can also check yourself for possible danger signs. These include:
plugs or wall sockets which are overheating or are scorched or cracked
cables or wires which are loose, exposed or fraying
a burning smell when appliances are switched on
fuses which blow frequently.
How can I minimise the risks?
There are several things you can do to minimize risks of electrical shocks or fires in your home. For example:
Make sure cables from electrical appliances (including extension cables) don't run underneath carpets or rugs.
Don't overload wall sockets. If you need to use an adaptor, use a multi-socket trailing adaptor, not a multi-way adaptor that plugs straight into the socket.
If you need to use an extension cable, don't use a longer one than you need. Don't keep extension cables coiled, as this can cause them to overheat.
Don't exceed the recommended bulb wattage for light fittings.
Don't put too high a fuse in plugs - the Scottish Executive's fire safety leaflet recommends the kind of fuse you should use for different electrical appliances.
Never use mains powered electrical equipment in the bathroom.
Don't leave electrical appliances switched on or on stand by when you're not using them - this will save you money as well as improve safety.
Electric blankets are a common cause of fires - the Trading Standards Institute recommends that you get them serviced every three years.
Make sure that your home has smoke alarms fitted and that they are all in working order.
Make sure you can access the consumer unit (the fuse box and meter) easily. It's a good idea to keep a torch nearby, so you can see what you're doing if the lights go out.
Don't touch or use any electrical items that you think are unsafe.
Plan what to do in case of fire and be aware of all escape routes.
Make sure that exit routes are always kept clear
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What if the power goes off?
The electricity in your home can go off for a variety of reasons. It may be due to a fault in the electrical system in your property, or due to a wider supply problem.
Resetting the 'trip switch'
First of all, check whether the circuit breaker has been 'tripped'. This is a safety measure that's triggered when your electrical system becomes overloaded. This may happen if, for example, you try to operate too many electrical appliances at once or you turn on a faulty appliance. If this happens, you'll need to switch the circuit breaker in your consumer unit (fuse box) back on again. If you're unsure how to do this, you can call the helpline of your local electricity network operator or supplier and an adviser should be able to talk you through the process.
Power cuts
If this doesn't work, or you find that the circuit breaker has not been tripped, there may be a power cut in your area. Again, your local electricity network operator or supplier should be able to tell you if a power cut has occurred and, if so, how long it's likely to last.
If there has been a power cut, switch off and unplug any expensive electrical items such as your hi-fi, TV and computer - this will prevent them getting damaged when the power returns. If you need to use candles for light, never leave them unattended.
Disconnection for works
Your supplier may occasionally need to disconnect your electricity supply in order to carry out essential works. You should be given written notice of this in advance. If you particularly need power in your home (for example, if you are elderly or have a medical condition) get in touch with your supplier. They should be able to help you arrange an alternative energy supply (for example, from a generator) while the repairs are being carried out.
Electrical Safety
Updating electrical wiring in older homes
Many people love the character of older homes, but the wiring inside most older houses simply wasn’t designed to handle the electrical needs we have today.
Some wiring problems are just inconveniences, but others can be serious safety hazards
The most common electrical issues in older homes are fuse or circuit-breaker misuse, and non-grounded or improperly polarized plugs and outlets.
Required updates may include changing out the electrical panel to handle a larger load, grounding the wiring, installing ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) and even replacing wiring inside the walls.
A major wiring update to an older home is best handled by a professional electrician familiar with your local building codes.
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