Tag: electrics

Stay safe when working from home!

In recent times working life has become much more flexible and hybrid working is offered as standard in many businesses across the country, so it’s vital that business owners fully equip their employees with the knowledge of how to upkeep good electrical practices when at home and on the move.

As an increasing number of homeworking homeowners seek to invest in renovating their home office space, NICEIC has stressed the importance of the safety of any electrical equipment being used in the work-from-home environment.  

The standard office environment poses little obvious threat of danger if maintained correctly, but poor electrical management can result in damage to the property or physical injury.

Paul Collins, NICEIC’s Technical Director has compiled a list of top things to consider when working from home:

  1. Make sure you don’t overload sockets – it can be tempting to have all your chargers working within reaching distance, but this can create a fire hazard
  2. If more sockets are required, or if you are adapting any of the electrics in your home always use a certified electrical business, such as those certified by NICEIC.  They can ensure that the job is carried out safely and in accordance with the relevant regulations and standards
  3. Ensure you unplug any chargers or leads that are not in use and double-check before you log off for the evening that you’ve turned everything off.
  4. Despite us moving towards a more digital world, you may still rely on a lot of paper for your day-to-day operations. If this is the case, make sure they’re kept well away from any electricals or any potential sources of heat
  5. Regularly check any cables for signs of damage or scorching
  6. Only ever purchase electrical goods from reputable retailers

For many, home working setups can be somewhat haphazard, especially when it comes to electrical safety.

Recent research conducted by Electrical Safety First found that two-thirds of those working from home are using extension leads, and 38% of them admitted that homeworking means that they have more plugged into them than they normally would[1].

Not only should you avoid overloading extension leads, but you must also not daisy chain them. This is the process whereby several extension leads are connected to reach further or cater for more appliances / electrical equipment. This is highly dangerous and should be avoided at all costs.

Advising those to stay safe when working from home, Paul Collins, said: “It is crucial that safe electrical practice is maintained in people’s home working space. Many people are unaware of the importance of the surface on which charging appliances are kept. Electrical items such as phones and tablets should only be charged on non-flammable, hard surfaces, so leaving charging computers on top of a bed for example is a potential recipe for disaster.

“Electrical Safety First found that 28% of UK adults have bought and used a cheap, unbranded charger and this rises to 45% of 18-24-year-olds[2]. Workers, whether at home or in the office need to make sure they are using legitimate chargers to ensure they are certified as safe. Counterfeit chargers not only can damage your device but can also result in electrical fire or overheating.”

If the home office set up requires any type of electrical work or new installation, it’s important to assess your workspace and determine if you need any further sockets. If you do, it is advisable to speak to your nearest NICEIC certified business.

Not only can they make the alterations safely and in line with the required standards and regulations, thanks to their certification they can also sign the work off and notify building control (where applicable) on your behalf, saving you time and money.

To find your nearest NICEIC certified business, visit NICEIC.com. 

NICEIC offers safety advice ahead of Hogmanay

HOGMANAY is always a popular night for gathering, and after a couple of years of scaled back celebrations, this year’s NYE is expected to be a big one.

If you’re having a night in and choosing to host a party, it’s important to ensure electrical safety is upheld, even when you’re caught up in the festivities of the evening. Research carried out by NICEIC concluded that 42% of homeowners pay more attention to aesthetics over safety. People are easily preoccupied with planning the event, and can be focused on how everything looks, but NICEIC is putting safety back at the top of the agenda.

Paul Collins, Head of Technical Services at NICEIC, advises: “When decorating for your New Year’s party, its crucial to check any decorative lights for damage and ensure that you don’t hang additional festoons from fairy lights.

“Many decorations are highly flammable and attaching them to your lights is a fire hazard. Also, be mindful to not overload any socket-outlets or extension leads when hooking up sound systems or maybe that extra wine cooler.

“If you’re hosting the festivities in your garden, take care that any outside socket-outlets are RCD protected for safety. An RCD (residual current device) works by switching off the flow of electricity should something go wrong. In addition, any electricals used should be suitable for outdoor use and avoid trailing wires through windows and doors.

“Finally, make sure lights are turned off when you’re out, or asleep, to avoid them over-heating and to save on your energy bills. New Year’s Eve is supposed to be a night to celebrate and we don’t want your evening (or potentially your home) ruined by an unsafe home.”

For more information or to search for a NICEIC certified business in your area, visit niceic.com.

Deck the halls without the folly!

ELECTRICAL BODY ISSUES ‘THE 12 SAFETY TIPS OF CHRISTMAS’

As we move through the festive period and the echoes of Christmas cheer begin to spread, it’s that time when homeowners dust off their Christmas decorations and set themselves to untangling dazzling arrays of fairy lights. Yet many householders fail to recognise the lurking dangers that can stem from seasonal décor.

Whilst the 2022 Yuletide may be less elaborate than recent years, there is sound advice at hand for those still decking out their homes to brighten the December nights.

NICEIC, the UK’s leading body for certified electrical businesses, provides here its 12 tips for keeping safe this Christmas.

  1. After months of being stored away, Christmas lights can easily get damaged. Check your Christmas lights thoroughly to ensure they are not broken or damaged before use
  2. Use only replacement bulbs (lamps) of the same type and rating as those originally supplied
  3. Always switch lights off before you go to bed or go out
  4. Do not be tempted to keep them on too long as they can overheat
  5. Keep lights away from flammable decorations and materials that can burn easily
  6. Avoid using extension leads or adapters wherever possible
  7. Never attempt to repair lights by using tape
  8. Avoid tampering with lights to string sets together
  9. Check the wiring of the plug and make sure no bare wires are visible
  10. Only use outdoor lights that have been specifically designed to be used outdoors. If you are unsure, check the manufacturers’ instructions
  11. All outside sockets must be RCD protected for safety. An RCD (residual current device) works by switching off the flow of electricity when a cable or flex is damaged
  12. We would advise that any fixed or permanent outside lighting should be installed by a certified electrical installer to ensure it complies with the appropriate safety standards

Paul Collins, Head of Technical Services for NICEIC, comments: “Faced with soaring energy prices, 54% of Brits unsurprisingly have admitted to playing down their illuminations this year and some local authorities have opted for dimming municipal lights, or culling them entirely.

“But as the countdown to Christmas begins, we will still no doubt enter that prime time for electrical catastrophes when wiring has degraded while in storage, socket outlets get overloaded, or homeowners riskily explore creative ways to illuminate their outdoor areas.

“Our message is simple: deck the halls without the folly. Carry out our basic safety checks and be sensible when using electricity around the home; but always call in the professionals if you need any new socket-outlets installed or rewiring carried out.”

To find your nearest NICEIC certified business, visit NICEIC.com. Or for more advice on keeping safe at home over the festive season, take a look at these Christmas Safety Tips from the UK’s electrical safety charity, Electrical Safety First.

Advice on installing garden lights

What do I need to know in terms of electrics when fitting new lights in the garden?

Paul Collins, Head of Technical Services at NICEIC, answers:

“When fitting new lights in the garden, it is vital that all work completed is done in accordance with the latest Electrical Regulations (BS 7671) to guarantee maximum safety. As the lights are being fitted outside, there is the added risk of adverse weather – this increases the risk of injury from an electric shock when handling outdoor electrical equipment.

“Outdoor lighting is at the top of the list for garden installations, with 51% saying they planned to install lighting to their garden last year. Speak to your local NICEIC certified electrical contractor before any outdoor light fixtures are fitted as they can advise the safe and appropriate steps that need to be taken to ensure the work is carried out to the highest standard.

“Should you employ their services, they will also be able to take care of the appropriate notification to the local building control body (if required) and issue certification once the work is completed. 

“You can also speak to your local NICEIC certified contractor about carrying out an electrical inspection, especially if you have any concerns regarding the electrics in your garden.

“Following this inspection, you will receive an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) that will highlight damage, defects or dangerous conditions in your garden.

“You can search for an NICEIC certified contractor in your area by simply visiting niceic.com and typing in your postcode – but do make sure you get quotes from at least three different NICEIC certified contractors before agreeing to carry out any work.”