ElectricPoint

Homes Evacuated in Northern Ireland after Electric Cable Fire

A number of people were evacuated from their homes in Londonberry after a damaged underground electric cable fire resulted in deadly levels of poisonous gas being leaked into the properties.

Firefighters were called to a street in Northern Ireland to establish the source of carbon monoxide. The incident was originally treated as a gas leak but it was later established that the fumes derived from a burning electric cable under the pavement. The CO reading recorded by the fire service was lethal and “it was a very high level of carbon monoxide, a potentially fatal level.”

Around 25 residents were vacated from their terraced homes and a bar on Upper Bennett Street, in the second biggest city in Northern Ireland. A 50-metre exclusion zone had been put in place for most of the night. The firecrews were working on site from 1am to 7:30am to tackle the problem.

According to Barry McDowell, the Fire Service District Commander, explained that to find the cause of the fire they used thermal imaging equipment. Now point engineers have drilled underground and removed the faulty cable.

Electrical safety inside and outside the home is important and Electric Point offers electrical equipment that is of a high standard. From Cat5E structured cabling and cable management, to circuit protection and wiring accessories, we have everything you need to ensure your property and its surroundings are safe.

And as one of the largest electrical wholesalers in the UK, our specialists can recommend the best products, the best sellers and the newest technology.

Have any questions? Get in touch with one of our experts today by clicking here. 

 

Landlords and Tenants Confused Over Responsibility for Safety

Millions of Brits are exposed to life-threatening electrical dangers simply because of misunderstandings between tenants and landlords over responsibility, according to some late research.

Findings recently published by the Electrical Safety Council reveal that there is a rising trend of confusion between property owners and lodgers over who has the accountability. Three in ten landlords and 40% of renters do not know who is in charge for electrical safety in the rented property.

And with the number of people becoming landlords soaring, the news is worrying.

The study showed that 13% of UK adults are considering leasing out a property in the near future and the ESC is concerned that the rise in inexperienced landlords will further compromise safety. The charity found that electricity kills at least one person every week in the home and that almost 1,000 people are seriously injured every day.

It is private tenants who are excessively affected by electric accidents and so ESC is calling on landlords to ensure properties have adequate RCD protection.

The survey disclosed that 21% of all private tenants report concerns with the electrical safety in their home; and 75% cannot recall discussing electrical safety with their proprietor. A massive 38% of landlords don’t know that there are any penalties for failing to maintain safety.

What does the law state?

By law, landlords must make sure that electrical installations are wiring are maintained in a safe condition throughout the tenancy. Residents are obliged to report electrical problems and maintain any electrical items they bring into the house.

Anneke Rousseau, Head of Communications at ESC, said: “It is important that all landlords understand their obligations and ensure the safety of their tenants. Part of the confusion may arise from the fact that landlords are legally responsible for an annual gas safety check but it is not a legal requirement for electrical safety.

“And so we are encouraging landlords and tenants to start talking more openly with each other about this vital safety issue.”

Electrical safety starts at having the right equipment; landlords should consider websites such as www.electricpoint.com to make sure they are buying quality gear at the right prices.

 

Fears for Electrical Safety at Aberdeen City Council’s HQ after Flooding

A burst pipe at a college in Scotland resulted in Aberdeen City Council’s headquarters closing due to flooding. Marischal College suffered an erupted pipe which meant that it had to be shut to staff and the public following concerns about health and safety.

An Aberdeen City Council spokesperson said that the leak was stopped and that the pipe was repaired but that superficial water damage had prompted concerns about the fire alarm and electrical systems.

Electrical contractors had to be called out to check the electrical systems, and industrial water vacuums powered by generators had to be used to clean up the flood water. The fire alarm had to be examined to ensure it was fully operational.

Electrical appliances, plugs and cables that are old or poorly wired can be a real danger. And water and electricity are a lethal combination.

The Electrical Safety Council offers some top tips to Brits should a flood occur in your home or business. These include:

- Don’t attempt to repair any electrical appliances yourself. Always contact an expert qualified electrician and get them to look at any electrical equipment that might have been affected by the flood.

- Don’t turn your electricity or your gas back on until told it is safe to do so by the provider. Check that is has been switched off at the mains.

- Don’t touch any switches or appliances when standing in the flood water.

The most important thing after a flood is finding out if it is safe to return to your property, just as it is vital to ensure the business location is safe for the staff to return to.

To protect electrics in case of a future flood, a tip is to raise the height of electrical sockets to at least 1.5 metres above ground floor level. This will make the property a lot cheaper to clear up after, if another flood was to happen.

Electrical safety is paramount to save lives; visit electricpoint.com to make sure you purchase equipment that is of high quality.  

 

Top Tips for Using Electric Appliances in spring

Spring has arrived which means the sun is shining and the weather is glorious. Many Brits will be taking advantage of the rising temperatures by opening the windows and doors and relaxing in the back garden. There is no better time than now to don some shorts and get into the garden to enjoy a spot of gardening or sunbathing.

Many people like to listen to music outdoors and therefore purchase extension leads to take the home entertainment systems outside. But loose cables and wires that run through the house outdoors can be dangerous, so here are some top tips for using electric appliances this season.

Using electrical items outside is bound to occur with lawnmowers and chainsaws used for gardening but the tip is to never use them when it is raining and to never try to fix any repairs by yourself.

Even if you are just turning on an iPod docking station, never use electrical equipment whilst barefoot or wearing sandals; and if you do go back indoors, bring the electric appliances with you never leave them outside unattended.

If you do plan on adding a splash of colour into the garden this spring with some new flowers and plants, take care when digging in case electric services are buried underneath; and store all electric items in a dry place.

So if you do plan on taking any of your home electrics outdoors, make sure that they are suitable for alfresco use i.e. that they are weather-resistant, that they remain uncoiled to prevent them from overheating; and that they are kept clean and free from damage.

And if you intend on extending your spring party into the evening, take care to have appropriate garden lighting to keep all the guests happy! For more tips on electric appliances, get in touch with Electric Point today.