Getting your gas and electrical appliances checked
Gas appliances
Gas appliances need regular checking, servicing and maintenance. Refer to your instruction manual or contact the appliance retailer to find out how often the appliance should be serviced. Your appliance supplier may have a list of service agents. Alternatively, gasfitters and qualified service technicians are listed in the Yellow Pages.
Have any smell of gas investigated immediately.
If you have gas heaters, look out for signs that should alert you to problems with the heater. Warning signs to look out for include: a smell of gas from the appliance
- difficulty in establishing a flame or unusual delays in flame ignition
- an unusual flame pattern or a flame that has not fully established over whole extent of the burner
- blockage of burner ports or evidence of corrosion around burner ports
- any alteration in the position of the artificial logs or the burner bed, or
- soot coming from the appliance or appearing on the inside of glass panels.
If you identify any of these please do not to use the heater or installation and have it assessed and serviced by a gasfitter or a qualified service technician as soon as possible.
It is also important to get your LPG cabinet heater and cylinder checked by an LPG service agent, these are listed in the Yellow pages under Gas Appliances or by checking on the Energy Safety website.
An LPG service agent will make sure your cabinet heater is safe to use and will give check for things such as leaks, worn hoses, safe ignition and that fittings are in good working order.
Energy Safety recommends that gas heaters, including flame-effect fires and cabinet heaters be serviced annually.
Whenever a licensed gas worker is working in your home, get them to check that your gas appliances and installations are safe, these include gas stoves and hot water heaters Your plumber may also be a gasfitter or craftsman gasfitter and will be able to carry out these checks.
Electrical appliances
It is also a good time to check electrical appliances such as electric blankets and heaters.
Check the power cords and appliances for damage before using them. If they are damaged have them repaired or replace them. Ask the repairer to fit an inspection tag to show that they have been tested properly after repair.
Electric blankets should be checked for damage and wear before they are used, look for any scorching or heat spots. Inspect the control switch, cord, and plug, and look for any kinks, worn wires, scorch marks, or breaks in the heating element. If you have any doubts then have a professional check it, or replace it.
Electric heaters should also be checked in the same way for wear and tear.
As with gas appliances whenever a licensed electrical worker is working in your home, ask if they can check your electrical appliances, equipment and installations are safe or recommend a qualified person that can.
Electrical appliance repairers and servicing agents are listed in the Yellow Pages.
Finally
Remember when you’re using gas or electric heaters – Keep at least one metre from the heater and always use a fire guard.
Safe living with gas and LPG
Safe living with electricity
Back to Top