Electrical safety in the home

Fact: Every year there are over 20,000 accidental fires in UK homes, with over half of these caused by electricity.   Most of these are caused by electrical products, either through misuse or faults.

Electrical Safety First (EFS) have developed a useful factsheet which highlights some steps that you can take to help prevent fires and keep you and your family safe:

• The ESF recommend having the electrical installation in your home checked by a qualified electrician – at least every 10 years for homeowners or when you move house or every 5 years for privately rental properties
• Don’t overload sockets or overuse extension leads
• Check your sockets – if you notice any burn marks, buzzing noises, sparking or they feel hot, get them checked by a qualified electrician
• Check when your home was last rewired- old and outdated wiring is a fire hazard
• Don’t try to do DIY electrical work, always hire a qualified electrician
• Make sure you have working smoke alarms and test them regularly
• Fit your Fusebox with an RCD (Residual Current Device) a life-saving device which automatically switches your electricity off if there’s a fault

For more information from the ESF on staying safe with electrical appliances and fire safety visit: https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/guidance/safety-around-the-home/fire-safety/

ESF is a campaigning charity that aims to reduce deaths and injuries caused by electricity in UK homes. They work closely with Government, the electrical industry, manufacturers, retailers and consumer safety organisations to improve safety regulation and standards.