Tag Archives: Potential Fire Hazards

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Electrical safety in residential units

Electrical safety in residential units

Check RCD or ELCB is it workingThe Housing Development Board (HDB) and the Energy Market Authority released a statement emphasizing the importance of electrical safety in residential units. Effective July 1 this year, it is now mandatory for all residential units constructed before 1985, including government HDB flats, private landed houses, and apartments, to install Residual Current Circuit Breakers (RCCBs). These RCCBs play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of household appliances.

In our modern society, electrical appliances have become integral to our daily lives, ranging from air conditioners, water heaters, and washing machines to mobile phones. However, it is crucial to prioritize the safe use of electricity. Improper handling of electrical appliances or ageing wiring within homes can lead to electric shock injuries. Here are some important electrical safety tips to consider:

1. Regularly check the operation of the leakage circuit breaker:

An earth leakage circuit breaker is a safety device that automatically cuts off the power supply when it detects electrical leakage in the home, preventing the risk of electrocution and injuries. To ensure your and your family’s safety, secure your home. Has an earth leakage circuit breaker installed and test it once a month. Locate the leakage circuit breaker in the distribution box, press the “TEST” button, and verify if the power supply at home has been successfully cut off.

Example Electrical Lic

2. Engage licensed electricians for electrical work:

When it comes to any electrical installation, maintenance, or repair work, hiring only licensed electricians authorized by the Energy Market Authority is crucial. Ensure they are licensed before allowing anyone into your home for electrical work. You can verify their license visiting https://www.ema.gov.sg/Electrical_Safety.aspx for inquiries.

3. Ensure separation of water and electricity:

Avoid using electrical appliances near water or with wet hands. Additionally, refrain from touching open electrical outlets or switches with wet hands, as it can lead to electrical leakage and potentially fatal electric shocks.

4. Avoid overloading electrical outlets:
Overloading electrical outlets pose significant risks, including overheating and fire hazards. Avoid plugging multiple devices into the same socket, and refrain from using damaged electrical outlets or extension cords.

5. Check the ground wire (Earth wire):
An ungrounded plug can result in electric shocks in the event of equipment malfunction or a short circuit. Follow these safety precautions related to electric wires:

– Replace broken wires: Do not attempt to mend them with insulating tape, as it may eventually peel off and expose the wires. Contact a licensed electrician to replace the damaged wire.
– Avoid pulling wires around sharp corners: Pulling wires around sharp corners can cause damage to the insulation, exposing the inner layer and creating hazards.
– Properly store cords: Turn off appliances when not in use and store cords carefully to prevent damage.

Adhering to these electrical safety guidelines can create a safer environment for you and your family while utilizing electrical appliances.

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How To Avoid Potential Fire Hazards With a Professional Inspection

You own a multi-family, and that makes you responsible for many lives. This responsibility needs to be taken seriously, especially regarding fire code and fire safety. It is time to rely on the experts. The Singapore Civil Defence Force analyzes fire events for trends and patterns, allowing professionals to try to prevent future similar incidents from happening.

Scenario

Roderico lives in a three-story terrace apartment house. One day he went to work following his usual routine. At the end of his shift, he returned home, planning to make his and his fiance’s dinner. While cooking, the power went off (tripped) due to the number of appliances he used in the kitchen.

After resetting the power, he dined with his lady, and they sat down to enjoy a quiet evening at home. Suddenly, he noticed smoke coming out of the second-story level of the three-story apartment, and it quickly became apparent that there was a fire!

Fire damage was severe in the master bedroom
The burned remains of a portable socket outlet
Causes of

Fire Origination

Fire damage was most severe in the master bedroom, while other areas of the second-story apartment sustained heat, smoke, and water damage. Upon inspection of the master bedroom, the burn patterns near the windows, where the computer table had been, were consistent with a first starting near a portable socket outlet recovered from the suspected area of origin.

After speaking with Roderico, it was ascertained that the portable socket outlet had been purchased from an overseas vendor. The result was a determination of accidental fire, of electrical origin, specifically at the location of the portable socket outlet.

Lessons Learned

When tragic events like this occur, there is an analysis of trends that lead to change. A professional fire inspection can help you ensure that your apartment building is as safe as can be given their analysis at that time.

Never overload electrical outlets and circuits

Overloading an outlet or circuit can cause overheating and damage your wiring, leading to a fire. If you have more appliances plugged into one outlet than it’s rated for, get an electrician to install an outlet with a higher capacity.

Don’t use extension cords as permanent wiring solutions

Extension cords are meant as temporary solutions — they should never be used as permanent wiring solutions because they can overheat, leading to fires. Use only UL-listed extension cords and ensure adequate insulation, so they don’t overheat when used for too long or in high-traffic areas.

Check the condition of the wiring regularly

Ensure that any wires that aren’t in use are tightly wrapped and protected from heat sources. Check for exposed wires, loose connections, and faulty wiring to avoid potential electrical fires.

Avoid running wires under carpets or mats

This is one of the most common causes of fires in homes. If you have a cord plugged into an outlet, make sure it isn’t running under rugs or mats where it could be damaged or exposed to moisture.

Use plugs only with Singapore Safety Mark

Many people don’t realize that many of the plugs in their homes aren’t safe for use with Singapore electricity. If you plug one of these into an outlet, you risk getting an electric shock or starting a fire — not something anyone wants! In Singapore, you should only use plugs with the Singapore Safety Mark.

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