Electrical Safety

Fires in the home can be caused by faulty wiring in plugs and electrical appliances or equipment not being used safely. A few simple checks and precautions can make all the difference to the safety of your home.

Electrical Appliances

Turn off and unplug all electrical appliances when not in use, this is all appliances from televisions to laptops or hair straighteners
Don’t overload plug sockets – if you have to use an adapter, use a fused ‘in line’ type.
Regularly check for worn or frayed wires/cables and replace
Unplug appliances when not in use
Keep appliances clean and in good working order
Make sure plugs have the correct fuse for the appliance. If in doubt, refer to the manufacturers instructions.
Avoid multi-way adapters and overloading electric sockets by using several adapters as they may overheat.
Don’t run leads or cables under carpets or rugs – you won’t be able to see if they become damaged.
Find out if your electrical products are on trading standards product recall list, a list of items which have been recalled by the manufacturers. (See useful links).
Consider using a Residual Current Device – RCD (a device which protects against electric shocks and reduces the risk of electrical fires)

Click to view Tumble Dryer safety advice

View our safety videos below:


  
    
      How To Use RCDs    
    
    
      
    
  
  
    
      
         
          
        
        
          Title
How To Use RCDs
          Runtime
3:24
        
      
      
         
          
        
        
          Title
How to clean your tumble dryer filter - filter in door
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0:25
        
      
      
         
          
        
        
          Title
How to clean your tumble dryer filter - filter in machine
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0:30
        
      
      
         
          
        
        
          Title
Free Home Fire Safety Visit Promotion
          Runtime
0:29

Wiring

If you notice any of the warning signs below, ask a qualified electrician to check your wiring:

hot plugs and sockets.
fuses that blow for no obvious reason.
lights that flicker.
brown scorch marks on sockets, plugs and fuse boxes.

Small Electrical Appliances

Use a proper ironing board and turn off the iron after use. Make sure the iron is left to cool on a heat resistant surface away from curtains, carpets and anything else that may catch fire.
Portable electric devices ie laptops/hair straighteners should be placed on a well-ventilated surface and never left on beds or sofas
Always switch off hair straighteners/curling tongs after use and leave to cool on a heat resistant surface away from curtains, carpets and anything else that can catch fire.

Electric blankets

Electric blankets are a hazard in the home, particularly when they are old and badly maintained. Many of those affected by faulty blankets are elderly people. If you have an elderly relative or neighbour, make sure they know how to look after their electric blanket.

Please read and follow the current Government guidelines on electric blanket safety.