Let’s be real – there’s no such thing as fire from pure electricity. Electricity can’t burn itself, but it can create sparks, produce heat and burn things surrounding a live wire to start a fire. In turn, the plastic or wires inside gadgets can catch fire. If you notice this happening, it’s important to search for an electricians near me London to help.
When this happens and power keeps getting fed to it, it’s called a ‘live electrical fire.’ Don’t use water to put it out, or you might get shocked. Always call a professional electrician if you’re worried about an electrical fire.
The Most Common Causes Of Electric Fires…
More than 15% of all domestic fires in England and Wales are caused by electrical faults, showing how dangerous electric fires can be!
We all love our home comforts, but faulty electrics can turn cosy into risky. Here are some quick tips to keep your home safe while you think, “should I get an electricians near me in London?”
Wall Outlets
Those plugs on the wall? They wear out, especially if plugs wiggle or spark. Do you see sparks too often or burn marks? That’s a potential danger! If you’re wondering, “is it time to call an electricians near London,” it definitely is! Do it immediately – a small fix stops big fires!
Lights & Lamps
Wrong bulbs make lamps overheat and could start a fire. Match the bulb wattage to the lamp’s instructions, and never cover lampshades (it traps heat).
Extension Cords
Handy, but don’t overload them! Too many things plugged in can cause a fire. Constantly using multiple extension cords? Call an electrician like us – we can add more outlets for safer use.
Space Heaters
Be careful with space heaters! Don’t leave them on overnight or put them near curtains, furniture, or anything that can burn. The heat can easily start a fire. If possible, use a radiator heater instead – it spreads heat safely.
Older Homes
Homes get old too, and their wiring might not handle all our modern gadgets. If your circuit breakers trip a lot, it’s a warning sign. Checkup or rewiring might be necessary if your house is older than 2 decades. Call an electrician to check your wiring and make sure your home is safe.
Old Appliances
Our favourite old appliances can be dangerous too. They might not meet current safety standards or have worn-out cords that can spark and cause fires. If your appliance is old and seems faulty, replace it for safety’s sake.
How Do Electrical Fires Start?
There are two main ways: sparks and overheating.
Have you ever seen a spark fly when you plug something in? Those tiny flashes are like electricity misbehaving! Imagine electricity as a well-behaved current, flowing smoothly through wires to power your devices. But sometimes, that current gets a bit rebellious. When it meets resistance, like a loose plug or a damaged cord, it can jump a gap, creating a spark. Think of it like a tiny lighter – that spark can easily ignite nearby dust, curtains, or even walls!
Overheating is another electrical fire hazard. It’s like your wires or appliances working overtime. Imagine using a tiny straw to drink a thick milkshake – it takes a lot of effort, right? Electricity flowing through a damaged wire or overloaded circuit faces similar resistance. This extra effort generates heat, just like the effort to suck through that straw. If the heat builds up too much, it can melt the wires or surrounding materials, starting a fire.
Electrical Test & Trace Ltd: Keeping Your Building Safe
Our goal at Electrical Test and Trace is to make sure your building is equipped to handle any emergency. We provide a full range of services to ensure your occupants are safe in the event of a fire or power outage, including emergency lighting and smoke alarms. We inspect everything, including your exhaust fans, attic, and even the back of your refrigerator, to make sure you are safe.
Illuminating The Way With Emergency Lighting
If there is a sudden and unexpected power cut in your building, emergency lighting ensures a safe escape path even in darkness. We’ll work closely with you to design and install a system that meets all safety regulations and building codes. We consider factors like building size, layout, exits, and occupancy to create a customised plan.
List Of Our Emergency Lighting Options
- Exit signs: Clearly guide occupants towards exits during an emergency
- Floor path lights: Illuminate walkways for safe evacuation
- Luminous handrails: Provide additional guidance and stability
We have a range of choices to meet your particular budget and unique requirements.
Regular Maintenance Keeps You Protected
Emergency lights rely on batteries to operate during power outages. We perform monthly checks to ensure they’re functioning properly. We also do annual checks to make sure the batteries will work for a long time. This makes sure your emergency lights will work when it’s most important.
Early Detection Saves Lives with Smoke Alarms
Smoke alarms are crucial for early fire detection, especially in large buildings. Our experienced team specialises in installing and maintaining these life-saving devices.
We recommend the following –
- Interconnected smoke alarms: When one alarm triggers, all alarms in the building sound, alerting everyone quickly
- Strategically placed alarms: Our trained electricians will install smoke alarms throughout your building based on building codes for optimal coverage
- Different types of alarms: We offer both photoelectric and ionisation alarms to ensure the best possible detection for various fire types
Regular Testing and Maintenance for Peace of Mind
We know it can be a lot to stay on top of safety tests. That’s why we have a full plan to check and take care of your emergency lights and smoke detectors for you.
Here’s how it works –
- Scheduled visits
We can discuss and decide on a checking schedule that works for you. We will not give you very strict visit times. Our electricians will visit your building regularly to perform thorough inspections.
- Detailed reports
Following each inspection, you’ll receive a report outlining our findings and any necessary repairs. We’ll work with you to resolve any issues promptly
- 24/7 support
We’re always available to answer your questions and address any concerns you may have. You can also request follow-up checks for complete peace of mind.
We do much more than just make repairs. We look for any minor issues that might become problematic in the future. We keep you safe and help you save money by identifying these early on. You can rest easy knowing that we will always have your back when you work with us.
So, if you’re thinking, “should I get an electricians near me London,” don’t wait for an emergency to take action. Contact Electrical Test and Trace Ltd today to ensure your building’s safety. We’re committed to keeping you and your occupants protected. Call us now!
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of jobs can an electrician do?
From domestic installations to offices and factories, UK-based electricians can work in any setting. They specialise in electrical maintenance, installation or testing and inspection of an electrical system. If you are seeking “electricians near me in London”, our team at Electrical Test & Trace is available 24/7 and can also help with work in other areas too.
What kind of safety precautions do electricians take when working with electricity?
There are several safety measures that electricians should take when working with electricity to reduce risks. Some of the key measures include:
- Wearing personal protective equipment such as insulated gloves and helmets.
- Tools and equipment should be in good condition to avoid malfunctions.
- Avoid wet conditions and keep electrical equipment dry.
- Switch off power before commencing any work on electrical systems.
- Use non-conductive ladders to avoid electrical shocks.
What is the recommended frequency for inspecting electrical systems?
Inspection of electrical systems varies with particular situations. Typically, a house needs to be inspected every 3 to 5 years for safety and compliance with existing standards. Newer homes may need inspections every 10 years. Inspections are also required if major renovation occurs or in cases of warning signs such as flickering lights and frequent circuit trips.
Are your electricians near me?
When you search for “electricians near me in London,” you will find Electrical Test & Trace. We provide a fast service, so you can have qualified and trained electricians come to your location in no time. Whether you need routine maintenance or emergency repairs; our licensed professionals are here to help you with all your electrical needs. You can easily book a service online for convenience and reliability.
Are you commercial electricians?
Yes, we are commercial electricians providing comprehensive electrical solutions for businesses. Our services include installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical systems tailored to commercial environments. We ensure your operations run smoothly by emphasising safety and industry standards. We provide you with routine maintenance or emergency repairs to serve all your electrical needs.