Electricity information

Many fires occur because of poorly maintained, old or worn electrical cables or flexes. It is important to review your electric wiring regularly to ensure that all is well.

• If your wiring is more than 10 years old then it should be checked for safety by a qualified electrician.
• Have your wiring checked every 5 years, over a period of time you may well be adding a number of appliances, it is important to check your wiring is capable of carrying the load.
• Never touch plugs, switches or electrical appliances with wet hands.
• When you buy electrical appliances, look for the BEAB seal of approval.
• Switch off and unplug electrical appliances before inspecting or cleaning them.
• Avoid using adaptors and never plug one adaptor into another.
• If you fit a plug yourself, make sure you wire it properly and always fit the right size fuse.
• Use short, undamaged flexes. Never join two pieces of flex together.
• Check plugs and flexes regularly. Look out for damage and loose connections and get any faults put right at once.
• If you have heaters, lights or other appliances that are controlled by a time switch, make sure they are always kept clear of curtains and furnishings.