Boost Your Home's Electrical Safety: 10 Easy Checks You Can Do Today! Leicester Electrician
A Litt • 7 July 2025
Homeowner Electrical Safety Checklist (Based on CPS Principles)
Disclaimer: This checklist covers visual checks only that a homeowner can safely perform. Never attempt repairs or investigations inside sockets, switches, consumer units (fuse boxes), or appliances unless you are a qualified electrician. If you find ANY issues, smell burning, see sparks, or experience shocks, contact a registered electrician immediately. Competent Person Schemes (like NAPIT in the UK) certify qualified professionals.
Monthly/Regular Checks:
Plugs & Cables:
- Check: Are plugs firmly pushed into sockets? Any plugs feel warm/hot? Any cables frayed, cut, trapped under furniture, or damaged (especially near plugs/appliances)? Are cables a trip hazard?
- Action: Unplug immediately if warm/damaged. Replace damaged cables/appliances. Reroute cables safely.
Sockets & Switches:
- Check: Any sockets or switches cracked, damaged, discoloured (brown/black marks), or feel warm/hot? Are socket outlets overloaded (too many adapters/extension leads)?
- Action: Stop using damaged/warm sockets/switches. Unplug and call an electrician. Reduce load on sockets.
Extension Leads & Multi-way Adaptors:
- Check: Are they overloaded? Check the rating label (max Watts/Amps). Are they coiled up tightly while in use (can cause overheating)? Any damage?
- Action: Unplug devices to reduce load. Fully uncoil leads before use. Replace damaged items.
Appliances:
- Check: Do any appliances spark, smell odd (burning/ozone), make unusual noises, or feel excessively hot? Check kettles/toasters for scale/lint build-up.
- Action: Unplug immediately and get appliance checked/repaired or replaced.
Portable Heaters & Electric Blankets:
- Check: Is anything flammable (curtains, furniture, laundry) too close to heaters? Are electric blankets folded or damaged? Follow manufacturer's instructions for use and storage.
- Action: Maintain clear space (1m+). Replace old/damaged blankets/heaters.
RCD (Residual Current Device) Test:
- Check: Locate the RCD(s) in your consumer unit (often have a 'T' or 'Test' button). Press the TEST button. The switch should flip to "OFF" immediately, cutting power to circuits it protects.
- Action: If it doesn't trip, this is urgent. Label it as faulty and call a registered electrician immediately. Reset by flipping the switch fully "OFF" then back "ON". Perform this test every 3 months.
Annual Checks:
Smoke Alarms:
- Check: Press the TEST button on every smoke alarm (and heat alarm if fitted in kitchen/garage). Do they sound loudly? Check expiry date (usually 10 years from manufacture). Vacuum gently to remove dust.
- Action: Replace batteries if needed (unless sealed unit). Replace expired alarms. Install alarms on every floor (hallways, landings) if missing.
Visual Consumer Unit (Fuse Box) Check:
- Check: (Look only - DO NOT TOUCH). Any signs of burning, scorch marks, melted plastic, or corrosion? Any unusual buzzing/humming?
- Action: If you see/smell/hear anything concerning, call a registered electrician immediately.
Outdoor & Garden:
- Check: Are outdoor sockets/switches/lights weatherproof (correct IP rating) and undamaged? Are garden power tools/extension leads specifically rated for outdoor use (orange cable)? Any cables damaged by weather/pests?
- Action: Replace damaged items. Use only outdoor-rated equipment. Store tools/cables dry.
Lighting:
- Check: Are bulbs the correct wattage for the fitting? Any loose bulbs? Any signs of overheating on fittings/lamp shades?
- Action: Replace with correct wattage bulb. Tighten bulbs carefully. Ensure shades allow heat dissipation.
Key Reminder: This checklist is NOT a substitute for professional inspection. Registered electricians perform crucial tests (like earth loop impedance, polarity) that cannot be done visually. Get a full Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) every 10 years (or as recommended for rental properties/commercial) by a CPS-registered electrician.
Electrical safety guide for Leicester & Leicestershire: Avoid fires, ensure compliance. Learn about vital EICR checks, PAT testing, RCDs . Stay safe!
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