Safety with power leads and power plugs...

This was sent to me last week and is a good reminder for the festive season:

A Contract employee recently shared what can happen to an outlet and plug of a lead that has been maltreated and left in this condition over a long period.

The problem was first detected by a burning smell coming from behind the family fridge.

The electrical plug had been distorted by the back of the fridge being pushed hard up against it. This had led to the plug being twisted and not seated properly in the socket. 

That is the plug had come out of the outlet to the point where the active pin was only just making contact which developed into a hot joint.

The level of risk the home was under became obvious when the plug was removed and the extent of the burning was noticed due to the hot joint.

It highlights the point that we should all periodically check our power points, leads and extension boards to ensure they are correctly installed and fit for duty.

        Check that all appliances in the home to be in good working order and that installed in a correct manner.

       When leaving for any extended period turn off all appliances that are non-essential at the outlet, as this is a safe condition to leave the home and also may save you some money on running costs.

Outlet with distorted plug

Side view of the plug not fully inserted

Front of outlet showing damage

Rear of Outlet showing damage note the tarnish on the conductor termination

The Plug with the Active Pin showing the damage.  The pin has actually melted away

The easy way to avoid this is to use one of these:

http://www.thecableconnection.com.au/Wall-plate--Power-point-recess---for-70mm-and-90mm-walls.html

This allows the powerpoint to be recessed back inside the wall allowing for a nice flush installation with out the need to bend the power lead!