Ensure correct wiring to remain shockproof

The electrical applicances and trendy gadgets we are so used to can only work if household wiring is done properly,which is also essential for ones own safety

Most homeowners,when buying their dream home,want to equip it with best electrical and electronic products be they lights,attractive switches or trendy appliances.

These products and accessories certainly contribute to making our lives easier and add to the aesthetics of a home,but ones focus should not end there. When talking of electricity,there is one criticial aspect all homeowners need to take stock of and that is electrical wiring,for this is often neglected.

Load correctly

If the electrical wiring is inadequate,overloaded or outdated,it would not just impede the effective operation of those appliances and gadgets,it could be dangerous for most of the accidental fires occur due to short circuit. This is why we need to be sure that our electrical systems are of the appropriate capacity and always in good working condition.

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Never overload electrical outlets and circuits. Overloaded electrical outlets and circuits carry excessive amount of electricity,which generates heat in undetectable amounts. The heat causes load on the internal wiring system and could potentially ignite a fire.

All wiring systems should have circuit breakers or fuses that disconnect power when circuits become overloaded. Give special consideration to appliances that use 1,000 or more watts,such as air conditioners,refrigerators,hot plates,irons,microwave ovens,dishwashers and water heaters. Avoid plugging them into the same outlet or circuits so they do not exceed 1,500 watts for each outlet or circuit. Usually the wattage requirements are listed in appliance manufacturers instructions. Use fuse wire/switch to save the electrical network in case of overloads and short circuits,which occur due to accidental contact of phase with another phase or phase with earth wire.

Circuit breakers & fuses

The presence of switchboard protects the electrical wiring system in your home and it comprises the main power switch,along with a number of fuses,or circuit breakers. Each fuse or circuit breaker corresponds to a different area of wiring in your home. In the event of an electrical fault the fuse will blow or the circuit breaker will trip. The power to the corresponding area of the house will be shut off and prevent overloading or fire. The main difference between a circuit breaker and a fuse is that a circuit breaker can be reset,whereas once a fuse blow out it must be immediately replaced.

It is always a good idea to know what each fuse or circuit breaker protects. Switchboards are normally labelled. If yours is not,next time you have electrical work done,ask your licensed worker/electrician to do this for you. This can save you time in identifying a blown fuse or which circuit breaker to switch off,should the need arise. Always replace a fuse with one having the correct rating.

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Eectrical appliances can become damaged or worn through general wear and tear. It is important to get them inspected and tested to check theyre still safe to use. You should get checks done at least every ten years. In older homes,the electrical system may not be able to power all the equipment we commonly use today. Be extra cautious if the property is old as it runs a higher risk of faulty wiring.

 The author is CMD,KEI Industries