Useful Electrical Safety Information for Homeowners

 How often should alarms be tested?

• Test smoke and heat alarms once a month
• Test after replacing batteries
• Test after returning from holidays or extended periods away

Battery replacement

• Replace standard batteries once a year
• Sealed-for-life alarms do not require battery changes but still need regular testing

Alarm lifespan

• Smoke and heat alarms should be replaced every 10 years
• Check the manufacture date on the alarm casing

 RCDs are safety devices designed to disconnect the power quickly if a fault is detected.

How often should RCDs be tested?

• Test RCDs every 3 months
• Press the TEST button on the device
• The power should switch off immediately
• Reset the device after testing

If the RCD does not trip

• Stop using the affected circuits
• Arrange for an electrician to inspect the installation

 An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) assesses the safety of your home’s electrical installation.

Recommended inspection intervals

• Owner-occupied homes: every 10 years
• Rental properties: every 5 years or at change of tenancy
• Older properties: may require more frequent inspection

You should consider an inspection if you notice

• Frequent tripping of breakers
• Burning smells or signs of overheating
• Flickering or dimming lights
• Damaged sockets or switches

 Overloading sockets is a common cause of electrical faults and fire risk.

Good practice

• Avoid plugging extension leads into other extension leads
• Do not use extension leads for high-power appliances such as heaters or tumble dryers
• Ensure plugs and sockets are not warm to the touch

If additional sockets are needed, a permanent solution is safer than relying on extensions 

 Bathrooms

• Electrical installations must comply with strict safety zones
• Only suitable fittings may be installed in certain areas
• Electrical work in bathrooms should always be carried out by a qualified electrician

Outdoor electrics

• Outdoor sockets and lighting must be weather-rated
• RCD protection is essential
• Cables should be properly installed and protected

 Following building work or renovations, it is sensible to have the electrics checked, particularly after:

• Kitchen or bathroom refurbishments
• Structural alterations
• Discovery of unused or unidentified wiring

This helps ensure the installation remains safe and compliant.