Electrical safety

Electrics are essential to homes, but electrical faults can cause damage through fires or potentially injury through electric shocks. 

To make sure that your electrics are working correctly, take a look at our advice on this page. 

  • Get your electrics tested every five years. 
  • Plan what to do in case of fire, be aware of all escape routes and make that exit routes are always kept clear. If a fire starts, if it is safe to do so switch off and unplug the appliance, and call 999. You should never put water on an electrical fire. 
  • Use plugs and adaptors with the British Standard safety mark. 

  • Regularly check the condition of plugs, cables and extension leads for burn marks, buzzing or crackling sounds, fuses blowing, circuit-breakers tripping or if they feel hot. 

  • Remove plugs from sockets carefully. Pulling out a plug by the cable can cause damage which could lead to fires starting. 
  • Never overload adaptors, particularly with high current appliances such as kettles, irons and heaters.
  • Avoid coiling extension leads that are plugged in, as this can lead to fires started through inducted heat.  
  • Never use adaptors plugged into other adaptors. 
  • Other than fridges and freezers, turn off electrical appliances when not using them, and unplug where possible. 
  • Do not trail cables from electrical appliances (including extension cables) underneath carpets or rugs. 

  • Make sure your smoke alarms are working monthly in case of a fire starting. 
  • Use a Residual Current Device when using electrical equipment outdoors.
  • Make sure you know the location of and can access the fuse box and meter easily. Keep a torch handy so you can see in the event of a power cut in the dark. 
  • Avoid getting appliances wet, for example by handling with wet hands or taking appliances into the bathroom. 
  • Do not try to retrieve toast stuck in a toaster whilst it is plugged in, and especially not with a metal knife.
  • Never exceed the recommended bulb wattage for light fittings.
  • Do not put electric heaters near curtains or furniture, or dry clothes on them. 

Your safety

For more information on how to stay safe in your home, visit Your Safety.

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