8 TIPS FOR SAFELY USING A POWER BOARD
Power boards—sometimes called multi-socket boards, multi-plugs or multi-boxes—are small electrical boxes that allow you to plug multiple appliances or devices into one wall-mounted electrical socket. These can be very useful if your place of work or your home doesn't have enough electrical sockets, or if a socket isn't available in a certain area of the room.
Used correctly, power boards are very safe and incredibly useful - especially in today's technology-driven society. However, if a power board is overloaded, old or worn out, it may be dangerous and potentially pose a fire risk. Here is a general guide on how to use power boards safely.
1. USE AN OVERLOAD PROTECTION DEVICE
An overload protection device will shut off the power to the board if the electrical current reaching it exceeds the board's rating.
DON'T OVERLOAD THE POWER BOARD
Power boards are designed for low-current devices like computers, televisions, or mobile phones. Ovens, heaters, washing machines, tumble driers, toasters, kettles and other high-current appliances should only ever be plugged directly into a wall socket.
DON'T EXCEED THE POWER BOARD'S LIMIT
Most power boards have a rating of up to 10 Amps and this should be written on them somewhere. Do not plug in any device or combination of devices that exceed this limit.
DO NOT PIGGYBACK ONE POWER BOARD OFF ANOTHER
Do not plug a power board into a power board to form a chain - an act often known as piggybacking. This is really dangerous and almost certainly guarantees you will exceed a power board's limit. Furthermore, don't plug double adaptors into power boards - always ensure there is only one appliance per plug socket.
CHECK THE SURROUNDING AREA IS CLEAR OF HAZARDS
Power boards require adequate ventilation to ensure they don't overheat. Don't put them on a bed or soft furnishings and don't let curtains cover them. Keep them well-dusted so that they don't become clogged with fluff or debris.
Ensure any power boards are in a place where they aren't going to get damaged and keep their cables safely away from where they may get pulled, caught or damaged. Do not place them in an area prone to spillages.
Inspect your power boards regularly and check for any damage. If you find any problems, discontinue using them immediately. Likewise, if you ever feel a tingle from touching a power board or it's emitting an odd smell, turn off at the wall socket immediately, disconnect it, and do not use the board again.
CHECK PLUGS ARE CONNECTING CORRECTLY
A poorly fitted plug is often a sign of a bad connection. Bad connections can result in arcing, sparking or overheating.
If you're looking to buy power boards to plug in your devices or appliances then please get in touch. We can supply you with reliable and efficient power boards to meet your needs.