Generally, no permission is required to replace or install new electrical circuits or extensions. But if a person lives in a building or a flat, an approval is required by the local Planning Authority for electrical building extensions. As we make more progress in the invention of technological products, the demand for the electrical products has recently skyrocketed.
Before installing electrical extensions in the building, it is crucial to plan the design and installation of electrical extensions in order to prevent the person involved in the installation from receiving electrical shocks, catching fire or getting injured.
Different kinds of electrical extensions
There are different types of electrical extensions ranging from the ones that have expanded separations to the ones in which the number electrical appliances connected can be increased.
Some examples of electrical extensions are:
- Multi-block connectors,
- Single extension
- Multi-socket extension
- Cable reels
Make sure that your electrical work is notifiable
Any kind of electrical work either performed in a building or a house is notifiable to the local building control body when:
The consumer unit which is commonly known as a fuses box is replaced
A new circuit is installed
Some changes have been made in circuits
Alterations made in the bathroom are only notifiable when electrical extension or a circuit is in close proximity to the shower or a bathtub.
If there is a sauna heater or swimming pool present in the room than electrical installation or alteration is notifiable regardless of it being closer or away from the sauna heater or a swimming pool.
Things to make sure before proceeding with the electrical installation work
After making certain that your work is notifiable, a person should:
Hire an electrician who is authorised by the government to perform electrical work.
The electrician who is not associated with the government can also be hired if he is certified by a third party company.
Common Issues faced by electrical extensions
Overloading
Overloading is the most dangerous yet unfortunately is the most common problem faced by the extension cables. This only happens when two or more electrical extensions are connected with each other or several high current consuming appliances are connected to a single extension lead.
Moisture Exposure
It is recommended to install a Residual Current Device or (RCD) when an extension is externally provided to a building. RCD must be installed where it enters the main wall socket. The RCD installed must have a tripping current of 30 mA or less to prevent any kind of hazard related to electrical shocks.
How to prevent electrical extensions from receiving any damage
- Electrical extensions should be checked properly before it is used for the first time and as time moves on, it should be checked out regularly. Checking process includes the visual inspection to detect the burning of plug, sockets, or any damage sustained by the cable.
- Mount the extension properly on the wall and secure the cables to the wall as well but avoid using cable ties during this process. If somehow the mounting is not possible then install then the socket and secure the cable somewhere safe where it cannot be stomped by people or get in hands of children.
- To avoid the coils from overheating, cable reels should completely remain intact
- Abstain from plugging one extension cord to another in order to avoid overloading.
