Plugs and cables

Plugs and cables are only dangerous if they aren't used properly. Here are the ground rules.

Contents 1 Use the right fuse 2 Wire plugs carefully 3 Don't overload sockets 4 Throw away damaged cables 5 Never run cables under mats or carpets 6 Turn off and unplug electrical appliances 7 Plugs Safety

[edit] Use the right fuse

• The fuse is designed to stop overheating. If the wrong fuse is fitted and there's a problem, a fire could occur.

- Appliances that use up to 700 watts: 3 amp fuse

- Appliances that use 700 to 1000 watts: 5 amp fuse

- Appliance that use 1000+ watts: 13 amp fuse

• If in any doubt check the appliance's handbook.

[edit] Wire plugs carefully

• The outer covering of the power lead should go inside the plug and be secured there. Inside the plug the wires should be held firmly in their places.

• Make sure the right colour wires go in the right places.

• Make sure you have the right fuse for the appliance.

[edit] Don't overload sockets

• If too many appliances draw power from one socket it can be overloaded and start overheating.

• It is better to use a bar adaptor on a lead, rather than a block adaptor.

• Don't plug adaptors into adaptors. Only use one adaptor per socket.

• Check the rating of an adaptor before you plug appliances in.

• Don't allow the total current used by the appliances plugged into the adapter to add up to more than 13 amps of current altogether - or 3,000 watts of power. So, for example, you could have two 2 amp appliances and one 5 amp in an adaptor.

• That means you should never run more than one appliance that uses a lot of current, such as a kettle or television, from one socket.

[edit] Throw away damaged cables

• If a power lead has a crack or a hole, stop using it. Never mend it with insulating tape. Never join two pieces of power cable yourself.

[edit] Never run cables under mats or carpets

• They can wear through and no one will know.

[edit] Turn off and unplug electrical appliances

• When you're not using electrical appliances such as the television, switch them off at the wall and unplug them (unless the appliance is designed to be left on, like a video player that displays the date and time).

[edit] Plugs Safety

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