Electrical Precautions Every Household Should Take

At ELS Electrical Services, we believe that a safe home is a happy home. As experienced electricians serving South East London, Kent, Essex and surrounding areas, we've seen firsthand the importance of proper electrical safety measures. In this blog post, we'll share some essential electrical precautions that every household should take to ensure the safety of their loved ones and property.

1. Regular Electrical Inspections

One of the most crucial steps in maintaining electrical safety is to have regular inspections. We recommend having a professional electrician conduct a thorough check of your home's electrical system every 5-10 years, or more frequently if you live in an older property. These inspections can identify potential hazards before they become serious problems.

2. Install and Maintain Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors are your first line of defense against electrical fires. Install them on every floor of your home, including inside and outside sleeping areas. Test your smoke detectors monthly and replace the batteries at least once a year.

3. RCD tests 

Functional tests on an RCD are important to make sure it works properly and trips when there's a fault, protecting against electric shocks or fires. Regular testing ensures safety. Homeowners can do this functional test by clicking the bottom on the RCD every 6 months. 

4. Keep Electrical Panels Accessible

Ensure that your main electrical panel is easily accessible and that everyone in the household knows its location. Keep the area around the panel clear of obstructions.

5. Be Cautious with Extension Leads

Extension leads are meant for temporary use. If you find yourself relying on them regularly, it might be time to install additional sockets. When using extension leads, make sure they're the right gauge for the appliance and never run them under carpets or through doorways.

6. Childproof Your Sockets

If you have young children, use socket covers or childproof sockets to prevent them from inserting objects into the sockets.

7. Watch for Warning Signs

Be alert for signs of electrical problems, such as:

• Flickering lights
• Warm or discoloured wall sockets or switches
• Buzzing sounds from sockets
• Frequent circuit breaker trips

If you notice any of these signs, contact a professional electrician immediately.

8. Keep Water Away from Electrical Devices

Never use electrical devices near water, and teach children about the dangers of mixing water and electricity.

9. Upgrade Your Fuseboard

If your home still has an old-style fuseboard, consider upgrading to a modern consumer unit with RCDs (Residual Current Devices) for enhanced safety.

10. Proper Outdoor Electrical Safety

For outdoor electrical use, ensure all equipment and sockets are weatherproof and designed for outdoor use. Always use outdoor-rated extension leads for exterior projects.

11. Educate Your Family

Make sure everyone in your household knows basic electrical safety rules and what to do in case of an electrical emergency.

At ELS Electrical Services, we're committed to helping households in South East London, Kent, Essex and surrounding areas stay safe. If you have any concerns about your home's electrical system or need a professional inspection, don't hesitate to contact us. Remember, when it comes to electricity, it's always better to be safe than sorry!

Stay safe!

-- Elise and the ELS Electrical Services team

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