Electrical safety can be easy to overlook. Electricity is, after all, something we’re used to being around in this country. You probably, work, relax, eat, and sleep in the presence of electricity, so it’s hardly surprising that we don’t always notice it. Think about the last time there was an extended power cut; the likelihood is that it made a real difference to your evening.
For these reasons, it can be easy to forget about the potential dangers of electricity. That’s why we’ve put together these five rules of electrical safety. Hopefully, we’ll prompt you to check the current electrical situation in your own home and, in so doing, help reduce any potential risks to your, or your family’s safety. Please be advised that, while the five points we’ve covered are extremely important, our list is not extensive.
1) If in doubt, call someone out
This point sits at the very top of our list, because it’s arguably the most important. When it comes to electrical safety, the vast majority of homeowners are not qualified to tackle any potential issues themselves. Most of what we’re about to tell you is purely precautionary; should you find any potential issues that already appear to have started developing, consult a professional. Any veritable electrician will have a better idea about what needs to be done, and will be able to do that successfully. If you’re in any doubt, always ask.
2) Check your sockets
Sockets are the gateway from the inner wiring systems of your home to the electrical appliances that feed of them. Unsurprisingly, therefore, a lot of electricity passes through them. As a result, they need to be in good working order. Check that they’re safely fastened to the wall, that they’re free of any burn marks, and that there’s no crackling or buzzing coming from any of them. Should anything appear to not be in order, get in touch with the professionals.
3) Check your wiring
As with our sockets, the wires in our home go through a lot. They’re twisted, manoeuvred, and also have an important job to do. Any issues with them are, therefore, best resolved as swiftly as possible. If you notice any fraying, cracking, or a loose connection, don’t ignore it. Again, we advise that you seek professional help over anything you’re not sure about.
4) Don’t abuse your extension leads
It’s widely accepted that extension leads are useful, especially with an increasing amount of electrical appliances being used on a daily basis. Bear in mind, however, that it’s possible to turn them into a very real health hazard. Plugging one extension lead into another, for example, is something you must never do. Furthermore, always stick to the current rating of the lead, and don’t become too reliant on your leads. Where possible, it’s better to get more sockets installed than to overload your house with extension cables. Again, consult a professional if you’re in any doubt.
5) Avoid covered wiring
For your electrical safety, we advise that you don’t cover your wiring too heavily. Doing so can cause them to overheat, which can cause fires. Furthermore, avoid cluttering areas with lots of wires; it’s best to keep these areas as free from anything but necessities. Turn off appliances when you’re not using them, and never leave them unattended while running.
London Electricians
Throughout this piece, we’ve advised that you get in touch with a professional if you require advice or need work completing. London Electricians can provide that professional for you. We always put your requirements first, and customer service remains at the forefront of our minds. We also provide a number of other services, including an emergency electrical service and CCTV solutions.
For more information about our services, or to contact a member of our team about the electrical safety of your home, call us today on 020 8728 9179. Alternatively, you can fill out an online contact form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
