P22 Fire Safety:Layout 1 23/06/2021 17:11 Page 22 FireSafety Faulty wiring still the second
highest cause of accidental fires Faulty wiring is a problem for many homeowners. According to the Home Office, it has been the second leading cause of accidental fires over the last ten years, accounting for nearly 4,000 in 2019/2020. For electricians, contractors, and electrical wholesalers, it presents a pressing problem that needs addressing. Hayley Kershaw,who writes for PASSfm, the North East’s leading electrical compliance contractor, shares more.
Faulty wiring fires decrease Home Office data tells us that 5,060 of the 31,856 accidental fires in 2010/2011 were as a result of faulty wiring, accounting for 15.89% of the total. Over the years, their continued research shows that the number of accidental fires in dwellings has reduced, as have the number caused by faulty appliances and leads. In 2019/2020, they reported that, out of 25,555 fires, 3,862 were because of faulty wires. The problem is that they still account for a significant proportion at
15.11%, making them the second-highest cause of accidental fires in homes. Age can deteriorate wires, as can wear and tear, but another problem facing the UK electrical supply chain is the number of unsafe and non- compliant cables on the market. The Approved Cables Initiative (ACI) launched in 2010 with the aim to tackle this problem. While the numbers have decreased over the years, it is still a threat that electricians, contractors, and electrical wholesalers need to focus on.
Most likely culprits There are a number of likely culprits, according to the Home Office research, which can help both homeowners and contractors alike find the source of problems before they become dangerous. 1,811 fires were caused by domestic style appliances, which includes washing machines, tumble dryers, fridge/freezers, and dishwashers. A further 444 were the result of faulty cables in cooking appliances. One of the biggest threats comes from electrical distribution, such as
wiring, cabling, and plugs, which made up 902 of all the faulty appliances and leads fires, making it the second-highest. There are plenty of other causes in the Home Office data, including
electrical lighting, heating appliances, and office equipment, but knowing the most common sources can help electricians know which appliances need PAT testing and homeowners will know which items are more likely to need replacing.
What this means for electrical wholesalers These findings present wholesalers with gaps that they can fill. Electrical wholesalers play a vital role in the market by providing installers, contractors, and electricians with the right products for use. As trusted sources, wholesalers can ensure that items stocked meet UK safety standards, an expectation that many installers and contractors have when it comes to buying from wholesalers. Wholesaler reputation is on the line when it comes to poor quality and
unsafe cabling, but that isn’t the only concern. Fires and electrical shocks pose a real risk to life, making it vital for electrical wholesalers to stock quality items. The ACI offers some guidance on what to look for when finding supplies, such as cable markings including CE marks, independent third party approval, and the condition of cables upon delivery. Taking the time to conduct these checks can save wholesalers problems in the long run.
What installers and contractors need The changing demands on electrical wholesalers, as well as the pressing issue that faulty wiring fires present, means that more electricians, installers, and contractors are looking for the best test equipment to help them stay ahead of the threat. PAT testers are key tools in electricians’ kits. Portable appliance testers
allow them to quickly test appliances and reduce the risk of danger by identifying faults early on. With the need for regular testing, it means that changes can be spotted and dealt with quickly. Cameras can help find issues going on undetected, such as behind walls,
making them essential tools in finding electrical distribution faults. Thermal imaging cameras can highlight temperate hot spots, both in cavities and on appliances themselves. Electricians will use a variety of electrical test equipment to check the
safety of appliances and cabling around the home. Wholesalers, as trusted sources, are expected to supply products of high quality to ensure compliance. By doing so, wholesalers can guarantee customer satisfaction and safety.
22 | electrical wholesalerJuly 2021
ewnews.co.uk
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