If you are ever in doubt about the safety of any electrical appliance, equipment, wiring or installation, contact a registered Christchurch electrician. A safety check by a qualified tradesman can be an excellent investment for the well-being of your family and the protection of your property.
Make it a habit to unplug small appliances when they are not in use. Always make sure that small appliances like jugs, toasters and irons are working correctly. There should be no strange noises, overheating or burning odours.

As soon as you have finished using any electrical appliance (and it has had time to cool down), put it away so that children don’t have easy access to it.
You can avoid your clothes dryer from overheating and creating a fire hazard, by regularly cleaning the air filter.
Take particular care with heating appliances. Have them checked regularly to ensure that they are safe. When in use, always make sure that they stable and unlikely to topple over. Keep them well away from any item that is likely to catch fire.
Electric sockets and switches should be checked regularly. Check to see if they are working properly and to see if they are damaged. Faceplates should feel cool when touched and should not be cracked or broken.
Plugs should fit securely into sockets. Loose plugs are dangerous. Don’t overload electrical sockets with too many appliances. Ensure that there is never more than one heater plugged into an electrical outlet.
If you have toddlers or young children, the use of safety plugs (caps) is highly recommended. These are readily available from nursery stores, hardware shops, electrical stores and many supermarkets.

Are the bulbs in your light fittings the correct wattage? Many light fittings have a maximum wattage rating, so it always pays to check that you’re not exceeding the maximum recommended wattage.
Are your electric cords in good, safe condition? If the outer covering is cracking or fraying, replace the cords immediately. When checking your cords, unplug them first and ensure that no internal wires are visible.