Risk Of Electrical Domestic Appliance Fires in the UK & Lancashire
Whether you are buying a domestic electrical appliance or a homeowner, you need to be aware of the risks associated with these products. Here are some signs that you should look out for. Also, check that the appliance you buy has the necessary certifications.
The Risks Posed By Everyday Kitchen Appliances
In the last year, almost a thousand domestic appliance fires occurred in the UK. These fires were caused by both user mistakes and poorly maintained appliances. While it may be hard to prevent accidents, following some basic safety measures can help to avoid them. First, it is essential to understand the types of appliances that are most likely to burn down. Appliances that can start fires include tumble dryers and cooking appliances. Second, you will want to follow the instructions set out by the manufacturer when using your appliance. For example, you should disconnect the appliance when the load is empty, and using a fuse when connecting it to an electrical circuit would be best. Finally, you should install a smoke alarm. Not only will this help alert you to the onset of a fire, but it will also help protect you against the threat of a flood.
The number of fires caused by appliances is declining. During the last decade, home appliance fires have steadily declined. However, this does not mean there are not any safety issues. The most common cause of fires is human error. Many times, people will put objects too close to sources of heat or overload an appliance. The most significant hazard is the flammable material inside your washing machine and the dampness inside it. This can affect the performance of the appliance and increase the risk of electrical shock. You must also check your smoke alarms regularly to ensure they are working correctly.
Electrical domestic appliance fires cause approximately 60 fires per week in the UK. These appliances include fridges, freezers, dishwashers, tumble driers and toasters. Fire and Rescue Services responded to approximately 14,977 domestic fires in England in the year to March 2020. These include fires caused by appliances, fires involving smoking components and incidents of overloaded power sockets. The report suggests that registering your appliances is the best way to keep up to date with product recalls. Manufacturers issue safety notices to owners, but if you are not registered, you may not be notified if an item is recalled. As well as registering your appliances, you should check to see if they are safe to use. Some older appliances do not have safety devices against power quality variables, making them vulnerable to fire. The most dangerous appliances are washing machines and tumble dryers, and these devices can also cause flooding in flats.
Aside from registering your appliances, you should always follow their instructions. You should not overload washing machines and leave your kitchen appliances, like microwaves, active while away from the room. Also, ensure your appliance is fitted with a grounding plug, and never unplug it from the wall. The report also found that fridges and freezers are the most likely to catch fire, Cookware was the second most likely to cause fires, and toasters were the third. In total, 15,000 accidental fires in the UK were caused by household appliances between April 2019 and March 2020. While this is a small number of fires, it is essential to note that they are the most common type of fire in the home. These findings are the results of a survey conducted by the UK charity Electrical Safety First. The report analysed over 2,500 domestic fires using data from the Freedom of Information Act.
What Are The Early Signs Of A Potential Electrical Problem
Whenever you suspect that your electrical home appliances suffer from a potential electrical problem, you should contact a Lanchasire electrician to assess the situation. He can check the wiring and switches and find the problem. Overheating is one of the common problems that electrical appliances may cause, resulting in sparks and fires. If your home is overheating, you should immediately unplug the appliances and have a professional electrician investigate. Flickering lights can also be signs of an electrical problem, often caused by faulty wiring or an electrical fixture malfunctioning. If the lights are flickering, you may need to upgrade your electrical wiring or get a new light fixture. You can also try plugging your appliances into different outlets to see if the problem is with the appliances or the outlets.
Burning smells are also a common sign of an electrical problem. Usually, the smell of a burning house is unpleasant and immediately noticeable, and it can signify a fire in the home or the electrical panel. Besides sparks and a burning smell, electrical outlets can be damaged. If an outlet is chipped or damaged, it should be replaced. If you notice burn marks on the outlets or switches, it can be a sign of overheating. Another sign of an electrical problem is a fishy smell, which overheating components or a rodent infestation can cause. If you smell fish in your electrical outlets, you should immediately unplug everything and call an electrician. If you are experiencing frequent trips of the circuit breakers, you may have a wiring or electrical system problem. You should also be aware that multi-sockets can strain the entire electrical circuit.
Reasons To Install Fire and Smoke Alarms
Whether you own your home or rent it out, there are several good reasons to install fire and smoke alarms, and they help protect you and your family and prevent property damage. A mains-powered fire and smoke alarm is an excellent way to ensure your family is safe, and it provides a warning in the event of a fire and can reduce the risk of death. It is also good to check them regularly to ensure they are working. New homes must have mains-powered smoke and fire alarms and other security devices as part of the building regulations. There are additional requirements for larger houses, but all homes must comply with the new standard. It is crucial to choose an alarm that meets the required performance criteria. Some models feature voice alarms and strobing lights and should also carry the kitemark. If the alarm has alkaline 9V batteries, they will only have a three-year warranty, but you can get a five-year warranty on other alarms with lithium batteries.
What is The Cost Of Getting Smoke & Fire Alarms Installed?
Having fire and smoke alarms installed is an excellent way to ensure your home is safe. These devices provide early warning of fires and smoke so that you can evacuate the property. They can also save you money on your home insurance premiums. However, before installing any fire alarms, you need to take into account the cost of the installation. The cost of installing fire and smoke alarms will vary depending on the size of your property, and the number of alarms will also increase the overall cost. For example, if you have a three-storey house, you may need to install two fire alarms at each level and an interlinked smoke alarm at each level of the loft. Alternatively, if you have a two-storey house, you may only need to install one smoke and one carbon monoxide alarm. In that case, the cost of installing a fire and smoke alarm may only be around £25.