Electrical

Electrical items in the home can include the power supply, fixed appliances, portable appliances, power boards and extension leads.

Replace damaged plugs and leads.
Use power boards with overload protection.
Never handle electrical equipment with wet hands.
Switch off and unplug appliances when not in use.
Don’t use faulty electrical equipment until it has been repaired.
Don’t place extension leads under carpets or furniture.
Install an earth leakage circuit breaker.
Check electrical wiring and switches regularly, especially in older homes. Anything more than a visual check must be done by a licensed electrician.

Ensure electrical appliances such as hair dryers and hair straighteners are not left on surfaces that can burn.

Only plug in one electrical device per socket. Do not overload power boards or ‘piggyback’ plugs into one socket or use double adaptors.

If an electrical cord is damaged or wires are exposed, DO NOT use the appliance. Replace it or have it repaired.

Always let the clothes dryer complete its full cycle including the cool cycle.
Clean the lint filters in clothes dryers before each use.
Ventilate dryers adequately.
Clean the lint filter before each use.

All electrical equipment should have an Australian Standard or a Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM).
Make sure power boards have overload protection and are not covered by rugs, clothing, pillows or doonas.
It is important to maintain good airflow around electrical items and appliances and remove anything from around or on top of them.
DO NOT charge electrical devices on beds or flammable surfaces.

If it’s electric, be safe and check it.