Electrical safety in the home

• 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 that are controlled by a timeswitch, make sure they are always kept clear of curtains and furnishings.
  
• Never hang anything over convector or fan heaters.
  
• If you have an electric blanket, make sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Do not use it when it's damp, or when it's folded or creased. Have your electric blanket checked regularly by the manufacturer.
  
• Use an RCD (residual current device) if working outside. Do not use electrical equipment outside if it's raining.
  
• Use a qualified electrician for any repairs.
  

For more information, please see our safety leaflets.