According to Electrical Safety First, electricity is responsible for over 20,000 accidental domestic fires each year in the UK alone, and with the number of devices and appliances that use electricity in the home it’s essential that we all take precautions to stay safe. 

Here are a few ways you can ensure that you’re on top of electrical safety in the home. 

Safety checks

A simple one, but make sure that no wires are frayed, no plastic coating is stripped away from cables and that electrical appliances aren’t overheating or making noises they shouldn’t. Check also that cables aren’t in a place where they could be tripped over, and that nothing is perched on the edge of a counter where it could easily fall or be knocked off. 

Unplug 

Don’t overload power strips, and when it’s possible to unplug something you’re not using, unplug it. Your WiFi router needs to be plugged in all the time, but does the microwave? Not only will this make your home a safer place to be, it’ll also bring your bills down more than you might think. 

Keep everything dry

Electricity and water mix a little too well, so it’s vital to keep them separate. Don’t touch any light switches with wet hands, be mindful of taking any electronics into the bathroom - ideally none at all - and don’t let cables trail through water, either inside or in the garden. 

Kitchen safety

Don’t let any wires trail across the stove, or any other source of heat. When retrieving some stubborn toast from the toaster, be sure not to use metal implements, and be sure the toaster is unplugged. Don’t store things on top of your microwave, as this can impair ventilation and cause overheating. If possible, turn the oven off at the wall when it’s not in use. 

Smoke alarms

Ensure you have a smoke alarm on each floor of your home, and make sure to test them regularly. 

Check your fuses

Fuses are key to electrical safety in the home, so if you have to change one, make sure the new fuse is right for the job. Using the wrong fuse will negate the purpose of the fuse, and remove it as a safety measure.