Here are some helpful do’s and don’ts to keep the electrics in your home safe.

Electrical safety do’s:

• Do buy electrical appliances and chargers from a reputable source and always check for a British or European safety mark.
• Do check your sockets regularly – if you see burn marks or they feel hot, get them checked by a qualified electrician, or contact us.
• Do check the electrical current rating of an electrical adaptor before you plug appliances in; make sure that the total current used does not exceed the adaptor’s rating. For advice on how to do this, please visit the Electrical Safety Council’s website here.
• Do regularly check for frayed or worn cables and wires. Check to see if the cable is fastened securely to the plug and check the socket for scorch marks. You should always carry out these checks before you use an appliance.
• Do switch off appliances at the socket when not in use. Switch off appliances when you go to bed or when you go out unless they are designed to be left on (e.g. fridge freezer).
• Do keep electrical appliances clean and in good working order. Look out for fuses that blow, circuit-breakers that trip for no obvious reason and flickering lights.
• Do follow the manufacturer’s instructions if you need to change a fuse.

Electrical safety don’ts:

• Don’t overload plug sockets or adaptors. An extension lead or adaptor will have a limit to 13amps, so be careful not to overload them and try to keep to one plug per socket.
• Don’t use electrical appliances near water, and never touch electrical appliances with wet hands.
• Don’t use water on an electric fire. Pull the plug out or switch the power off if it is safe to do so.
• Don’t put electric heaters near curtains or furniture and don’t dry clothes on them or cover the air vents on heaters.
• Don’t trail flexible cables under carpets or rugs.