08:30 13-12-2025
Home electricity safety: 13 rules to prevent fires, shocks
Generated by DALL·E
Protect your home with electrical safety tips: avoid overloaded outlets, match bulb wattage, use grounding and RCDs, spot hazards, and prevent fires now.
Electricity at home feels routine until the smallest mistake turns it into a hazard. A few disciplined habits make all the difference — and they take less effort than dealing with the aftermath.
Do not overload outlets and power strips
Risk: plugging a kettle, microwave and multicooker into one adapter is asking the circuit to do more than it can.
Do it right:
- connect high‑power appliances to dedicated outlets;
- use a power strip with ample load capacity.
Do not push furniture tight against outlets
Risk: overheating and hidden softening of plastic components.
Do it right: leave a 5–7 cm gap for airflow.
Never twist wires together
Risk: oxidation, heat buildup, and fire.
Do it right:
- terminal blocks;
- factory clamps;
- soldering.
Match bulb wattage to the fixture
Risk: a 100 W bulb in a 60 W socket overheats the fixture body.
Do it right: use bulbs strictly within the stated rating.
Water heaters and washing machines — only with grounding
Risk: current leakage in a bathroom can be deadly.
Do it right:
- ensure proper grounding is present;
- install an RCD.
A warm or burnt‑smelling outlet is a warning
Risk: melting contacts.
Do it right:
- switch off the breaker;
- mark the circuit so it is not turned back on;
- call an electrician.
Do not charge your phone on the bed or under a pillow
Risk: overheating and fire.
Do it right: charge on a hard surface with ventilation.
Check string lights and power adapters
Risk: cheap models may lack overheating protection.
Do it right: choose certified products and inspect the cables.
Do not repair high‑power appliances yourself
Risk: capacitors can retain a charge and shock even when unplugged.
Do it right: leave repairs to a professional.
Keep batteries away from sun and heaters
Risk: lithium‑ion cells can swell and rupture.
Do it right: store them in a cool, dry place.
In a short circuit, go to the breaker first
Risk: panic and random actions only escalate the problem.
Do it right:
- switch off the breaker;
- make sure there is no smoke;
- then look for the fault.
Never plug into a loose outlet at an angle
Risk: arcing and melted contacts.
Do it right: replace the outlet.
The golden rule
If something gets hot, sparks, smells odd, or runs erratically — turn it off immediately. It is simply not worth the risk.