10 Electrical Safety Tips Every Homeowner Should Know
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Safety20 February 2024 5 min read

10 Electrical Safety Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

Electrical Safety in the Home

Electricity is something most of us take for granted — until something goes wrong. Electrical faults are one of the leading causes of house fires in the UK. The good news is that most risks can be managed with a few simple checks and good habits.

Here are 10 tips from our qualified electricians at Northumbrian Electrics.

1. Don't Overload Sockets

Plugging too many appliances into one socket via adaptors is one of the most common causes of electrical fires. As a rule, never exceed 3,000W per socket. Be especially careful with high-draw appliances like kettles, toasters, and space heaters.

2. Check for Signs of Damage

Look out for:

  • Discolouration or scorch marks around sockets or switches
  • Buzzing, flickering lights, or frequently tripping breakers
  • Burning or unusual smells

These are all signs that something needs attention — don't ignore them.

3. Never Use Damaged Cables

Frayed or cracked cables are a serious hazard. Replace them immediately. Don't use cable ties to permanently secure cables under rugs or carpets either — friction and heat can degrade the insulation.

4. Keep Water Away from Electrics

This sounds obvious, but bathroom and kitchen safety is often overlooked. Only use shaver sockets inside bathrooms — standard sockets are not permitted within 3 metres of a bath or shower basin under UK wiring regulations.

5. Test Your RCDs Regularly

Modern consumer units have RCDs (Residual Current Devices) which cut power in milliseconds if a fault is detected. Test the test button on each RCD every 3–6 months to make sure they're working.

6. Don't DIY Major Electrical Work

Under Part P of the Building Regulations, most significant electrical work in the home must be carried out — or certified — by a registered electrician. Unlicensed work is not only dangerous but can also invalidate your home insurance.

7. Upgrade an Old Consumer Unit

Older fuse boxes (with rewirable fuses rather than MCBs and RCDs) offer far less protection. If your home still has one, upgrading to a modern consumer unit is one of the best safety investments you can make.

8. Use RCD-Protected Extension Leads

For garden and outdoor use, always use an RCD-protected extension lead. These cut power instantly if a cable is accidentally cut — for example, when mowing the lawn.

9. Have an EICR Done

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a thorough inspection of your home's wiring. Recommended every 10 years for owner-occupiers (or every 5 years for rental properties, where it's legally required). It will identify any deterioration or non-compliance.

10. Know Where Your Main Switch Is

In an emergency, you need to be able to isolate power quickly. Make sure everyone in your household knows where the consumer unit is and how to switch off the mains.


If you have any concerns about your home's electrics, we're always happy to help. Book a free survey today — we cover the whole of Northumberland and Tyne & Wear.

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