Despite causing an average of 70 deaths and 350,000 serious injuries every year in the UK, many people underestimate the risks associated with electricity. While a lot of advice around using electricity and electrical appliances may feel like common sense, millions of people continue to expose themselves and their loved ones to potentially lethal electrical faults due to a lack of knowledge around the issue.
Read on to find out what you need to be aware of when it comes to home electricity use.
1. If you're a tenant, make sure you have an electrical safety certificate
An electrical safety certificate is a legal requirement for landlords of tenanted properties to commission every five years (while letting agents may require a new certificate each time there is a change of tenancy). An electrical certificate is a report of the state of the electric circuits and wiring throughout a property, with any faults broken down into levels of severity. An electrical test certificate isn't a requirement for those who own their properties, but it can be beneficial for cautious homeowners who want to ensure their home is as safe as possible.
2. Review how your electrical appliances are set up
We often don’t notice dangers related to the appliances we use every day. For example, does an electricity cable run next to your toaster or any other appliance which produces heat? Is one of your electricity sockets overloaded? Are you running cables under rugs or leaving things on top of the microwave when it's in use? If something doesn't look right, see what you can do to make it safer.
3. Avoid overloading electrical sockets
Overloaded extension leads are a common sight within many homes and offices. However, overburdening an extension lead or adapter can result in an electric fire and anyone using one should be wary of the amount of amps it can safely supply. Be wary of assuming a certain appliance doesn’t use much energy.
4. Keep flammable items away from sources of heat
This feels like common sense but is particularly relevant for those whose electrical intake equipment in located in a cupboard used to store potentially flammable items such as clothes and cleaning products.
5. Purchase electrical goods from a reliable source
A number of items purchased outside of, or imported into, the UK, do not meet national safety standards. These are more likely to experience faults and consequently cause electric shocks and even start fires. You should also avoid buying counterfeit electrical goods. These often turn out to be faulty and are the leading cause of serious electrical shocks and result in thousands of fires in the UK every year.
6. Regularly check for worn cables and wires
Make sure the wire connecting your appliance to a plug is not loose and ensure it is not frayed. This should be done each time you use an appliance.
7. Using foreign appliances without a converter can be dangerous
Many appliances produced for markets outside of the UK should only be used with a suitable conversion plug or adapter. Without one, the socket can overheat and could cause a fire.
8. Switch off appliances at the plug when not in use
This not only saves energy but also reduces the risk of a fire starting. There are of course exceptions, such as fridges, which are designed to be left on.
9. Monitor product recalls
Although more than 1,300 recall notices have been issued since 2007, response rates remain very low – usually between 10% and 20%. These figures are particularly worrying as recalls are typically issued for products which carry a risk of electric shocks or fire.
Electrical Safety First has a dedicated webpage for recalled products.
10. Always use the right fuse
An incorrect fuse can cause a cable to overheat and means the appliance is not protected in case of an electrical fault. Always follow the appliance’s instruction booklet.
11. Be careful with electricity near water
Water and electricity famously don't mix, so if you're using electrical appliances outside, make sure they're protected from rain. In the kitchen, always make sure your hands are dry before you plug anything in or use anything where there might be a risk of electric shock.
12. Don’t stick around in the event of a fire
In the event of an electric fire, if it is possible to do so without endangering yourself, you should switch off the affected appliance and remove the plug from the socket. Then leave the area and call 999.
Never use water on an electric fire and if you have access to a fire extinguisher, do not assume it is suitable to use on an electric fire. There are different types of fire extinguishers and only dry powder or CO2 should be used. If you're not sure what type you have, avoid using it as you could make the fire worse.
13. Know how to responsibly use a portable heater
When using a portable heater:
Place the heater on a steady, flat surface in an uncluttered area. Don't put it against a wall, as this may reduce ventilation
Keep it away from curtains and do not use it for drying clothes
Never block air vents on the heater.
14. Know how to responsibly use an electric blanket
When using an electric blanket:
Unplug it before getting into bed (unless it has a thermostat control for safe all-night use)
Regularly examine for signs of damage
Do not use in conjunction with a hot water bottle
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
15. Install Residual Current Devices (RCDs)
An RCD is an electrical wiring device designed to protect people from getting serious electric shocks if they come into contact with a live wire. It offers a higher level of protection than any ordinary fuse or circuit breaker. An RCD is particularly important for those who use electrical appliances outdoors.
If you have an RCD installed you should test it every three months by pushing the ‘T’ or ‘Test’ button. If working, it will temporarily remove access to power for all areas it protects.
16. Keep smoke detectors in working order
If your electrical appliances do cause a fire, you'll need your smoke detectors to be working properly to alert you as quickly as possible. Make sure you replace batteries as needed and, if you're a tenant and feel your detectors could do with an inspection, ask your landlord to arrange one.
How do I stay safe when using gas?
Our gas safety guide has ten tips on keeping your household safe from gas leaks and fires.
