Electricity safety tips around the home.

Always hire a licensed electrician to carry out any repairs. You can find details of electrical contractors approved by the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC) in your area by contacting them here:

NICEIC
Vintage House
37 Albert Embankment
London
SE1 7UJ

www.niceic.org.uk

• Don't remove a plug from a power point by pulling on the cord; pull the plug instead.
• Use socket covers on sockets accessible to young children.
• Never plug adaptors into adaptors and avoid using adaptors filled with plugs where possible.
• Switch off electrical items that are not in regular use at the plug and ensure that when we are away from the house for any length of time that you unplug and switch off electrical items as items left plugged in can be a fire risk and waste energy if left on standby.
• Do not use any electrical items in the bathroom unless specifically designed for use there, eg. Shavers and electric toothbrushes. Even with these items however, take care not to get wet and avoid plugging and unplugging with wet hands.
• Do not use items with damaged cords so that the wires are exposed. Either repair or replace. Check items regularly.
• Do not use damaged sockets, replace with care when necessary.
• Always turn the electrics off at the mains if carrying out any electrical repairs and only attempt repairs if you know what you are doing.
• Ensure any electrical items are approved standard when purchasing and keep them correctly maintained where necessary. Look for the BEAB seal of approval.
• Do not use electrical equipment outside if it's raining.
• Use the correct wattage light bulb for all light fittings.
• Circuit breakers and fuses should be the correct size current rating for their circuit.