If you’d like security when it comes to electrical safety, it’s worthwhile to hire a certified professional to perform an inspection.
An electrical safety certificate is a document that allows you to pinpoint and rectify any problems within your property prior to they cause injury or damage. There is no legal requirement that requires the installation of electrical devices to be independently examined unless it is installed again, or has been substantially relocated or altered, or a certificate to work was denied.
In all other instances, building regulations require only that equipment is inspected by competent persons. They do not have to be electricians, but they must be aware of what they’re doing.
A safety check for electrical installations will typically involve conducting tests on the installation to make sure that it’s compliant with building regulations, the IEE Wiring Regulations and any instructions of the manufacturer. Risks of fire include overloaded electrical cables, overload sockets, and defective equipment.
The certificate also contains appliances that are linked to the installation like heaters, immersion heaters and kettles. They are therefore safe for use.
A test of electrical integrity will be carried out by an experienced professional who can make suggestions regarding how issues could be resolved prior to posing the risk of injury or destruction.
If you lease your home and you are a tenant, you may be able to request an electrical safety inspection as per the terms of your lease agreement.
Tips for electrical safety during home renovations
In addition to changing smoke detectors, professionals at the university suggest that homeowners take the following precautions during renovations:
1. If you are using electricity from different areas of the house Do not remove the main switch, or isolated circuit breakers. This includes plugging in appliances into outlets controlled by a wall switch.
2. When you shut off a circuit breaker, ensure that the power indicator to be out prior to beginning to work on wiring.
3. You can turn off an isolated circuit breaker if there is a person working with it. Before you begin working using the wires that are controlled by the circuit breaker, you must make sure that the main switch is off.
4. Make use of an extension cord to provide electricity. Always choose the shortest length and make sure that the cord isn’t overloaded. If you opt for the longer cord to power high-wattage appliances, ensure it is UL-approved
5. Use caution in working with old wiring tools, specifically three-way switches. They haven’t been in use for long years. If they’re not installed properly, they can pose a risk of electrocution or even shock.
6. Use only electrical fixtures that have been tested to Australian standards, like the ones made by Wylex, Schneider Electric, or HPM.
7. Be sure to keep candles out of any flammable materials. Additionally, do not leave candles alone.
8. The best shoes to wear are those with rubber soles, because they are able to be walked on dry ground. Avoid using frayed extension cables. Don’t cut the cord of an old appliance , then plug it into a new one in the event that they’re both of the same voltage rating.
If you want to learn more, click compliance check for your RCD or smoke alarm