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Christmas done safely, or CDS for short. This is our second post in the lead-up to Christmas over electrical safety at Christmas time.

Not having enough vacant plug sockets around the home is an issue that many of us now face. The surge of electrical products over recent years has ballooned our demand for additional sockets. An increase in electrical goods without the installation of wall sockets leaves us with only one option; the use of extension leads.
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Most people have extension leads in their homes, using 4-way or 6-way bar adaptors to increase the number of appliances that they can plug into a single wall socket. However, just because the extension lead has space for four or six items, it doesn't always mean it is safe to do so.

At Christmas time, the need for plug sockets only worsens with the introduction of multiple sets of lights, dancing Santas and bobbing snowmen. 
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• Check the current rating of the extension lead before plugging appliances into it. Most are rated at 13 A, but some are rated at only 10 A or less - the rating should be clearly marked on the back or underside of the extension lead. If not, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Never overload an extension lead by plugging in appliances that together will exceed the maximum current rating stated for the extension lead. This could cause the plug in the wall socket to overheat and possibly cause a fire.
• Only use one socket extension lead per socket and never plug an extension lead into another extension lead.
• Use a multi-way bar extension lead rather than a block adaptor, as this will put less strain on the wall socket. Some block adaptors do not have a fuse, which increases the risk of overloading and fire.
• Consider having additional sockets installed if you regularly rely on extension leads and adaptors. Be sure to use a registered electrician (such as ourselves) to carry out the installation work to your property. Please call us on 01323 734162 to arrange for a free quotation to your property.​​
• Use the overload calculator (below) to check if you’re exceeding the maximum load. Please not this is just advisory and you should still check the Amps of your appliances before plugging them all in. Overload calculator is kindly provided by https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk​​

#christmasdonesafely #cds #christmas #safety #firesafety #extensionlead

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After 12 months packed away in the loft, Christmas lights can easily become electrically unsafe. To help prevent the most common electrical problems with Christmas lights and to enjoy a safe and happy festive season, we recommend the following precautions and checks;
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• Read and follow the manufacturers' instructions
• Check your Christmas lights are not damaged/ broken and that there are no loose wires before use
• Use only replacement bulbs that are the same type and rating as those originally supplied with the lights
• Ensure all outdoor lights are connected via a 30mA RCD protected socket
• Replace failed lamps immediately to prevent overheating
• Ensure plugs and transformers are plugged in indoors, even if the lighting is suitable for outdoor use.
• Switch your lights off and unplug them before you go to bed or go out
• Keep lights away from flammable decorations and materials that can burn easily

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• Use lights outdoors unless they are specifically designed for outdoor use
• Connect different lighting sets together
• Connect lights to the supply whilst still in the packaging
• Remove or insert lamps whilst the chain is connected to the supply
• Overload sockets - try to avoid the use of extension leads or adaptors
• Attempt to repair faulty lights. Instead, replace them
• Use lights that are damaged or faulty

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#christmassafety #healthandsafety #firesafety #christmas #safety #decorations #cds #cdselectrical

It's December again, and that means one thing. Elfie from Lapland is here for another visit. He is staying at the CDS Electrical offices until the 24th December where he will head back North to help out on the big day.

He has only been here for a few days but he has already proven to be a naughty elf. Hopefully he will settle down over the next couple of weeks. I guess we will just have to wait and see what he gets up to. 

Follow what Elfie gets up to on a day to day basis by checking out our official Twitter page or our Instagram. Links below;

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CdsElectrical
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cdselectrical/

#CDSElfOnShelf #elfontheshelf #elf #elfie #christmas #office