Written by: Emma Rose, Communications Manager - Property Maintenance
So much of modern living is powered by electricity. From boiling the kettle for the first morning cuppa, to our lights, laptops, phones, fridges, washing machines, cookers, and even our hot water and heating – electricity is central to so much of what we do, day in and day out.
We use it so often, that it’s easy to forget that electricity can be dangerous, and we need to take care to make sure that we’re keeping our homes and our families safe. We’ll carry out an electrical check on your home every five years, but there are some things that you can do too, to help prevent fires, electrocution and electric shocks.
1. Check your cables
It’s a good idea to check the cables from all your devices and appliances regularly to make sure that they’re not damaged, or getting worn out. Before you carry out any checks, make sure that the cable is unplugged. Have a look at both ends of the cable and check that all the wiring is well covered by the casing, and that connections don’t feel loose.
Have a look along the length of the cable too, checking for any damage or exposed wires. If there’s any sign of damage anywhere on the cable you’ll need to replace it before you can safely use it.
2. Don’t overload electrical sockets
Plugging in too many appliances or devices into one socket is one of the most common causes of electrical fires in homes. Most sockets in UK homes have limits of 13 amps or 3000 watts, and most extension leads have the same limits too (although some are 10 amps or less). If you plug in devices or appliances that need more power than this, then there’s a risk of fire.
Electrical devices should show how many watts or amps they use. It’s usually marked either on the device itself, or on a label attached to the cable. Campaigning charity Electrical Safety First has published a list of common appliances and the amps and watts they use – but this should only be used as a guide.
If you think there may be a problem with any of your sockets, such as a smell of burning, sparks or smoke, or fuses blowing when that socket is used, please report a repair straight away by calling or sending a WhatsApp to 01225 366000, or through MyCuro.
3.Take care with cables
If you’re using extension cables, make sure they’re fully unravelled to stop them overheating, and avoid wrapping cables around anything too as this can stretch them and make them overheat. And never plug an extension lead or 4-way socket into another extension lead or 4-way socket.
Trailing cables across a room can not only be a trip hazard, but they can also cause a hazard if they get pulled or tangled in something else. If you are running cables around a room, make sure they’re not near to hot surfaces, such radiators, as this can damage the wiring inside the cable.
4. Watch out for water risks
Water and electricity can be a deadly combination. That’s why you won’t find regular electrical sockets in bathrooms.
- Never take electrical appliances into the bathroom, or run leads for appliances (such as an electric heater) into the bathroom from another room.
- If you have pets, make sure their water bowls are away from any sockets.
- Try to avoid letting young children have drinks, or play with water, too close to any electrical sockets or appliances.
- If you’re storing a lawnmower, or any other electrical equipment in a shed or garage, make sure that it’s watertight. If your kit gets wet it could rust or erode which might cause an electric shock or a fire when it’s switched on.
5. Unplug appliances
Unplugging electrical appliances and devices when they’re not being used can help keep your home safer, and also help save a few pennies on your electric bill. Unplugging appliances when not being used will protect them from any power surges or overheating. It also means it’s impossible to accidently leave them switched on if you unplug after every use. This is especially important for equipment that uses lithium batteries, as cause be a big fire risk.
6. DIY with caution
Bungled DIY attempts result in nearly half of all severe electric shocks in the home. The majority of incidents happen when people cut through power leads, drill into wiring or try repairing electrical items while they’re still switched on.
Electrical Safety First has a lot of advice on how to avoid electrical accidents when doing DIY on their website. But if you’re not sure what you’re doing, then the best and safest thing to do is to call a qualified electrician.
7. Make sure there’s room for air to circulate
Nearly all electrical appliances will generate heat when they’re being used. If that heat hasn’t got room to escape it could make the appliance overheat and catch fire. That’s why it’s so important to make sure there’s room for air to circulate.
Don’t put anything on top of appliances, and never run appliances in cupboards. Sometimes kitchens have built-in appliances, and this is fine as long as the work’s been done by a qualified professional, and that the appliance has been designed to be used in that way.
8. Check the instructions
When you get a new gadget it’s tempting just to switch it on straight away and start using it. It’s always a good idea to read the instructions first though. Not only will it make sure that you’re using it safely, but it can also help you make sure you’re getting the most out of it, and help make it last for longer.
9. Look after your electrical
Keeping your appliances and devices clean and well-looked after can help you to spot potential dangers early, as well as keeping them running at their best. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions to make sure you’re doing everything safely, and that you’re not doing anything that might make a warranty invalid.
10. Is it up to standard?
In the UK we have strict safety standards that electrical appliances have to meet before they can be sold here. But similar products that are sold outside the UK or imported in, including those sold online, don’t always have the same safety standards.
Counterfeit ‘branded’ products (or items that are made to look very similar but without branding), that are often sold cheaply online are usually made from inferior materials and do not undergo the levels of testing that products from the real manufacturers do, so these should be avoided. This can also apply to replacement chargers and batteries for devices such as mobile phones, and can be a significant fire risk if used.
The best way to make sure that you’re buying genuine safety-tested electrical goods, is to buy directly from the brand or a trusted UK retailer, and avoid buying unbranded electricals or products from social media or online marketplaces where sellers don’t go through the same strict checks.
You can find out more about electrical safety at home on the Electrical Safety First website.