Overloaded powerboards have the potential to start a deadly house fire.

As winter bites the temptation is to plug in electric blankets, fan and radiant heaters as required around the house using powerboards or double adapters.

This is dangerous. These appliances draw a large amount of power and not plugging them directly into a powerpoint risks circuit overload and burnout.

It is not expensive to upgrade powerpoints to ensure household safety but only a licensed electrician can do this.

A Sharpe Services technician can make sure you have the correct number of powerpoints installed across the house and that your switchboard is capable of managing the load.

The most obvious symptoms of a circuit overload are a switchboard circuit breaker or safety switch tripping regularly. Dimming lights and buzzing switches are other warnings that must not be ignored.

Powerboards aren’t designed to handle the current that portable heaters draw.

Don’t overload powerboards by “piggy backing” plugs into them or using double adaptors.

Never use a powerboard as a substitute for a permanent power outlet. Get that powerpoint upgraded.