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Garage fire highlights danger of homemade electrical appliances, warns safety officer
03/07/09
A fire that destroyed a garage in Rhos, north Wales, yesterday (June 2nd) may have been caused by a homemade extension lead, highlighting the dangers of not using qualified electricians and proper safety standards, a fire officer has said. Speaking to the Evening Leader, Wrexham fire safety enforcement officer Andy Robb said it appears that the fire was triggered by a short-circuit from an overloaded homemade extension socket.
He urged home owners "never to attempt to create homemade solutions to any electrical problems".
Mr. Robb advised using gangway extension leads rather than older block-style adapters and whenever home owners buy an extension, they should check for the British Kitemark symbol and that the lead carries the correct fusage.
Currently, around 1,300 manufacturers are signed up to the Kitemark scheme, according to the British Standards Institution.
Furthermore, home owners should get all older electrical appliances in their home checked by a qualified electrician to ensure they are in good order, Mr. Robb added.
Home owners looking for electricians in Wrexham or elsewhere can find recommended tradesmen with Rated People.
