Protect your electrical devices at home

Now that we are confined indoors because of the coronavirus, we rely on all types of electrical and electronic devices to work and to keep in touch with our loved ones; so we should take care of them, otherwise our lives will be even worse under these exceptional circumstances.

First things first

Although it seems obvious, each electrical appliance must only be used for the purpose it was designed for. Incorrect use can lead to overloads or wearing out that puts people's safety at risk. In this sense, one of the factors to consider is the type of electrical insulation. Due to frequent use of household appliances, the wires and metal parts that connect to the circuit must be adequately shielded to withstand pulling, falling or wear and tear from continued use.

The Spanish low voltage electro-technical regulation (REBT) establishes the technical conditions and guarantees that electrical devices must meet to ensure their normal operation. The objective is to preserve the safety of people and property. According to the regulations, devices are classified into four groups, according to the degree of protection and type of insulation:

Class O

They are the most dangerous devices, since the metallic parts that are connected to a conductor do not have protective elements. They also lack earthing and their insulation is functional, that is, just what is necessary to ensure that the appliance works. This insulation is used in small household appliances. To identify them, the devices may be inscribed "Class 0" or have no indication. Class I

In addition to basic insulation, the metal parts are connected to a ground terminal, which in turn connects to the circuit. Earthing is a very important element of protection, since it protects the user against possible electrocution. They are distinguished because a symbol appears as an inverted pyramid, with a vertical bar in the middle on the nameplate of the device. This insulation is suitable for large household appliances.

Class II

These are the most reliable. They have double insulation or reinforced insulation, which provides safer and more durable protection. The metal parts are separated from the rest of the device by insulating parts. Its identification is a symbol of two squares (a smaller one inside a larger one) or "Class II". These are appliances that are commonly used outdoors or in places where they can come into contact with water (the bathroom), such as a hairdryer or a shaver.

Class III

Refers to appliances that operate with low voltages, less than 50 volts. It is a frequent insulation in toys. These devices are distinguished by the inscription "Class III" or the value of the nominal voltage inside a diamond.

Other safety regulations

To guarantee the correct use of electrical appliances, the REBT technical application guide contains another series of very simple rules.

Thus, it recommends handling appliances with dry hands and never in the bathroom or under the shower, since there is a risk of electrocution. No appliance should be left near the bathtub to prevent it from falling into it.

Appliances with bare wires or broken plugs should not be used.

Do not pull the cable to disconnect devices.

It is not a good idea to accumulate several connections in the same plug socket or use a multiple plug socket holder, or to plug them into an outlet which power does not match that of the appliance as the socket could catch fire.

Do not leave electrical devices connected within the reach of children.

And that is all for this week. Take care friends.