Electrical Safety

Electricity is everywhere in our homes, and it's a very useful part of our lives. Yet it only takes one old or poorly wired plug to prove just how powerful it is. The wires don't even need to touch for a spark to jump and a fire to start. Don't get too casual with electricity. Just because there's no flame doesn't mean there's no fire risk.

Planning to carry out Electrical Work at Home?

  • From 1 January 2005, people carrying out electrical work in their homes and gardens will have to follow the new rules in the Building Regulations.
  • The new rules have been introduced to reduce the number of deaths, injuries and fires caused by faulty electrical installations and to make it harder for ‘cowboy builders’ to leave electrical installations in an unsafe condition.
  • The Department for Communities and Local Government has produced a helpful guide "New Rules for Electrical Safety in the Home”

Dealing with Electrical Fires

  • The basic rule in fires is that you should put people's safety above every other consideration. But if a fire has just started and hasn't spread, you may be able to tackle it. With electrical fires, it's vital that you do things right.
  • Pull the plug out or switch off the power at the fuse box. This may stop the fire immediately.
  • Smother the fire with a fire blanket, or use a dry powder.
  • Never use water on it.
  • If the room is filling with smoke get straight out of the building. The most common cause of deaths from fire is fumes or smoke. You can be affected extremely quickly.

Here is some useful advice on what to be alert for, what to check, and what not to do.

Danger signs

Watch out for hot plugs and sockets, fuses that blow for no obvious reason, flickering lights, scorch marks on sockets or plugs. They're all signs of loose wiring or other problems.

  • Badly wired plugs - wire plugs correctly, if in doubt, get a qualified Electrician
  • Use the right fuse - it is designed to stop overheating. If the wrong fuse is fitted and there's a problem, a fire could occur.
  • Fraying power leads / repaired power leads - throw away damaged cables
  • Overloaded sockets - If you plug too many appliances into an adaptor you could overload the socket
  • Water near electrics - don't let cables or plugs get wet
  • Cables in vulnerable positions - don't leave power leads where they can be tripped over
  • Toaster - Keep the toaster clean and away from curtains.

How many appliances are on?

  • At night how many of your appliances are using electricity?
  • Obviously the fridge and freezer, the clock on the cooker, the TV and video on standby, the alarm clock, the mobile being recharged.
  • How many are plugged into live sockets that don't need to be? The stereo, the kettle, the radio, the computer. Each one is connected to enough power to start a fire instantly.
  • At night check your electrics and unplug any appliances that do not need to be on.

Electrical Safety:

Fires and Heaters

Electrical heaters use a lot of electricity and generate a lot of heat - treat them with great care.

  • Keep them clear of curtains and furniture
  • Sit at least three feet (one metre) away
  • Buy them from reputable shops
  • Don't dry washing on or near heaters, or on fire guards
  • Don't cover the air grilles of storage heaters, fan heaters and convection heaters
  • Use a fireguard with a radiant fire, permanently if you have children

Electric Blankets

Electric blankets cause more than 500 fires a year. 

  • You should replace you electric blanket at least every 10 years.
  • Store it Safely, don't fold electric blankets - it can damage the wiring.
  • Use it Safely, always follow the instructions.
  • Only leave a blanket switched on all night if it has thermostatic controls for safe all-night use.
  • Don't get blankets wet, and if your blanket does get wet, don't use it. Never switch it on to dry it.
  • If your blanket (or its flex) shows any danger signs, (scorch marks, exposed elements, worn flex, loose connections) you should have it checked or replaced:

For more information on electrical safety tips, click here.