How To Prevent Burning Your Socket, Plug Head, Electric Wires (Cables) & Switches

One thing that is common with all wearables is that they will all wear out at some point in time as nothing lasts forever. However, if necessary preventive measures/steps are adopted certain things that burn out or spoil before their expiry dates could be made to last longer.

When it comes to electrical appliances, safety steps are key to making sure they last long, and to avoid the dangers of electric mayhems and accidents.

Electric wires, sockets and plug heads often get burnt due to a lot of reasons. One of the major reasons why these things get burnt is when they are subjected to higher loads that they can carry.

Every electric cable, plug or socket have maximum power rating. These ratings determine their maximum load-carrying capacities. When they are subjected to loads which are heavier than the maximum, they burn out and get destroyed.

Some of the ways I'm about to share with you by which you can prevent damages to your electric sockets, plugs and wires are practical proven steps:

1. As mentioned above, every electric appliance has a maximum load carrying capacity. In order for them to last longer. You have to make sure that these load carrying capacities are not exceeded. You can know the load capacity of any electric appliance and device such as sockets, plug heads, switches and cables by looking at the ratings or labels written and placed on the device.
2. Use the right socket, plug head, wires and switches for the right applications. If you need to connect electrical appliances and devices together, you must use the right ones with corresponding ratings together. For instance, there are certain wires that are suitable for high power consuming appliances like electric kettles, pressing irons, electric cookers, etc. If you use wires that don't have the required ratings, strength, load bearing capacity or ability for these appliances, the wires will burn, and the socket destroyed. This is one of the main reasons why electric extensions and sockets get burnt in homes, offices and at other places where they are used. Before buying an extension or socket, you have to know what you are going to be using it for. You don't use an extension that is meant for just charging of phones and other light electrical appliances for such devices like electric irons, cookers, etc. which have high electric resistance. They will definitely burn them out.
3. Apply due procedure and diligence while turning off your sockets. This step applies majorly to electric sockets and plug heads used for thermostat controlled and high resistive appliances like electric cookers, boiling rings, electric kettles, heavy industrial machines, pressing irons, etc. Before turning off the sockets for these types of appliances, you will do well to avoid burning the sockets and plug heads if you first remove the plug head from the socket before turning the socket off, then plugin back the plug head to the socket. This is because when these appliances have worked for a long time, they generate a lot of heat due to resistance. Going ahead to turn off the socket without first removing the plug will cause a spark. Sometimes you can see a visible light emanating from the socket when you turn it off directly in this manner. If you continue to turn it off in this way, as time goes on, it will begin to burn the socket and sometimes, the plug head too. Later, you may discover that you can no longer turn on and off the switch of the socket. That's because the plastic inside has melted and it's no longer allowing free movement. At other times, you may still be able to turn on the switch, but it will not work if left unsupported. This also tells that some parts of the socket have been burnt within. 
4. Use quality parts. Yes, this step is equally very important. You must use quality parts for your electric tools, appliances and devices if you want them to last long. Like everything else in the market, there are also fake and inferior electric parts in the market. Make due diligence when choosing electricity parts so as to choose quality products. If you don't know quality ones, go to the market with someone who do when you are going to buy or ask the vendors. They will be happy to tell you the original from the fake as most often, the original ones are more expensive than the inferior.