It’s a good idea to employ a licensed electrician or licensed electrical contractor whenever you plan to install fixed wired electrical equipment in your home. If you don’t follow the correct wiring procedures, you could be fined or injured. Follow these tips to make your home and work safer.

Secure cords

• Replace cords that are damaged from heat or wear.
• Never overload double adaptors; have another power point installed instead.
• Connect heating appliances directly to a power point.

Watch children

• Teach children about electrical safety through example. They learn from your actions.
• Unplug appliances and store out of children’s reach when they are not being used.
• Never leave children unsupervised near heaters.
• Place portable heaters outside of play areas.
• Oil-filled column heaters are safer than other types in bedrooms and around children.

Install correctly

• Even if you’re good at home maintenance and repairs, do-it-yourself electrical wiring is dangerous and illegal.
• A licensed electrician must install all electrical equipment that requires a fixed connection to wiring. Electricians must also be used to install safety switches for light and power circuits and to check connections.
• Use decorative and Christmas lights outside only if manufacturers’ instructions say they are suitable and weatherproof.
• Never use improvised wiring.

Turn off power

• Never leave home without turning off washing, heating and drying electrical appliances.
• Vacuum your portable heater’s air intakes and vents every winter to improve efficiency and reduce overheating.

Check second hand appliances

• Examine appliances for signs of damage.
• A safe appliance has: a secure and undamaged flexible cord and plug; secure and undamaged covers, guards and control knobs; been tested for performance at the point of sale; and an attached tag that declares it meets safety standards.

Help save lives

• Safety switches and circuit breakers cut off power in the blink of an eye.
• Always keep heaters at least 1.5 metres away from materials that can burn.
• Do not operate portable heaters on damp floors or in confined places where flammable liquids are stored.
• Use plastic blanking plugs in all unused power points to prevent children poking at power points. Learn first aid.

Electrical fires, accidents and non-compliant work

Report all electrical fires, accidents or suspect electrical work by contacting us. All details will be discussed and recorded and, if necessary, arrangements made to inspect the premises to ensure public safety. To report electrical accidents after hours call ActewAGL’s electrical fault reporting 24-hour service on 131 093.