Winter Electrical Safety Hazards Checklist

Below is a Winter electrical safety hazards checklist to follow to ensure the home and everyone in it is safe from electrical dangers in Winter:

Inspect each electrical appliance and equipment

Looking for electrical defects and faults before Winter is needed. Some electrical concerns to look out for are any loose connections, if the cabling and wiring are frayed and exposed, if any electrical power points are cracked, overheating or damaged as well as the condition of the smoke alarms, electrical sockets and other systems. Hiring an electrician to perform an inspection will be quicker and more effective as they will know exactly what to look out for. If there are safety concerns then electrical repairs can also be done to prevent major problems. 

Look over the heater and lights

In Winter heaters will be used meaning inspecting to see if they are still safe to use is crucial. Heaters that are defective can easily cause house fires if not careful. Plug in heaters should also be given special attention where checking their plug, wiring and overall condition is needed. It is also important that any light bulbs are away from flammable material, that they are turned off and unplugged when not in use and that a good light bulb with the correct wattage is installed.

Check the electrical blankets

Electric blankets are great in Winter but it is important to inspect them before using them. Look for if the cord is in good condition, that there is no damage done to them and that it will safely operate. Make sure to also turn off the blanket when not using it and not place anything heavy on top of the blanket that might cause damage. 

Inspect the electrical systems near water

Outlets need to be a certain distance between wet areas such as sinks but if they are not then outlet plug covers are encouraged to be installed. If appliances are being used in wet areas as well make sure that they are safely used and are not handled when hands are wet.

Inspect each electrical cord and extension cord

Any appliance cord, extension cord and general wiring should be inspected regularly. Ensuring that they are organised and not tangling or bunching up is important, as well as not covering them with objects or blankets. Looking for any physical damages or if they are exposed should also be done. Remembering to carefully unplug and plug them into the outlet is helpful for keeping the power plug in good condition. It is also crucial to not use an excessive amount of extension cords as the chance of electrical overloading increases the more they are used. 

Make sure that there is electrical childproofing

Childproofing the electrical outlets ensures that children will not accidentally damage them which could lead to hurting them. Performing specific tasks to limit the chance children and babies come across electrical hazards is important. Outlets are the main concern where childproofing them, such as with socket plug covers, is important. Also having wires and cords out of their reach, especially in wet areas, and making sure they do not play with appliances will also help keep them safe. 

Have enough space around electrical appliances

Appliances need to have a certain amount of space around them so they can cool and not overheat. Look over each appliance to see if they have the correct space around them, including entertainment systems and heaters. 

Know what to do if there is an electrical fire

Have a plan ready in the event of an electrical fire and remember not to pour water onto electrical appliances but use a fire extinguisher.

Know a trusted emergency electrician to rely on

It is highly recommended to have an Emergency Electrician within your contacts in case an electrical issue comes up. Emergency electricians are available 24 hours a day and will quickly arrive to help with whatever electrical problem. Our team here at The Local Electrician are ready to help with all kinds of electrical emergencies for Sydney locals in Winter. Contact us at any time when needing urgent electricians to respond to any electrical concern.