Home fire safety
Factsheet
02
Power Board Safety
Power Board Safety
Poor maintenance and incorrect use of power boards are a common cause of fires in the home.
These fires endanger lives and can cause considerable damage to property. Most of these fires
are accidental and preventable.
Follow these simple tips for using and maintaining power
boards to help make your home safer from house fires.
Don’t:
• Overload power boards by “piggy backing” plugs into one
socket or by using double adaptors – all power boards have a
maximum current rate
• Plug high wattage appliances (such as toasters, kettles and
heaters) into power boards – plug them directly to permanent
power points instead
• Use damaged, dirty or wet power boards
• Never use water to extinguish a fire caused by electrical
equipment
Do:
• Use power boards with overload protection, as this will prevent
it from overheating
• Only use power boards with built in safety switches/circuit
breakers
• Place power boards on their sides to prevent dust build up in
unused points
• Provide adequate ventilation around the power boards
• Regularly check that all plugs are firmly fixed in power boards
• Regularly check the power board for any signs of damage and
degradation
Extension cords
■■ Use extension cords only as a temporary measure
■■ Do not connect a power board or double adapter to the
end of an extension lead to make it longer
■■ Never place extension leads under carpet or rugs as they
may overheat
■■ Do not place extension leads near heaters and cookers
■■ Extension leads that are damaged or frayed should be
thrown away or repaired by a licensed electrical contractor
■■ If using extension leads outdoors check them regularly
for signs of damage
■■ Make sure they do not get caught or damaged by sharp
✘
Consider hiring a
licensed electrical
contractor to install
additional power points
to avoid the excessive
use of power boards
Never use a double adaptor as
they offer no overload protection.
In the event of a fire
■■ Crawl low under smoke
■■ Assist or alert any people in danger, but only
if it is safe to do so
■■ Go to your safe meeting place, such as your
letter box
■■ Call 000 (triple zero)
■■ Wait for firefighters to arrive
■■ Do not re-enter a burning house under any
circumstances
objects while in use
The information contained in this material is provided voluntarily as a public service
by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES). This material has been
prepared in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and
accurate at the time of publication. Nevertheless, the reliability and accuracy of
the information cannot be guaranteed and DFES expressly disclaims liability for
any act or omission done or not done in the reliance on the information and for
any consequences whether direct or indirect, arising from such act or omission.
This publication is intended to be a guide only and viewers should obtain their own
independent advice and make their own necessary inquiries.
0635/September/2015
For more information visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au or contact DFES Community Engagement 9395 9816