As winter sets in across Wellington, staying safe and warm becomes a top priority for local homeowners. Increased use of heaters, electric blankets, and indoor lighting can put a lot of pressure on your electrical system. To help you avoid hazards and ensure your home stays protected, here are five essential electrical safety tips from us at Transform Electrical, your trusted Wellington electricians.
- Inspect your heaters and electric blankets – Inspect them for frayed cords or damage. Faulty heaters are a common cause of house fires. If in doubt, book a safety check with us.
- Avoid overloading power boards – Only plug in one high-wattage appliance per outlet, and avoid stacking multiple extension cords. Overloaded circuits are a major fire risk during colder months. We can help assess your power points and upgrade your outlets if needed.
- Install RCDs (Residual Current Devices) – If you haven’t already, consider having Transform Electrical install RCDs in your switchboard. These devices instantly shut off power in dangerous situations and are a great addition for family safety.
- Invest in outdoor lighting – Winter brings longer nights and wet weather, you could be coming home in the dark and up a windy pathway to the front door? Outdoor lighting not only looks amazing, it’s a key safety feature for Winter. Ensure any existing outdoor lights and garden features are waterproof and properly installed by a qualified electrician.
- Know what to do in a power outage – Expect the unexpected with power outages this Winter. If your home suddenly loses power, first check whether it’s just your property or a wider issue. Visit Welectricity.co.nz to see real-time outage updates across Wellington. This site helps you quickly identify area-wide outages so you know whether to wait it out or call Transform Electrical for assistance. (Also, resist opening the fridge and freezer, your food may still remain chilled for a number of hours after a powercut).
You can stay proactive about electrical safety and prevent dangerous situations, save yourself money on emergency repairs. Whether it’s upgrading your switchboard, installing winter-safe outdoor lighting, or simply getting a seasonal inspection, Transform Electrical is here to keep Wellington homes warm, safe, and powered this winter. Reach out today!