The first sign to look for is scorching or blackening around a socket, a plug or an appliance. If a socket has burn marks or feels hot, stop using it straight away. The same goes for a plug or socket that buzzes or crackles, which is a sign of arcing, and for any smell of hot plastic or burning nearby.
Flickering or dimming lights can be a sign of faulty wiring too. The other thing to watch is overloading, because plugging too many appliances into one socket or extension lead can be dangerous. Use one extension lead per wall socket, and never plug one lead into another. Give the washing machine and the tumble dryer a socket each. Unwind a cable reel fully before use, as running it wound up can make it overheat and catch fire.
If an electrical fire does start, never use water on it. Get everyone out and call the fire service.
Acting early means a fault at a socket gets put right before it can do more harm. If you notice any of these signs, stop using that socket or appliance and give me a call. At CAN Electrical Contractors Limited I do electrical repairs across Bradford, and I will find the fault and sort it. If you rely on extension leads a lot, I can fit more wall sockets so you need fewer of them.
