How Safe Is Your Home?
Simple checks that 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 an approved electrician like ElectriciansOnCall 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 (If in doubt arrange to have one of our engineers carry out a visual inspection, this simple and cheap procedure can quickly point out anything that could be a potential hazard with your existing installation without the lengthy and costly process of testing your circuits).
Make sure that your plug sockets are not overloaded.
Ensure that plugs and sockets are not damaged. Click HERE to use out free socket overload checker
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 intake
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 for some time or when your planning to be away for a time
Visual Checks App
Below you can download a free smartphone app that allows anyone to do a quick, visual check, to ensure their home is electrically safe. Designed to be as easy-to-use as possible, the app highlights potential dangers in each room and explains how to resolve simple, non-technical problems. Where more serious issues are identified and flagged contact your local office for advice. The app is available for use on Android phones and on the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.
Download it FREE now:
