Electrical

Electricity is unique in that:

• It has no smell
• It is invisible
• And if used inappropriately it is deadly (you will rarely get a second chance)

Before you plug in:

• Check that the plug is free from damage
• Check that the cable is connected to the plug in such a manner that none of the conductors (usually wires which are brown or blue or the earth wire which is usually green/yellow) are visible
• Ensure the cable itself is free from damage, cuts, flat spots or excessive twisting
• Make sure the cable entry point to the equipment itself is protected from damage by a shroud, gland or grommet with no conductors or earth wire visible
• Check that the casing of the equipment is intact and fit for use

If, after completing these simple checks, any equipment is found to be damaged or in an unacceptable condition, take no chances - contact a qualified electrician.

Failure of equipment in use

If equipment should fail whilst it is being used then it has not just 'packed in for the sake of it' - it has failed for a reason. It could be a short circuit within the equipment or an overload where the equipment is drawing more current from the supply circuit than the protective device (fuse, circuit breaker) will allow, causing it to blow or trip.

Under no circumstances should an attempt be made to repair the equipment or reset any protective devices unless this can be done by a competent person qualified to do so. When at home get a qualified electrician to check and repair any faulty equipment, it could be more costly not to.

Extension leads

Extension leads should only be used to power IT equipment and then only as a short term solution until a fixed supply can be installed. The 4 way block type must be used. This type contains a fuse to protect against overload.

The old 'cube' type adaptors, which have sockets on the top and sides, should not be used either in the workplace or at home. These can become overloaded very quickly and overheat, causing a serious fire risk. The weight of the plugs connected to the adaptor can also cause problems causing the adaptor to work its way out of the socket giving poor connection and giving risk of overload or fire.

Working outdoors

At work or at home the risk of fatal electrocution can be eliminated by using battery powered equipment or reduced by using 110v equipment supplied through a centre tapped transformer which will limit any shock voltage to 55 volts.

240v gardening equipment such as lawn mowers, hedge trimmers etc., which pose a major risk through the appliance itself cutting through the cable, should always be supplied via an R.C.D. (Residual Current Device). These devices will disconnect from the power supply in less than V2 a second should you accidentally cut through the cable. Many newer houses have R.C.D.s installed directly into the consumer unit (fuse board) but if this is not the case R.C.D. plugs which replace the existing plug on the appliance can be bought from DIY stores from around £10 each.