News & Views
29th March 2019
Be Safe this Summer!
With Summer just around the corner, now is a good time to ensure that your household appliances are in good working order. It’s also important to check that they’re compliant with Australian Standards. If you’re in any doubt, let a licensed electrician have a look, prior to installation.
NECA suggests the following seven electrical safety checks this summer:
1. When purchasing new electrical products, check for the Australian compliance mark or approval number. See: https://www.voltimum.com.au/brand/does-it-comply
2. Be vigilant when purchasing online products or those manufactured overseas as they may not meet Australian standards and/or be safe to use in Australia. Non-compliant products can cause electric shocks or become a fire hazard.
3. If you are using equipment that has not been used for some time, check for damaged or exposed wiring before reusing. If you find anything untoward, let your licensed electrician know – don’t try to fix it yourself!
4. Have safety switches installed on all home electrical circuits – safety switches are an additional safety measure that can prevent electrocution
5. Take a few minutes to explain electrical safety to children – every season, so that they understand not to play with electrical items such as plug boards.
6. Never attempt to repair to modify any lighting equipment yourself – always get a qualified electrician to do the work.
7. If you’re ever in any doubt, contact a licensed electrician.
“With electrical products, it’s always better to be safe than sorry,” says Suresh Manickam, the CEO of the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA). “Safety is NECA’s key driver and we encourage all consumers to check any appliance that has been stored away before reusing it. If you see anything that doesn’t look quite right such as a damaged or frayed cord, let a licensed electrician check it out first.”
“Electrical deaths in the home are often caused by carelessness – from do it yourself work or failing to regularly check or service appliances. It’s just not worth the risk given the potential outcome,” Mr Manickam said.
