Electrical equipment has been designed to make our modern lives considerably easier. But, with this comes an increased risk for safety. Electricity is one of the most dangerous commodities that we use every single day and every device we use must be safe. Here at MJH Electricals, we provide a wide range of electrical services to support domestic, commercial and industrial industries, including maintenance and services. And, while it is vital to have a professional electrician review your equipment annually, it’s equally as important to be able to perform a visual check for safety yourself. In this blog, we’ll cover 3 ways to check if your equipment is safe today.
Check The Outer Cover
For more electrical items, the power cords provide a clear indication as to whether they are safe to use. You want to make sure that there are no breaks in the protective plastic sheath that sits overtop the internal wires. This flexible cover insulates, allowing the wire to be moved and flexed – even when it is plugged into the mains system. If you notice any damage, we recommend switching off and unplugging the device. You will need to have the cord repaired or replaced – a task that should be enlisted by a specialist and professional electrician.
Burn Marks
If you notice scorch or burn marks on the wall around a plug socket, stop using the divide. This is normally a sign of loose wiring or additional electrical problems. It could be caused by arching – when an electrical current ‘leaps’ across a gap causing intermittent connection sparking, dust build-up or incorrect wiring within the outlet. Either way, sockets or equipment with these marks should be passed over to a professional electrician to review.
Reduce Trip Hazards
Check the wires around your electrical equipment. While shocks are a key cause of concern for electrical items, you also need to take into account a more common hazard – tripping. Many businesses rush to set up and begin using new devices that they forget to properly tie down or secure cords and wires in the process. In busy environments or those with high foot traffic, the risk of tripping becomes more prevalent.
At MJH Electricals, we provide electrical services to domestic, commercial and industrial settings. Our engineers can work with you to ensure every item of electrical equipment you own is maintained to the highest levels and kept safe for use at all times. If you have any questions or would like to speak to one of us, please do get in contact here today.