Electrical fire precautions

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.