What are the dangers?

If electrical items in your home are unsafe, you could be at risk of:

electric shocks - severe electric shocks can cause heart failure.
electrical burns - these can require major surgery and can be permanently damaging.
fire - every year, 12,500 fires are caused in UK homes by electrical faults.

You can also check for possible danger signs yourself. These include:

plugs or wall sockets which are overheating or are scorched or cracked.

There are several things you can do to minimise risks of electrical shocks or fires in your home. For example:

• Make sure cables from electrical appliances (including extension cables) don't run underneath carpets or rugs.
• Don't overload wall sockets. If you need to use an adaptor, use a multi-socket trailing adaptor, not a multi-way adaptor that plugs straight into the socket.
• If you need to use an extension cable, don't use a longer one than you need. Don't keep extension cables coiled, as they may overheat.
• Don't exceed the recommended bulb wattage for light fittings.
• Don't put too high a fuse in plugs
• Never use mains powered equipment in bathrooms or near water.
• Don't leave electrical appliances switched on or on stand by when you're not using them - this will save you money as well as improve safety.
• Electric blankets are a common cause of fires - the Trading Standards Institute recommends that you get them serviced every three years.
• Make sure that your home has smoke alarms fitted and that they are all in working order.
• Make sure you can access the the fuse box and meter easily. Keep a torch nearby, so you can see what you're doing if the lights go out.
• Don't touch or use any electrical items that you think are unsafe.
• Plan what to do in case of fire and be aware of all escape routes.
• Make sure that exit routes are always kept clear.

The NICEIC recommends that you should get your home inspected by an approved electrical contractor every ten years. In addition, landlords should get rental properties inspected before they are let out.

During the inspection, the electrical contractor will:

• check for potential electrical shock risks
• check for electrical fire hazards
• make sure your electrical circuits and equipment are not overloaded
• make sure all the wiring is safe
• test all electrical appliances.

If the inspection report highlights any urgent problems, you will need to get them fixed as soon as possible.