Simple checks can save your life
Millions of people in the UK expose themselves and their families to potentially fatal electrical accidents in the home by making simple blunders, down to a lack of knowledge about the dangers of electricity.
It is important to make sure that the electrical installation in your property is well maintained, and we recommend that you use a registered electrician to check that it is safe.
However, there are a number of simple, visual checks that you can carry out yourself:
Check that you have RCD protection in your fusebox
Make sure that your plug sockets are not overloaded. Electrical Safety First has developed an online “socket calculator” to help you to check that yours are safe
Overloading sockets
Use our socket calculator to see if you’re overloading your sockets.
Ensure that plugs and sockets are not damaged
Check that visible cables and leads are in good condition
Check that your light fittings are not visibly damaged and that downlighters are in good working condition
Check that you are not storing combustible materials around your fusebox, electricity meter or electrical instake
Don’t use the top of the microwave for extra storage
Never trail cables under carpets or rugs
Never take mains-powered electrical items into the bathroom
Always switch off your electrical items when they are not in use