Electrical Safety

Each year, we respond to approximately 340 fires caused by electrical faults, including issues with wiring, cables, and plugs. Follow our advice to help minimise the risk of an electrical fire in your home. 

• Always turn off electrical appliances when not in use, especially before bed or leaving the house (apart from fridges and freezers designed to be left on). 
• Don’t overload sockets, keep to one plug per socket  
• Regularly check old cables and leads for damage and never run cables under carpets 

For more advice and safety information visit: www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk  

It’s important to know the signs of a potential electrical problem. Look out for scorch marks, flickering lights, hot plugs and sockets, loose wires. If in doubt get them checked by a qualified electrician. 

Fires caused by faulty appliances can be devastating, but many are preventable. By following a few simple safety tips, you can reduce the risk and help keep your home safe. 

• Register your appliances so manufacturers can contact you about safety recalls. 
• Never leave appliances like tumble dryers, dishwashers or washing machines running overnight or when you leave the house. 
• Clean filters regularly and check for signs of wear, scorch marks or loose wires. 

Register today at: www.registermyappliance.org.uk 

Electric blankets are a great way to keep warm during the winter months, but they can be a fire hazard. Follow our guide to be safe when using them. 

• Buy a blanket with a UK safety mark and replace it every 10 years 
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use and washing 
• Only leave it on overnight if it has a thermostat and is made for overnight use 
• Check regularly for damage or wear 
• Store it flat – folding or creasing can damage wires.  

Poor installation of solar panels can increase the risk of electrical faults, so make sure yours are installed by a certified and accredited professional. 

Regular maintenance by a qualified technician is essential to help keep your home safe and your system efficient. It’s also important to keep your panels free from leaves, dirt, and other debris, as build-up can affect performance and safety. If your panels are hard to access, use a professional cleaning service.

Allow space for airflow around solar panels and keep flammable items away.  Sudden drops in performance should be investigated by trained professionals.  Never attempt DIY repairs yourself, as systems can remain live even when switched off.