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We do not visit the country house or country house every day. That is why the risk of fire at such facilities increases. The reason is both faulty wiring and the irregular stay of people there. In addition, a dacha or such a house is located outside the city, which is why the response time of fire services is potentially less than in the city.
In this article, we will look at a few important precautions that will help you avoid a house fire due to faulty wiring and short circuits.
Content:
- Regular check of electrical equipment
- Wiring check
- Marking and section of cables
- Sockets
- How to secure an apartment in case of fire?
- Proper wiring
- Electrical system grounding
- Use of fuses and circuit breakers
Regular check of electrical equipment
One of the main causes of fires is a malfunction of electrical equipment and wiring. Regular inspection and maintenance of electrical installations in a summer house or country house is an important step to ensure safety. It is necessary to check sockets, switches, electrical wiring for damage, cracks or loose contacts. If you notice any problems, contact a professional electrician immediately for diagnosis and repair.
It is recommended to check the electricity in the house once a year. This is not enough. It is better to reduce the period to 1-2 times every six months, depending on how often and how long you are in the country or in a country house. If quite often, then 1-2 times every six months will suit you. If it is very rare, then it is better to check the wiring and electrical equipment 1-2 times a month.
If you have successfully completed home mortgage or a cottage and arrived at the facility already in the status of its owner, then checking the electrical equipment is one of the first procedures that you must perform. If during it even the slightest doubt arose about the condition of the electrical equipment, then immediately repair it or replace it entirely.
Below are some tips for checking electrical wiring and related equipment.
Wiring check
Wiring is the first thing to check immediately. First, find out which cable is used for wiring. We note right away that aluminum cables are at risk: having “aged”, they become a potential source of fire hazard situations.
If you notice periodic malfunctions in the operation of electrical appliances, distortion of the color of the insulation of conductors, crackling or smoke during operation, then this is an unambiguous signal that a replacement is necessary.
Marking and section of cables
Pay attention to cable markings. For private houses, the most commonly used cable is marked NYM or, alternatively, VVGng-LS. These are durable cables with several layers of insulation that do not catch fire when overloaded.
Look at the cable section. It must correspond to the rating of the machine in the shield to which this cable is extended. Installed options: for sockets - 2.5 mm² and 16 amp circuit breakers, and for lighting - 1.5 mm² and 10 ampere circuit breakers.
Sockets
Evaluate the breakdown of outlets into groups. It will be a plus if each of them has a separate cable + machine. Examples: microwave oven and dishwasher, etc. But if all devices are “powered” from one line, then this is already a potential “time bomb”. When they are turned on at the same time, the cable will begin to overheat.
Recall that these are tips for checking wiring and electrical equipment in case of buying a summer house or a house, when you are just getting acquainted with real estate. Next, let's move on to what needs to be done in order to prevent a fire in the country or in a country house.
How to secure an apartment in case of fire?
Watch for cable wear. Usually the wear period is determined by the marking. For example, a cable marked VVGng usually lasts 30 years.
If the house is wooden, then the wiring in it should only be open. Under no circumstances should you hide the cable in the walls.
Regularly check the junction boxes - or rather, their contents. Make sure that the connections of the cables stored in them are not melted and there is no soot on them. The boxes themselves should always be available for inspection.
Proper wiring
Laying wiring in a country or country house should be carried out in accordance with safety requirements. Wiring should be protected from mechanical damage, as well as from contact with moisture and heat. Wiring should be neat and without undue stress on the wires. If you need to do new wiring or modify an existing one, it is recommended that you contact a professional electrician.
Electrical system grounding
Grounding plays an important role in the safety of an electrical system. It directs excess electrical current to the ground, preventing its accumulation and possible short circuits. Make sure your electrical system is properly grounded and consult an electrician if necessary.
Use of fuses and circuit breakers
Fuses and circuit breakers are important elements for overload and short circuit protection. They quickly turn off the electrical circuit if problems occur, preventing damage to the wiring and the possibility of fire. Regularly check the function of the fuses and circuit breakers and replace them if necessary.
The nominal value of the machine must fully correspond to the wiring section at the facility. Otherwise, the cable in the wall, in the event of a dangerous situation, will begin to melt and catch fire, and the machine will either not work, or will work after a short circuit.
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In conclusion - a couple of the most simple, but at the same time effective tips. When leaving a summer house or a country house back to a city apartment, de-energize the household completely. Do not let electrical appliances idle. And do not engage in "self-treatment": that is, do not climb into electrical equipment yourself without the proper skills. There is nothing shameful in the fact that you do not know what to do - specialists in a particular technical field are specialists in order to help someone, getting paid for it.
Compliance with all of the above tips will help protect your cottage or country house from a fire caused by faulty electrical equipment. Take care of yourself and your home!
Posted on 07/20/2023 Updated on 07/31/2023 by User Alexander (administrator)
