The following suggestion list is not exhaustive. These suggestions will reduce risk of danger but not necessarily imply that that a situation or course of action is safe. The information is given in good faith and no liability whatsoever can be accepted in any event. Ensuring that the safety of an installation meets regulation requirements can only be determined by suitably qualified and experienced personnel.

Have your installation regularly inspected and tested by an NICEIC approved contractor.

The importance of this cannot be overstressed. This is by far the most effective way of ensuring that risks are identified. 

See Testing & Inspection contact us

Ensure your installation is properly earthed

This is something that can only be determined by expert inspection and testing, however, if thick green and yellow cables cannot be seen in at least your meter cupboard, gas meter and  water stop cock, there is every possibility that your earthing is inadequate. Even with these cables visibly connected, your earthing system could still be sub-standard.

Use an RCD (Residual Current Device)

If an RCD (sometimes known as a 'power breaker' RCCB, RCBO or ELCB) is not fitted to at least your ground floor socket outlets then this should be considered. If in doubt, always use a plug in 'Power Breaker' adaptor whenever you are taking any electrical appliance outside. It is important that the test button is tried and operates before, and every time, the power breaker plug is used.

Appliances, Extension Leads & multi plug adaptors

If a 'double adaptor' or extension lead is in 'permanent' use then a new socket outlet is required.

Never overload adaptors or use more than one adaptor from a socket

Visually check for damage or wear to cables, plugs, cord grips and appliance casings for damage or contamination. Do not use if there is any evidence of damage.

Always fully extend extension leads from their storage reels

Never cover an extension lead or cable or position it  under a carpet

Check anything that gets warm that shouldn't.

If any of the inner coloured core wires are exposed anywhere along the length of the cable then do not use the appliance. 

Check that the correct size fuse is fitted in the plug. (Generally, brown 13A for heating appliances, black 5A for Computers, and other medium sized appliances,  and red 3A for table lights radios, clocks and other small appliances)

The plug should be replaced if:

Never cover an electric heater. Unlike a central heating radiator, the heat generated by an electric heater will build up and may cause a fire if it is not allowed to escape.

Never place a plugged in appliance in or over a sink containing water. (e.g. washing out a food mixer by running it in dishwater or filling a kettle whilst plugged in.)

Never use a hosepipe to clean garden power tools. (or use a jet washer to clean itself).

Ensure that doors cannot close causing damage to extension leads when using equipment outside.

Do not use appliances outside unless they are designed to do so.

Bayonet plugs that can be used in lamp holders are potentially dangerous and should never be used.

Rigid cable must never be used with a plug and flexible cable should not be used for wiring to sockets or switches that are fixed to a wall or other structure.

Bathrooms and Shower rooms

Never take any portable appliance into a bathroom unless it is operated by internal batteries only.

Electric shavers must only be used from a outlet specifically designed and marked for installation in a bathroom.

It is important that all fixed metalwork in a bathroom is electrically connected together (bonding).

There should be no wall switches or sockets in a bathroom (Certain exceptions apply. Check if in doubt with qualified electrician)

Fuse boards

Always switch off the fuse board before handling fuses.

Seek professional assistance if a fuse or trip switch operates repeatedly.

Never use an incorrect size or type of fuse.

Never attempt to 'mend' a cartridge (barrel) fuse.

It is very possible that a blown fuse will immediately blow again when replaced. This is often accompanied with a sudden loud 'bang' especially with re-wire fuses, causing the person who is bent double, in a confined space, using a torch (with failing batteries) to suffer injuries and palpitations when they 'jump' as a reaction to this bang.

Anything unduly warm, any burning or 'fishy' smells near a fuse board should be investigated without delay. 

General

Keep water and electricity apart.

If it doesn't look, feel, sound or smell safe it probably isn't.

All new installation work must be tested and certified  by the installer as being safe. Make sure you get this documentation.

Electricity and DIY

The presence of electrical cables and equipment must be observed when carrying out any decorating or DIY. The following are some of the causes of  incidents we have had to attend to following DIY.

Take professional advice before attempting electrical DIY unless you are confident and aware of any limitations. Unlike many other trades it is not usually possible to start again if all goes wrong (given that you have survived the mistakes!). It is a legal requirement that almost all significant electrical work be notified to the local council either directly or via an domestic installer scheme. Ensure that it is legal to carry out the electrical work before commencing.

Cables could be buried in wall plaster both vertically or horizontally from any switch or socket and within a 6 inch band where walls change direction or meet other walls, floors or ceilings. Do not drill, screw or nail in these areas.

Wall paper paste will often get into sockets and switches without warning. It is best to turn off the power and remove sockets and switches whilst papering.

Water from steam wallpaper strippers will get into sockets and switches. great care is needed.

Ensure that the wiring is sound before covering floors and walls with (expensive) flooring or tiles. This may have to be destroyed should an electrical fault develop.

For help with any of the above or other electrical related DIY click on