How to use electrical appliances safely in your home
July 15th, 2024
Do you know how to use your appliances safely? Have you ever experienced a problem with an appliance not working at home?
When appliances aren’t working properly, they can pose a danger to us and to our home as there is chance of them causing electrical fires. There are around 8,000 electrical fires in the UK per year*, so it’s important to do what you can do minimise the risk of this happening in your own home.
Here are some top tips for using electrical appliances safely in your home
Always unplug items from the wall using the plug rather than by pulling on the cable, as this can damage the flex.
Use extension leads rather than adaptors. Don’t plug one extension lead into another, and be mindful of how much you are plugging into each one. Check the extension lead for the maximum number of amps it can take.
When appliances aren’t being used, switch them off. Unplug all non-essential items when you go away. This saves energy and reduces the risk of fire.
Don’t use any electrical items in the bathroom, apart from those that are specifically designed to be used in there e.g. electric toothbrushes and shavers. Take care even so not to get these items wet. Do not use hairdryers in the bathroom, as this can be particularly dangerous.
Periodically check plugs, cords and cables to make sure that there are no visible signs of damage. If you see anything that doesn’t look right, don’t use the appliance.
Unplug appliances before you attempt to do anything like change a light bulb in a lamp, clean a hairdryer filter etc. Turn off the electrics at the mains before replacing a ceiling light bulb.
When buying a new electrical item, make sure you buy it from a reputable source. Inspect it before using it for the first time, and follow the instructions.
Don’t use any electrical appliance outside if it is raining.
If you are ever in doubt about whether an appliance is working properly, switch the appliance off and unplug it.
If you suspect a fault with your electricity supply, contact your local electrician and ask them to come out and take a look. Always look for an electrician who is Part P registered. If you aren’t qualified yourself, don’t be tempted to carry out your own electrical work. Leave this to the professionals!
We hope you have found these tips helpful! Please let us know if there are any other topics you would like covered in future blog posts. Your feedback is greatly valued!
*Source: Fire Seals Direct
For further reading on appliance safety, check out Electrical Safety First
