Faulty electrics, appliances, wiring and overloaded sockets all cause around 7,000 house fires across the country every year. As part of Electrical Safety Week, Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service are reminding everyone of the dangers of overloaded sockets.
Many people have extension leads in their homes, often using 4-way bar adaptors to increase the number of appliances that you can plug into a wall socket. Although there is space on an adaptor to plug in four appliances, this does not mean it is always safe to do so. Different electrical appliances use different amounts of power.
The Electrical Safety Council has created an easy to use calculator where you can plug in some typical household appliances to see the effect on the load. The calculator is intended to help you understand how you can avoid overloading your sockets and reduce the risk of fire. To use the calculator please visit our electrical safety page.
Top tips for plugs and sockets
View the Electrical Safety First video when a cat and dog were left at home on their own.
To request free Home Safety advice call free on: now 0800 0502999. For any other fire safety advice, contact the Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue helpline on: 01392 872288 or visit our website www.dsfire.gov.uk
