Follow these simple tips for using and maintaining electrical switches, leads and power points and making your home safe:

Switches, power points and power boards

• Do not overload power points or power boards by “piggy backing” plugs into one socket or by using double adaptors – all power boards have maximum current ratings. Arrange for an additional power point to be installed by a licensed electrical professional
• Do not allow children to play with power points or switches
• Insert safety plugs in unused power point sockets – to prevent accidental contact
• Ensure electrical cords are not hanging from benches where children can grab them
• Do not plug high wattage appliances (such as heaters) into power boards – they may overheat the circuit wiring through overload and cause a fire
• Place power boards in ventilated areas and keep them free of dust and dirt – if there is a build up of dirt, moisture, grease or oil on or around power points and switches, have them tested by a licensed electrical professional
• Do not spray household cleaners, detergents or insecticides on switches and power points
• Do not wipe power points or switches with a wet cloth

Extension leads

• Use extension leads only as a temporary measure
• Extension leads should have plugs with three metal cores (pins) – plugs with two cores are not earthed, are dangerous and should only be used with double insulated electrical equipment
• Place extension leads carefully around furniture preferably securely taped to the floor, or along wall edges
• Do not place extension leads near heaters and cookers
• Do not connect a piggyback plug to the end of an extension lead to make it longer – the pins will be live, and therefore extremely dangerous
• Do not attempt to repair electrical leads yourself, and never join them by twisting or taping
• Extension leads that are damaged, frayed or have exposed inner wires should be thrown away or repaired only by licensed electricity professional Do not make up a long extension lead from a series of shorter ones
• If using extension leads outdoors check them regularly for signs of damage or age
• Never place extension leads under carpet or rugs as they may overheat
• Fully extend leads on reels when in use