Faulty electrics in your home

Are you switched on about the current state of the electrical items and wiring in your home?

Paying attention is the greatest prevention so here’s what to look out for and how to report a fault.

Dodgy sockets, loose wires and odd sounding appliances may all seem harmless, but if unreported they can cause serious risk to you, your family and your home.

Reporting it early and getting it fixed can stop it from becoming a problem.

Faulty wiring or electrical items can cause fire damage, electric shocks, and damage to appliances. If you’ve spotted any of these in your home, please call us now on 03000 030 888.

It’s also important to make sure your appliances are working as they should be. Faulty appliances can be just as harmful as faulty wiring.

Here’s what to look out for and what you can do:

Faulty wiring

Spotting it

• Lights flickering
• Burning smell
• Tripping
• Discoloured or damaged outlets and switches
• Buzzing sounds
• Shocks

Take action:

• Turn off power
• Unplug appliances
• If you smell burning or see smoke, evacuate your home and call the emergency services

Report it:

• If you have any signs of faulty wiring in your home, report it as soon as possible so that we can get someone out to fix it.
• Do not attempt to fix the fault yourself as this could cause further damage or injury.

Faulty appliances

Spot it:

• Unusual noises
• Overheating or burning smells
• Turning on and off by themselves
• Frayed cords, exposed wires, or burn marks

Take action:

• Unplug the appliance immediately.
• Carefully look for obvious signs of wear or damage.
• Check the appliance’s user manual for troubleshooting tips and safety instructions.
• Check for recalls from the manufacturer to see if the electrical issue is common and the appliance needs to be sent back.

Replace or repair:

• If the appliance is new or the issue is minor, hire a professional to carry out the repair work for you. Attempting to repair something without the right knowledge could cause further damage or you could hurt yourself/ others.
• If the appliance is much older or severely damaged, it’s time to get rid of it and replace with a new version. Older appliances are more prone to faults and may not meet current safety standards.

Buying from trustworthy sources

Research it:

• Check online reviews and ratings for both brands and retailers.
• Get suggestions from friends, family, or professionals.

Check it:

• Make sure the appliance meets safety and efficiency standards by looking at the certificates it comes with.
• Understand what the warranty covers and how long it’s under warranty for. It could save you money if something goes wrong.

Compare it:

• Compare prices across different stores and online platforms but keep in mind that the cheapest option may not always be the best in terms of quality and how long it will last.

Purchase it from the right place:

• Buy from a trusted seller to make sure you receive a genuine product and that there is after-sales support available if you need it.
• If you buy a second-hand product, try to buy from a seller that you know.
• Businesses must ensure the product meets safety standards and is correctly labelled even when it’s a second-hand item.
• Private sellers in online auctions only need to accurately describe items and can refuse responsibility for their quality.

Please keep yourself and loved ones safe by being alert when it comes to electrics and report any repairs as soon as you spot them.