It is a good idea to employ an experienced professional to examine the electrical safety equipment.
An electrical safety certificate is the evidence needed to ensure that any issues within your property are identified and fixed before they cause injury or damage. There’s no lawful requirement that requires the installation of electrical devices to be independently assessed unless it’s being installed again, or has been substantially moved or altered or a certification to operate is refused.
In all other cases, building regulations only require equipment to be tested by an experienced person who is not an electrician, but they must know what they are doing.
An ordinary electrical safety inspection includes testing the installation to make sure it meets all applicable building regulations, IEE Wiring Regulations, and the manufacturer’s specifications. The most likely fire hazards are excess electrical wires, overloaded sockets and malfunctioning equipment.
The certificate will also cover devices that are linked to the installation, including kettles, heaters, or heaters. It ensures that they are safe to use.
An experienced professional will conduct an electrical test. He will provide suggestions regarding how to fix any issues before they cause injuries or damages.
If you lease your home you could be entitled to ask for an electrical safety inspection under the conditions of your tenancy agreement.
Electrical safety tips while home renovations
Alongside replacing smoke detectors, professionals from the University of Michigan suggest homeowners adhere to the following guidelines when renovating:
1. Don’t disconnect the main switch or an isolated circuit breaker while the person is using power from another area of the house. This is especially true for appliances that are connected to outlets that are controlled by an electrical wall switch.
2. When you turn off the circuit breaker wait for the power indication to blink before you start working on the wiring.
3. If you need to switch off the circuit breaker in isolation while someone is using electrical equipment attached to it, shut off electricity at the main switch before making use of wires controlled by the circuit breaker.
4. Be cautious when using an extension cord to provide power. Make sure to use the shortest length, and ensure it is not overloaded. If you choose to use an extended cord for large-wattage appliances, be sure it is UL-approved.
5. Use caution when working with older wiring devices, especially three-way switches. They’ve been out of use in the homes of many years and can pose a shock or electrocution risk if they are not properly installed.
6. Only use electrical fixtures which have been tested according to Australian standards such as those manufactured by Wylex, Schneider Electric, or HPM.
7. Be sure to keep candles out of the combustible substances. Also, don’t leave candles without supervision.
8. Shoes made of rubber are ideal, since they can be walked on dry, sandy ground. Don’t use frayed extension cables. Never cut the cord off an old device and plug it into another in the event that they’re both of the same voltage ratings.
If you want to learn more, click compliance check for your RCD or smoke alarm