Electrician's Tips: How to Ensure You Don't Overload Sockets
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There are some simple steps you can follow in order to ensure the safety and wellbeing of your family where sockets are concerned. They can be the cause of some serious problems in the home, and if you have young children you’ll naturally want to keep them safe from harm. The overloading of electrical sockets have led to fires and electrical shocks so it pays to be vigilant.
Check and double check.
Before you do anything, check any sockets before you use any appliances. What type of plugs will it take, and if you’re using an extension lead what fuse type is safe, 13A is the standard rating but some are less, always check first.
Extension leads should be monitored for overuse.
Don’t overload your extension lead as it could exceed the recommended rating and once it reaches its maximum it can overheat and then catch fire. There are overload calculators you can access online you can use to help you avoid the overheating of your extension lead.
Don’t overuse an extension lead and take plugs out when not in use.
Something else to keep in mind is that it's best to use only one extension lead per socket and never try plugging one extension lead into another. This is a surefire way of causing an accident. Also, make sure you take appliances out at bedtime and never leave things switched on, especially if you’ve not been able to avoid using all of your sockets in any particular room.
Multi-way bar extension leads over block adaptors.
Multiway bar extension leads are better than block adaptors as they don’t put as much strain on the sockets. It may be that if you’re constantly relying on extension leads then perhaps your home simply doesn’t have enough sockets. This can be true of older properties, and a potential solution to this is to have more sockets installed by a qualified and registered electrician.
What signs should you be looking out for when using extension leads and all your sockets are full?
Look out for the following:
Smell of plastic or burning
Smoke or sparks
Scorch marks and black patches near a plug, socket or appliance
Frayed leads
Melted plastic, leads or casings
Blown fuses, or circuit breakers that cut off electricity for no immediate reason.
Speak to the Experts
If there’s anything else you’re unsure of when it comes to overloading sockets and you think you may be in need of more, why not get in touch with us here at VC Electrical, and an experienced electrician will be happy to advise you and answer your queries. Any jobs whether complex or simple, all of our team are registered, qualified and trained electricians. Contact us today.