The Electrical Safety Council (ESC) has recently designed a socket overload calculator which has been created as a simple to use guide for householders to identify any overloaded sockets in their homes.
The guide was created as a response to concerns raised by the Fire and Rescue Service about the risks of overloaded sockets in homes.
The tool has been set up as a calculator and aims to help people understand the different types of domestic electrical appliances and how each will use different amounts of power. The calculator will help them to become aware that the load on an extension lead and socket should not exceed a current of 13A or 3kW of energy.
The calculator itself has been designed as an interactive tool and will help with the understanding of what happens if overloading occurs. Alongside this calculator tool, there is some useful information on the site which includes a list of commonly used appliances and their power ratings, and home safety advice.
The overload calculator is a part of the wider campaign by ESC to promote safer appliances and raise awareness of the misuse of electrical equipment.
Also, ESC are allowing electrical industry professionals to upload this calculator to their own websites free of charge to encourage awareness and safety. For more information on how to do this visit the Electrical Safety Council website.
Written by Sara Thomson
