Electrical Safety - Around the Home Safety Advice
Here are a few simple rules that will help you keep your home safe from fire. But even if you follow all of them, you should still fit a smoke alarm. Make sure it has the British Standard Kitemark 
Test it at least once a month and change the battery once a year.
Electrical appliances
At night, turn off and unplug all electrical appliances except those that are meant to be permanently switched on (like videos and fridges).
Always make sure the electrical appliance has the correct fuse. Use a 3amp fuse for equipment up to 720 watts, a 13amp fuse for equipment over 720 watts.
Avoid multi-way adaptors. Overloading an electric socket by using several adaptors can cause overheating and fire. One plug, one socket is best.
Don't run extension leads or cables under carpets. You won't be able to see any damage to them.
Wiring
Look out for warning signs of dangerous wiring, like:
- Hot plugs and sockets.
- Fuses that blow for no obvious reason.
- Lights that flicker.
- Brown scorch marks on sockets and plugs.
If you see any of these warning signs, ask a qualified electrician to check your wiring.
Before you go to bed
Many fires in the home start at night so think about your bedtime safety routine. A bedtime fire safety routine will help to keep the family safe.
- Switch off and unplug all electrical appliances not designed to stay on.
- Make sure no cigarettes or pipes are still burning.
- Never smoke in bed.
- Before emptying ashtrays make sure the contents are cold.
- Switch off portable heaters.
- Close the doors to all rooms.
- Your own escape plan
In addition to a bedtime fire safety routine
- A correctly installed and working smoke alarm can give early warning allowing you and your family those valuable extra minutes to make your escape.
- Make sure it conforms to BS 5446 and carries the Kitemark.
- Test the smoke alarm monthly.
- Change the battery annually.
