⚠️ Fire and Electrical Safety Guidelines⚠️
To ensure safety and prevent electrical fires, the following measures must be strictly observed:
- Electrical Wiring should only be conducted by a Government-registered contractor.
- All installed electrical components (e.g., cables, sockets, switches, circuit breakers, and main switches) must be certified by the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS).
- The earthing wire must be TBS-approved and properly buried underground according to safety standards.
- When using an electric iron, never leave it unattended. The same precaution applies to electric kettles and cookers.
- Do not iron clothes on the bed using an electric iron.
- Avoid the permanent use of extension cables. They should only be used for temporary or emergency purposes. Never place extension cables under carpets.
- Do not charge mobile phones on the bed, and avoid using laptops placed directly on the bed.
- Avoid overloading a single power socket with multiple high-consumption devices such as televisions, radios, and refrigerators.
- Do not place long curtains over or near electrical sockets.
- Use flame-retardant curtains, preferably made of cotton or other non-flammable materials.
- Ensure mattresses do not touch or come too close to electrical sockets or switches.
- Keep sofas and other furniture at least six inches (15 cm) away from electrical sockets or switches.
- Bed nets should not come into contact with electrical outlets or switches.
- Minimize the number of flammable items in the house. For example, having a single set of sofas is advisable.
- In the event of a power outage, when electricity is restored, ensure all candles previously lit are extinguished.
- If a fuse blows or a circuit breaker trips, do not attempt to fix it yourself. Always consult a qualified electrician to diagnose the cause before resetting or replacing it.
- Every five years, ensure a registered electrical contractor conducts a full inspection of the entire household electrical system, especially all connections.
- Do not install high-power appliances (e.g., air conditioners) without first consulting a registered contractor to assess the system’s capacity to handle additional load.
- Never extend power from one house to another or to an external structure (e.g., chicken coop) without engaging a registered electrical contractor.
- If any electrical faults are detected on or after the TANESCO meter, including pole brackets or power lines, immediately report them to the relevant authorities.