They’re all around the house but they could be a fire safety hazard.
Firefighters in Ellesmere Port have been supporting a national campaign to help raise awareness around the possible dangers of using electrical chargers.
During this month’s Electrical Fire Safety Week Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service has been warning people who use the chargers for phones and e-cigarettes to make sure they use the correct charger that comes with the device.
Almost two million chargers are bought online each year in the UK by mobile phone owners in search of a bargain.
But the fire service says these are often made with poor quality components that fail to meet UK safety regulations.
Overloaded sockets
In the last 12 months, firefighters have attended more than 80 fires in the borough where electrical items were the source of ignition. Crews have also been pointing out dangers such as overloaded sockets and damaged and frayed leads.
Steve Barnes at the fire and rescue service said: “With e-cigarettes growing in popularity and chargers being used to power many electrical gadgets, the dangers of a fire starting is on the increase.
“Not leaving devices charging for long periods and making sure that you are using the correct charger can all help prevent a fire starting in your home.
“Also if you are using laptops, don’t put them on soft furnishings, beds and duvets as this increases the chance of them overheating and catching fire.”
Safety tips
The service lists electrical safety tips to help keep you safe in your home:
Don’t overload plug sockets. An extension lead or adaptor will have a limit to how many amps it can take so to help reduce the risk of fire be careful not to overload them.
Regularly check for frayed or worn cables and wires. Check to see if the cable is fastened securely to the plug and check the socket for scorch marks.
Unplug appliances when not in use. This helps to reduce the risk of fire. Unplug appliances when you go to bed or when you go out unless they are designed to be left on like freezers.
Keep electrical appliances clean and in good working order. Look out for fuses that blow, circuit-breakers that trip for no obvious reason and flickering lights to prevent them triggering a fire.
Check for a British or European safety mark. Make sure an appliance has a British or European safety mark when you buy it.
Always check that you use the right fuse to prevent overloading. When you’re fitting or replacing a fuse, it’s important to use the right fuse for the appliance to make sure the cable doesn’t overheat and that the appliance is protected in the event of a fault.
