Our homes are filled with electrics – from the practical stuff to our favourite gadgets.
And because they’re a part of everyday life, it can be easy to forget they can carry real risk if you’re not careful with them.
Our guide gives you all the tips you need on using and storing your electrics safely at home.
The most common electrical dangers in the home
There are a few key things in your home that can be dangerous.
Overloaded extension cords
With all the electrical devices we use now, it’s easy to find your extension cords full to the brim with plugs and cords.
You might even have extension cords plugged into extension cords – which is very dangerous!
But having your extension cord at full capacity all the time can be dangerous. It means it’s more likely to overheat and can damage the plastic insulation over time.
Exposed wires
Exposed wires are dangerous for a number of reasons.
Firstly, if they come into contact with water, they can start a fire. They can also be very dangerous to people and pets, as they can cause electrical shocks if touched.
If any of your cables at home have exposed wires, you should either get rid of them or use electrical tape to wrap up the exposed section.
Unsafe chargers
It’s tempting to buy off-brand phone and laptop chargers to save a little money, but it does come with risk.
Cheap or counterfeit chargers can be made poorly, meaning the electrics aren’t wired properly – and faulty wiring is more prone to causing fires.
Water exposure
We all know water and electricity don’t get along. Contact between the two can cause sparks, short circuits and even fires.
Small things like plugging in a toaster next to a sink or having a hairdryer plugged in next to the bath can be very dangerous. Keep an eye on this to stay safe!
Faulty appliances
Faulty wiring in devices can spell trouble, whether that’s your toaster or hair straightener. Sometimes even appliances from trusted brands can have wiring issues.
It can trigger electrical shocks and fire so if something feels off, stop using it ASAP.
How to keep electrics safe in your home
To avoid electrical dangers in your home, try some of our tips below.
Keep water and electrics separate
This isn’t just about keeping electrics out of the bathroom. Water and electricity can actually mix in unexpected ways, especially in the kitchen.
Try to keep electrics away from the sink. If you’re installing new sockets, make sure they’re away from any water sources.
Keep pets and children away from cables
We all know pets love to chew things, and children love to play with what they shouldn’t. This is normal but can be really dangerous if that something is electric.
Try to keep pets and young children out of rooms where there are a lot of wires, like your home office.
You can also use cable protectors. These cover your cables in a protective layer so they can’t be played with by curious hands (or paws!).
Turn things off at the wall
If you’re not going to be using an appliance for a while (for example, overnight), turn it off at the wall socket.
This stops any electrical issues from affecting your appliance while you’re asleep or out of the house.
Be careful with electric blankets
They might be a lifesaver in the colder months, but electric blankets can cause fires – so it’s super important you use them safely.
At night, use your electric blanket to heat up your bed before you get in. This is the safest way to use it, rather than leaving it on all night.
If you do need to use the blanket while you sleep, set your electric blanket on a timer so it turns off after a few hours.
Signs of electrical hazards
You should look out for:
- damaged cables
- a burning or fish-like smell, including burning plastic
- flickering lights if it’s a lamp or similar
- a fizzing or crackling sound
- excess heat or smoke coming from the device or cable
What to do with electrical hazards
If you’ve noticed an electrical hazard in your home, follow these steps:
- Turn the electric off from your home’s fuse box instead of touching the device or power outlet yourself.
- Once the electricity is turned off, carefully unplug it.
- Put the device somewhere away from pets and children. Make sure you don’t use it again.
If the device is fairly new, you can take it back to where you bought it. But if it’s older or doesn’t have a warranty, it’s best to throw it away.
Lots of rubbish sites have specific bins for electrical items, so take your appliance there to get rid of it safely.
What to do if water spills on an electric device
If you spill any water near electrics, make sure you wipe it up straight away.
Or if you spill any water directly onto plugs or sockets, turn the appliance off and unplug it.
Let the plug or socket dry in the open for at least a day before you use it again.
What to do in an electrical fire
If an electrical fire’s broken out in your home, follow these steps:
- Call 999 straight away and ask for the fire service.
- If you can safely get to your fuse box, turn all the electricity off in your home.
- Never use water to put the fire out – water often makes an electrical fire worse.
- Use a fire extinguisher to put the flames out – you can also put baking soda on the fire if it's small.
If you can’t put the fire out, get everyone out of your home and wait for the fire services to arrive. Close the door of the room that the fire’s in to contain it.
We’ve got a useful guide on what to do after a house fire if you want some more useful tips.
Can I claim on electrical fire damage?
You should be able to make a claim on your home insurance if an electrical fire causes damage.
- Contents insurance covers your belongings against fire damage. This includes things like furniture, clothing and tech.
- Buildings insurance covers damage to the home itself, like windows, doors and floors.
If you've got combined cover (usually known just as home insurance), you're covered for both.
Don’t forget that limits and exclusions always apply with your insurance, so check your policy book to see what you’re covered for.
We’ve got a handy home insurance claims guide if you want some more info on how it all works.
