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Electrical Safety

Electrical Safety First

Tips on how to improve electrical safety at home:

  1. Make visual checks to your electrics with professional help. Learn more about what to look for on our website (see link below). 
  2. Take great care with your DIY. DIY attempts result in nearly half of all severe electric shocks in the home. This DIY electrical safety guide explains how to avoid electric shocks in the process.
  3. Remain vigilant in the kitchen. Misuse of kitchen appliances is just one of the many electrical safety no-nos in the home. Learn more here.
  4. Remember that water and electricity are a deadly mix. The bathroom can be one of the most dangerous rooms in the house when it comes to electrical safety. Read our top bathroom safety tips here.
  5. Don’t use electrical gardening equipment outdoors until it is dry. More advice for electrical safety in the garden is available here.
  6. Take the necessary precautions after a flood. If your home has been flooded, there is a high chance the electrics could be damaged. Read more about what to do in this situation here.
  7. Exercise caution to prevent electrical firesThis guide outlines common ways electrical fires occur in the home and how to avoid them.

Product Safety

Product misuse is the top cause of accidental fires in British homes and the number has increased by over a third since 2009.

Millions of people commit basic electric safety 'blunders' in the home without realising that they are exposing themselves to the risk of fire or electric shock.

Modern living means we are using more and more electrical appliances in the home. Just twenty years ago, the average UK home would have had a hi-fi system and one TV or video. Today, it is more likely that there are at least two TVs, a DVD player, a satellite receiver, games console, microwave, computer and more. So, the risk of electrical accidents in the home is much higher than before.

Our simple tips will help you to stay safe when using electrical items. For information on electrical items which have been recalled click here.

https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/guidance

 Electrical safety for Children and Teenagers

Dos and dont's for charging safely in children and teenagers' bedrooms
  • DO make sure laptops, phones, tablets and any other electrical devices are charged on a hard surface such as a desk or table
  • DON’T charge phones, tablets or any electrical device on your bed, under a pillow or anywhere the device might overheat. Avoid charging devices unattended or overnight.
  • DO make sure that children keep their rooms tidy and dust free, clothes left on electrical devices such as games consoles can cause vents to be blocked and the device to overheat and catch fire. 
  • DO get everyone in your family into the habit of switching off electric games, computers, TVs and other electric appliances before you go to bed.
  • DON’T use or let children use fake or unbranded chargers. Many of these chargers do not satisfy UK safety regulations and can cause serious electric shock, injury or fire.
  • DO check plugs, sockets and cables regularly for signs of damage or scorching.
  • DON’T overload electric plug sockets. If you’re not sure if your socket is overloaded you can check on our calculator.
  • DON’T put drinks or other liquids on or near electric appliances. After bathing or showering children should be fully dry before using an electrical device. Water and electricity are a lethal combination.
  • DO make sure children understand how to use electricity and electric appliances responsibly and safely.

More resources for both younger and older children are available at Switched On Kids and Two Thirty Volts.

https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/guidance/advice-for-you/families/