5 Tips from a Professional Electrician

Electricity is in every modern home, powering our devices, lighting our rooms, and keeping us connected.

You may feel that completing DIY will save money compared to hiring a professional. But it can become dangerous, especially when it comes to electronics.

It's important to handle electrical systems with care to prevent accidents and ensure efficiency. We’ve asked seasoned electricians to gather five essential tips to help you maintain a safe and functional electrical setup in your home.

1. Regular Inspections

Your property’s electrics need regular inspections, just as a car needs regular servicing. But what’s the best way to do this?

The best way is to consult or hire a qualified electrician to complete checks at least every ten years (or sooner if you notice any signs of wear and tear). They should check:

• Wiring
• Sockets
• Switches
• Circuit breakers

Identifying any issues straight away can prevent costly repairs and safeguard you from electrical hazards.

2. Stop Overloading

Overloading can be an issue and turn into a dangerous risk. This can come from plugging too many devices into a single circuit, leading to overheating and potentially causing a fire. Be cautious of the electrical load on each circuit and distribute your appliances accordingly.

To stop overloading, you can also consider installing additional circuits in high-usage areas, such as kitchens and home offices, to ensure a stable power supply.

3. Invest in Surge Protection

Surge protection can protect your home and electronic devices and extend the lifespan of your electronics overall, so it’s wise to invest in surge protection. You can install surge protection equipment at the main electrical panel and at individual outlets.

While no surge protector can offer complete protection, installing these devices will significantly reduce the risk of damage and extend the lifespan of any electronics.

4. Update Your Wiring

A lot of properties in the UK have outdated wiring and electricals. If your property falls into this category, you must update your home with modern, safer alternatives.

Old wiring can be dangerous due to:

• Corrosion
• Insulation degradation
• Exposed wires
• Lower amperage

It’s best to consult a qualified electrician to assess the condition of your wiring and recommend appropriate upgrades to meet current safety standards.

5. Practise Electrical Safety

Safety needs to be a priority when working with electricity. Before doing any DIY electrical work, turn off the power. Also, if the repairs are beyond your expertise, hire a professional electrician instead of attempting them yourself, as you could injure yourself or damage your property.

Use protective equipment, such as goggles and insulated gloves, at all times to minimise any risk of injury.

Following these tips will help you stay safe and stop the risk of damaging your property when it comes to electrical jobs. If you have any questions or doubts, contact a professional electrician - don’t risk your safety or peace of mind.

If you'd like some more tips from the professionals, check out these guides too:

• Tips from a builder
• Tips from a plumber
• Tips from a painter and decorator
• Gardener tips
• Tips from a kitchen fitter