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Wiring a UK Plug

Stripping cables to the bare wire can be very tricky and dangerous, but we’ve got some ETR Electrical top tips to keep you on track with this one.

Nick the cable at the end and gently pull the bare wire through the insulation. Then, join the live red/brown to the plugs live terminal.

Next, the neutral black/blue to the neutral terminal and finally the bare or green/yellow wire to the earth terminal.

The live electricity has to pass through the fuse before it gets into the cable leading to your appliance. If anything is wrong, the fuse will blow.

For a fuller explanation of this complex job, why not give us a call on 079 0705 8858? Let us help you.

Replacing a light bulb

Ah, the age old joke: how many (insert name) does it take to change a lightbulb? Btt did you know, this job is more complex and dangerous than you might have initially thought.

Make sure to get a good, new replacement bulb from a reputable seller. Take a photo of your old bulb and use it to help you match the wattage and size.

We suggest purchasing an LED bulb because of the reduced risk of electrical shock and the amount of energy and therefore money they save.

When you go to change it, be aware of the trip switch, a sensitive safety device on your fuse box that disconnects the electricity in the event of a fault. To check if you have one installed, look at your fuse box and see if you have a device with a button marked “T” or “Test”.

Electrical jobs can be more difficult and dangerous than anticipated. These top tips and instructions for DIY Electrics in Lockdown from us here at ETR Electrical Ltd should guide you along the way.

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Extension leads:

As simple as this sounds, always beware of where you place your extension leads. These handy features can take the power from one room to another, but don’t overlook them as a hazard. 

Water + Electricals:

We all know that this is a terrible pair, but we need water and electricals in kitchens and bathrooms. So how do we get around it? Introduce a ground fault circuit interrupter or an RCD. These ground out the socket if water is introduced and will keep your family and your home safe. You should note that these outlets can detect an abnormality within the outlet. This means that they will shut off when a child’s fingers or toes are introduced – so you can keep your little ones safe. 

Replace smoke alarms:

Smoke detectors can be your saviour in the case of an electrical system going awry. By checking and testing your smoke alarms, you can protect your house from all fires and keep you and your family safe. 

Energy Efficient Appliances-

It’s 2021. Time to start saving on electric bills and install energy efficient appliances. 

Surge Protectors –

Why not invest in a surge protector to keep you safe?  An overloaded circuit can cause a power surge and the sparks created can lead to a fire.  

Damaged cords –

A kink on your electrical cord might be enough to cause a fire. It is important to inspect all visible chords. Electrical wires are required to be taped properly and inspected by an electrician to ensure there are no kinks.

So, why not incorporate these handy tips and tricks into your resolutions for 2021? Keeping yourself and your loved ones safe is a top priority, so let’s get started. 

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Electrical or thermal?

When you are burnt, it’s important to make the distinction between thermal and electrical burns. They are obtained in different ways and require different treatments. It’s easy to overlook a burn and wait for it to heal, but always remember that an electrical burn can do significant damage to blood vessels, nerves, muscles, tendons, fat and bones throughout the body. 

Symptoms of electrical burns 

Symptoms will depend on the amount of electricity that passed through the body and length of time the current was in contact with the body. A couple of symptoms to keep in mind are:

• Severe muscle contractions
• Numbness or tingling
• Weakness
• Visible burns on the skin
• Headache
• Feeling disoriented
• Low blood pressure which can lead to lightheadedness and weakness
• Seizures
• Unconsciousness

What should I do?

If you think you have been electrically burnt, our advice is to seek medical treatment and advice as quickly as you can. If you are with someone who has been electrically burnt, ensure that they are not in contact with the current before you touch them. Try not to move them until medical assistance has arrived. 

Avoiding electrical burns

There are lots of ways to prevent electrical burns, especially at home. Here are a few of the most obvious and effective ways. 

1. First of all, ensure all outlets accessible by children are safe by covering them to prevent wet hands going near them!
2.  Avoid putting any wires or electrical items in a place where water could reach it, for example beside the kettle or sink. 
3. Also, make sure you have a working RCD fitted in your home to protect you from leaking currents. 
4. It is important to keep electrical wires away from infants because if they chew on them, they could obtain an oral burn. 
5. Finally, make sure you don’t have any counterfeit electrical appliances in your home as these are often cheaply made and will bypass certain safety requirements to reduce costs. Only buy from reputable retailers or straight from the manufacturer.

There are lots of ways to prevent an electrical burn. They are easily done and can have a world of negative effects, so it’s important to approach electrics with caution and knowledge. With ETR’s top tips for How to Prevent Electrical Burns, you can’t go wrong.

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Christmas Decorations

Your decorations are used for a short period of time every year, so it is good to start by testing them prior to use. Also, if you store them in a damp, uncovered place such as your garage, you may want to consider grabbing a few new lights for this year. 

Have a read over ETR’s top tips for safety putting up your decorations. 

• Always read the instructions and retain them for future use
• Replace failed lamps immediately, make sure you only use replacement lamps of the same type and rating – if lamps are not replaceable, the whole unit may need replacing.
• Make sure your outdoor lighting is connected to an RCD protected socket, this reduces the risk of electric shock and fires. 
• Check any electrics outside are plugged into weatherproof sockets.
• Don’t overload power sockets, this can lead to overheating and fires
• Switch your lights off when you are asleep or out of the house.

Christmas Tree Fires

Christmas tree fires are usually caused by bad electrics on dry trees. Here’s how to prevent them. 

• If you have a fake Christmas tree, make sure it is fire resistant
• Check your smoke alarm once a month to ensure it is working properly 
• Water your tree daily; dry trees are more likely to catch fire. 
• Check your Christmas tree lights for frayed wires
• Switch your Christmas tree lights off before leaving the house or going to bed

Use LED lights

We recommend you use LED lights on your tree. Not only do they operate at a very low voltage, they reduce the risk of electric shock and use 80-90% less electricity to run. They are also made of more durable materials.

Staying safe this Christmas just got ten times easier. We use a lot of electrical appliances that we wouldn’t normally use during the festive season, but with our quick guide for safely decorating your house, you can’t go wrong. 

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