Top Electrical Safety Tips for Your Home

Electrical safety in the home is a crucial part of keeping your household protected. At JS Morris Electrical Ltd, we provide guidance like this to our customers across Solihull and surrounding areas to help raise awareness of common electrical hazards and how to avoid them.

Whether you’re a new homeowner or have lived in your house for decades, staying mindful of your electrical system can prevent accidents, fires and potentially serious injuries.
Below are our top five electrical safety tips to help you safeguard your property and your loved ones.
If in doubt, always contact a qualified local electrician for advice.

1. Regular Electrical Inspections & Maintenance

Routine inspection and maintenance are essential for keeping your electrical installation safe. Here’s what we recommend:

Book an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report)

Arrange for a qualified electrician – ideally an NICEIC Approved Contractor – to carry out an EICR. This report checks the condition of your wiring and highlights any faults, deterioration or outdated components that need attention.

Test Your RCDs (Residual Current Devices)

RCDs are life-saving devices designed to protect you from electric shock and reduce fire risk. Test them every six months by pressing the “TEST” button to ensure they are functioning correctly.

Check for Damage

Regularly inspect switches, sockets, light fittings and any visible wiring. Look out for:

• Cracked or broken faceplates
• Overheating sockets
• Loose switches
• Frayed or exposed wiring

If you notice anything suspicious, contact a professional immediately.

2. Avoid DIY Electrical Work

Please don’t “die for DIY”!
Some of the unsafe DIY wiring we encounter is genuinely shocking — and dangerous.

If you’re unsure, always call a registered electrician with great reviews (like us!). You can also search the Electrical Competent Person Register to find approved electricians in your area.

Electricity is not something to gamble with.

3. Avoid Overloading Electrical Outlets

Overloading outlets is one of the most common causes of electrical overheating and house fires. Stay safe by following these tips:

• Avoid plugging too many appliances into one socket or extension lead.
• Spread appliances across different outlets to balance the load.
• Never use extension leads as a permanent solution. If you need more sockets, ask an electrician to install them safely.

4. Keep Water Away from Electricity

Water and electricity should never mix. Reduce your risk of electric shock by following these precautions:

• Keep electrical appliances away from sinks, baths and wet surfaces.
• Don’t use electrical items near water sources such as showers, pools or garden ponds.
• Always ensure your hands are completely dry before touching switches or appliances.

5. Check Your Smoke Alarms Regularly

Smoke alarms save lives — but only when they work properly. Make sure you:

• Replace smoke alarms every 10 years
• Change batteries yearly (unless your unit has a sealed lithium battery)
• Hoover the dust out every six months
• Test the alarm monthly using the test button

A working smoke alarm gives you crucial time to escape in an emergency.

Stay Safe – Your Local NICEIC Approved Electrician in Solihull Is Here to Help

Electrical safety should always be a priority in the home. If you have any concerns about your system, or if you’d like to book an electrical inspection, we’re here to help.

Questions or concerns?

Contact JS Morris Electrical Ltd – your trusted, local NICEIC Approved Contractor in Solihull.