5 simple electrical safety at home tips

1. One we bang on about a lot which is check your smoke alarms! Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years, batteries changed yearly, have the dust hoovered out every 6 months and the test button pressed every month! 
 

2. One not many people know about, don't use your pullcord or switch to turn your electric shower on or off before or after every use. This switch is for local isolation when carrying out maintenance work. Because the cables are quite big and the back box is usually quite small, when used daily the terminals become loose and eventually burn out which is a fire risk. I bet you don't turn your cooker off at the wall every time you use it do you?

3. Ensure you have RCD's installed in your fuseboard and make sure you're actually testing them! Installing RCD's will need to be done by a qualified and registered electrician and if your fuseboard is not up to date, it's recommended that it's replaced to bring it up to standard. An RCD is a safety device designed to protect you by disconnecting the electrical supply in the event of an electric shock. You can test it by pressing the button marked 'T'. If it doesn't trip, contact an electrician. 

4. Don't die for DIY. If you're unsure, always call a registered electrician with great reviews. You can find local registered electricians in your area using the Electrical Competent Person Register. 

5. Regularly carry out a visual inspection of the electrical accessories in your home. Among other things, check they're not cracked, loose from the wall, or are starting to burn out. They could become a fire risk or cause unwanted tripping issues.