How to make sure you don’t have problems with the electrical system?

Having problems with your electrical system is probably one of anyone’s biggest and most serious fears. Installation failures can often catch us by surprise, even those of us who pride ourselves on the special care we take with these things. A problem with your electrical system can have serious and even disastrous consequences for you and your family. That’s why it’s important to stay informed and know how to make sure problems like this don’t happen.

First of all, what are the risks regarding the electrical system?

Even if it is a rather unpleasant topic, let’s start this little guide with a list of the risks to which you expose yourself when you don’t take care of the electrical system. According to recent statistics published by the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations (IGSU), 25% of the fires that occurred in 2020 were caused by electrical system problems.

Therefore, by maintaining your system correctly, you reduce the risk of fire by 25%, a significant percentage in our opinion. Let’s see what you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones!

Preventive measures to be taken so that the electrical system works correctly:

Some of the measures below are, shall we say, common sense that you probably already knew. However, we invite you to read until the end, in the hope that you can learn a trick you didn’t know!

• Do not leave electrical appliances switched on unattended. Of course, it can be tempting to let appliances do their job, especially when you don’t plan on being away much. But often even a 10-minute walk to the electrical outlet on the corner can be enough for a fire to start. This is why it is recommended to unplug or turn off any electrical devices before leaving the house and, in some cases, even before leaving the room.

• Do not attempt to change or modify electrical systems yourself. It’s a surprisingly common mistake, which can often cost us our lives. Although it is quite an attractive option to deal with an electrical installation problem yourself, being cheaper and faster, you do not have the necessary qualification for this job. This is why it is recommended to call a professional to solve the problem efficiently and safely.

• Keep highly flammable materials away from lighting/power sources. When we place curtains next to a light bulb, for example, we almost invite disaster to happen. This is why it is important to never leave a highly flammable object near lighting objects and electrical appliances that heat up easily.

• Do not use defective sockets or systems in any way. We do not recommend using sockets or fixtures that are defective, have exposed wire, or otherwise produce sparks, as this is a problem that can quickly cause a fire.
• Make sure the electrical installation is checked periodically. Because this is what the law requires, to guarantee its correct functioning. And you must do everything in your power to make the job of those who supervise the installation easier.

Perhaps you expected to find out in this article what kind of maneuvers and other checks you can carry out yourself to increase the safety of your home. But the only thing we recommend you do is call an authorized person to check the electrical system and make sure there are no problems. Don’t try to solve or control yourself!

What type of fire extinguisher can be used in case of fire?

The more cautious you are and follow the advice above, the lower the risk of fire will be, but not non-existent. This is why it is recommended to equip both your home and your car with a fire extinguisher each. They are divided into three categories:

• Foam fire extinguisher – recommended for incipient fires of a fairly natural nature, such as those obtained from the combustion of combustible materials, for example petrol. The foam fire extinguisher is effective in fighting fires in both closed and open spaces, which have the potential to spread over a fairly large area.

• Powder extinguisher – It is one of the best types of fire extinguisher and is also suitable for electrical fires. If you are afraid of a fire caused by the home’s electrical system, the powder extinguisher may be the best choice. We wouldn’t say it’s practical, as it puts out almost all types of fires.

• CO2 fire extinguisher – Last but not least, the CO2 fire extinguisher is used to extinguish electrical fires or fires resulting from the combustion of flammable gases or liquids. In the event of a fire caused by the electrical system, a CO2 fire extinguisher is also recommended.

How do you put out a fire?

CAREFUL! – you can try to extinguish only the beginning of a fire, at an early stage. In the event of a serious fire, the first step is to immediately leave the area and alert the authorities by calling 112.

If you have chosen to purchase a fire extinguisher, the first step would be to familiarize yourself with its use and possibly do some tests. This ensures that in the event of a real fire, you will be prepared.

In the event of a fire caused by the electrical system, Not try putting out the fire with water. Not only will it not put out the fire, but there is actually a risk of an explosion! With an electric fire, however, you want to suppress, as much as possible, the oxygen that fuels the fire. You can try doing this with a blanket, or by throwing some inert material (like sand) onto the flames.

But in the event of fires, as in the case of maintenance of electrical systems, it is better to rely on a professional. Don’t try to put out the fire yourself if it’s big or if you don’t have confidence in your strength, because you could make the situation worse.

Extra SAFE options from Restart Energy

Do you already know a licensed electrician who can help you in case of need? Perfect! We are pleased to have helped you realize the need to turn only to professionals in the sector.

If you still don’t know anyone who can help you, we offer you a service that will take this worry away:

Extraoptiunea SAFE Energy brings you almost specialists in the field of electricity who will take care of any problem you may have with your installation up to the maximum value of 1200 lei. The cost of this service is 0.04 RON/hour and guarantees you access to authorized electricians, through a monthly subscription included in the electricity bill.

Contract now and forget about looking for specialists for electrical installation.

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