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Electricity is a major cause of Fire accidents. About
60% fires are of electric origin on account of electric
short circuit, over heating, overloading, use of non-standard
appliances, illegal tapping of electric wires, improper
electrical wiring, carelessness and ignorance etc. It
can lead to serious fire and fatal accidents, if proper
fire precautions are not followed. Such fire incidents
can be minimized, if adequate fire precautions are observed.
This leaflet will brief about the main areas of electrical
hazard in your home and explains how you can stop fire
starting.
Plugs and Flexes
- Some electrical appliances are designed to be left
"ON" all the time. Check the manufacturer's
instructions or if you are unsure, with the shop where
you bought it. All other electrical appliances should
be switched off and unplugged when not in use. Remove
plugs carefully, don't remove them by pulling the
flex.
- Use a three-pin plug which conforms to the Indian
Standard and carries the ISI Marks.
- Overloading the socket by using several adaptors
into the one socket can cause it to overheat and catch
fire. Use a good quality adaptor and ensure it has
the correct fuse.
Wiring A Plug
Learn the wiring colours and make sure you follow the
instructions as given by the manufactures when fitting
a plug.
Fuse / MCB
Always use the correct fuse / MCB for the equipments
you are using and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Cooking Gadgets
Always make sure that saucepans are in a safe position.
Flexes from electrical equipment, such as kettles and
toasters, should be kept well away from the open fire
and tea towels should never be dried over the gadgets.
Never leave a saucepan unattended with the heat turned
on and be especially careful when using chip pans with
oil or fat.
Make sure that ovens are not left on after use.
Warning
- Look out for warning signs of dangerous wiring
- Hot plugs and sockets
- Fuses that blow for no obvious reason
- Light flickering
- Brown scorch marks on sockets and plugs
You should ask your electrician to check your wiring
thoroughly if you see any of the danger signs.
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