Electrical problems in the home pose a serious threat to both safety and property with a total of 53.4% of all domestic fires being of electrical origin in England alone!  From a blown circuit breaker to a short-circuited cord, electricity can spark a fire, cause electrical shocks, or burn down an entire home. It is no surprise then that homeowners must take electrical safety seriously. The team at GM Services have put together the following six safety electrical tips that every homeowner must practise.

1. Install Appropriate RCDs

Residual current devices (RCDs) are a great way to help prevent serious electrical accidents in your home. An RCD monitors the current running through an electrical circuit and will turn off the power if an imbalance is detected. This simple device can help protect against shocks or electrocution in the event of an electrical fault.

2. Use Proper Extension Cords and Surge Protectors

A string of Christmas lights or a household vacuum cleaner needs an extension cord or surge protector to prevent overloads and electrical shock. Using the wrong type of extension cord for a particular appliance can damage equipment and even start a fire. Therefore, power cord ratings should be checked for length and wattage capacity to ensure the correct cord is being used. Surge protectors should also be used and checked regularly to make sure they are working properly.

3. Check Electrical Cords Regularly

It seems obvious but in our busy lives, we forget to check the simple things. Frayed and chewed-up cords are an accident waiting to happen. Electrical cords can fray, crack, and become damaged over time due to regular wear and tear, so it’s important to check cords regularly for signs of damage. If damage is found, replace the cord.

4. Don’t Overload Outlets

Outlet overloads can cause fires. This is especially true of multi-outlet strips or power bars, which can easily be overloaded and lead to electrical failure. If more outlets are needed, it’s best to call a qualified electrician and have them install additional outlets in the home safely and efficiently.

5. Don’t Overload Circuit Breakers

Circuit breakers are designed to protect the wiring from becoming overloaded and can shut off power to the entire home or a specific area of the home if the breaker overloads. To prevent overloading, homeowners should pay attention to the type of appliance they are plugging in and the wattage of the appliance. The wattage of an appliance should not exceed the rating of the circuit breaker.

6. Don’t Do It Yourself

For all major electrical repairs or installations, it’s best to call a qualified electrician. This will help ensure the work is done safely and is compliant. Moreover, working with electricity can be dangerous and even fatal, so it’s important to leave any major electrical work to the professionals.

Homeowners must take electrical safety seriously and practise the above-mentioned safety tips in order to keep their home and family safe. 

Practising electrical safety is the best way to reduce the risk of fire or injury from faulty wiring and electrical appliances along with regular inspections from a reputable professional. If you have any doubts about the electrical safety of your property or would just like an inspection to make sure everything is in order, contact the team here at GM Services. Our electrical engineers are the best in the business and your safety is their number one concern.