Fire chiefs have issued a warning about dangers posed by faulty electrical goods and shoddy wiring.

The call for fresh checks in homes and workplaces came after the Bermuda Fire Service confirmed it had completed investigations into recent fires that it found were sparked by electrical faults.

It did not reveal the locations of those blazes, but in a statement issued yesterday the service called on residents to take ?prompt action? to repair or replace faulty wiring or appliances ? in a bid to help prevent repeats.

In the last few months, buildings on Joell?s Alley were severely damaged in a blaze which may have caused more than $1 million worth of damage, while a number of homes have also been damaged.

In a series of safety tips, firefighters warned against overloading plug sockets or surge protectors and said the correct wattage of light bulbs should be used in lamps and light fixtures. Signs of possible overloading include dimming lights, warm or hot plugs or cords, appliances not operating properly and circuit breakers frequently tripping.

All electrical goods should be unplugged before cleaning and servicing, while cords should be checked they are in good condition before they are used.

Poor or loose wire connections should be repaired, firefighters added, and anyone using electrical equipment should follow the manufacturer?s safety instructions.

?If unsure of electrical requirements, contact a qualified electrician,? the Fire Service statement added.

For further safety advice, call 292-5555.