Maintenance.... Is it really Needed?!

There are 2 lines of thought when it comes to maintenance.

1. If it ain't broke, then don't fix it.

2. Planned preventative maintenance.

In reality both ideas have enormous merit but I tend to go with No. 2 because of my experience over the years in addressing both methods.

Most accidents in the home relate to faults or misuse of domestic appliances and the use of the fixed electrical installation.

Having said that it is reported that even in this day and age several thousand fires, hundreds of injuries and even deaths are still caused by objects being placed too near heat sources (such as electric heaters and lamps).

The 3 major dangers to persons from electrical accidents in the home are from electric shock, fire and burns.

The causes of such incidents are varied but include

1. deterioration of the electrical installation

2. broken accessories and or equipment

3. misuse of the installation and equipment

4. occassional vandalism

5. inconsistent or inappropriate maintenance programmes

I ask many people whether they regard maintenance to any domestic or commercial property to be of a priority and the common answer is NO!!

I am hoping to help people understand that there are no short cuts with electricity and there is a need for maintenance in domestic and commercial premises as there is in industrial premises.

Just last week (9-08-10) I was called out to a Cafe that had not been maintained and the power loss to the kitchen could have seen the premises suffer fire damage of some sort and loss of business for a number days/weeks !!?

Maintenance is very important and one way we can keep tabs on what needs to be done is through regular inspections and testings.

Licensed electricians and approved certifiers of construction are able to carry out these works and provide reports on the condition of your premises.

Loch Etive Electrical can provide this service for you. (See Periodic Inspections)

What should you do then to help maintain your electrical installation?!

You should carry out regular basic visual safety checks to ensure that the electrical installation has none of the following hazards.

a) broken accessories such as sockets and light switches.

b) signs of scorching ie on socket outlets due to overloading

c) overheating of electrical equipment usually detected by a strange smell of something burning

d) damaged cables to portable equipment or trailling cables/flexes

In addition to regular weekly checks it is recommended that an inspection is carried out by suitably qualified electricians as mentioned above already.

Maintenance programmes can be designed for any installation whether that be your shed or your home or your business premises.

Call Colin to discuss these issues at any time during working hours!!