From appliances and lighting, to heating systems and entertainment devices, electricity is a fundamental element of modern life. Though it simplifies our lives, improper handling of it increases major hazards. Every homeowner should give electrical safety priority since threats caused by electrical circuit failure may cause fires, accidents, and even death.

As experienced professionals, NICEIC-certified electricians often come across common electrical issues that could have been avoided with proper precautions. From relatively small electrical chores to house renovations or just trying to increase safety, these basic electrical safety guidelines from a NICEIC-certified electrician can help you keep your house and family safe.

Never Overload Your Electrical Circuits

A typical but hazardous mistake that many homes make is plugging too many devices into an electrical outlet at once. Too many high-wattage devices plugged into one spot can cause it to get too hot, which raises the risk of an electrical fire.

How to prevent overload

  • Avoid using multiple extension leads from the same socket.
  • Check the wattage of your appliances and distribute them across different circuits.
  • If you often need more plug points, you might want to hire an electrician service to safely add more sockets.

Regularly Inspect Your Wiring for Signs of Damage

Electrical fires often happen because the wiring is broken or worn out. If you live in an old house, the wiring might not be able to keep up with today’s electricity needs. Wires that are cracked, broken, or sticking out are clear signs that they need to be fixed right away.

Warning signs of faulty wiring include

  • Frequent going off of circuit breakers.
  • Lights that flicker.
  • Burning smells coming from sockets or switches.
  • Discoloured or scorched outlets.

If you notice any of these signs, immediately call a qualified NICEIC electrician for an inspection and necessary repairs.

Install and Maintain RCDs (Residual Current Devices)

A Residual Current Device (RCD) is an important safety feature that protects you and your family from electric shocks and reduces the risk of fires. It automatically shuts off power if it detects an imbalance in the electrical current.

Why every home should have RCDs-

  • Protection against life-threatening electric shocks.
  • Prevention against electrical fires caused by faulty wiring or appliances.
  • In today’s world, electrical safety standards require them.

If your home doesn’t have RCD protection, consult a professional NICEIC-approved electrician to have them installed.

Keep Electrical Appliances and Cables Away from Water

Water and electricity are a deadly combination. Even a small amount of water near electrical devices can cause electrocution or severe damage to appliances.

How to stay safe-

  • Never use electrical devices with wet hands.
  • Keep kitchen and bathroom outlets away from water sources.
  • Use waterproof covers for outdoor sockets.
  • If an electrical appliance gets wet, unplug it immediately and have it inspected by a professional before use.

For safe installations in moisture-prone areas, always consult a certified electrician you can hire.

Use the Right Light Bulbs and Fixtures

Using the wrong type or wattage of light bulbs in a fixture can lead to overheating and increase fire risks. Always check the recommended wattage for your lamps and fixtures before you install new bulbs.

Additional lighting safety tips:

  • Always stay within the maximum wattage range shown on light fixtures.
  • Switch off and unplug lamps before changing bulbs.
  • Consider upgrading to energy-efficient LED bulbs, which produce less heat and reduce energy consumption.

For a complete home lighting upgrade, consult an experienced NICEIC-trained electrician near you.

Schedule Regular Electrical Inspections

One of the best ways to keep check of electrical safety in your home is to have routine inspections by a certified electrician in the locality of Harlow. Over time, electrical systems tend to break down. Regular checks help find possible problems before they get worse.

What an electrical inspection covers:

  • Checking for outdated wiring and overloaded circuits.
  • Inspecting fuse boxes and consumer units for faults.
  • Testing RCDs and circuit breakers for functionality.
  • Identifying potential fire risks.

If you’re unsure when your home last had an electrical safety check, contact a NICEIC electrician trusted to schedule an inspection.

Be Prepared for Electrical Emergencies

Electrical emergencies can happen at any time. Knowing how to respond quickly can prevent injuries and further damage.

What to do in an electrical emergency:

  • If someone receives an electric shock, do not touch them directly. Turn off the power at the mains and call emergency services.
  • For burning smells or sparks from an outlet, switch off the power and call a NICEIC electrician who works in Bishop’s Stortford or Harlow as soon as possible.
  • In case of a power outage, check your circuit breakers and get in touch with your energy company if the problem is widespread.

Having an emergency contact for a reliable electrician operating can be invaluable during unexpected electrical issues.

Do Not Procrastinate On Your Home’s Electrical Safety

Expert electrical services will keep your home and family safe. Don’t take chances with electrical risks. Our team of NICEIC-certified electricians are here to help, whether you need a safety check, new wiring or fixes right away.