Spring Clean Your Home Safely: British Gas Shares Electrical Safety Checks For Households

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As households across the UK freshen up their homes for spring, British Gas is encouraging people to take a few simple steps to check their electrical appliances are safe and reduce the risk of faults around the home.

From moving appliances to reach hidden dust, to plugging in devices that may not have been used for months, a few quick checks during the spring clean can expose wear and tear or faults that might otherwise go unnoticed. 

Each year, British Gas supports millions of customers with electrical issues in the home, with everyday appliances and overloaded sockets among the most common causes of problems. 

Andy Kitson, Electrical Appliance Engineer at British Gas, said: “Spring cleaning is a great opportunity to freshen up your home, but it’s also the ideal time to check that your electrical appliances are safe and working as they should be.

 “Simple steps like checking for damaged cables, avoiding overloading sockets and unplugging appliances before cleaning can help prevent issues before they arise. If something doesn’t look right or doesn’t feel safe, it’s always best to stop using it and get it checked.” 

Andy has shared his top electrical safety tips for households this spring:

1. Check appliances before use: If you’re plugging in appliances that haven’t been used for a while, inspect them first. Look out for frayed wires, cracked casings, loose connections or damaged plugs, as these can increase the risk of electric shock or short circuits.
2. Avoid overloading sockets: Using multiple high-powered cleaning devices at once can put pressure on sockets and extension leads. Avoid daisy chaining extensions, as this can cause overheating and increase the risk of electrical fires. 
3. Unplug before cleaning or moving appliances: Before wiping down or pulling out appliances such as fridges, microwaves or kettles, switch them off at the wall and unplug them. This reduces the risk of electric shock and helps prevent accidental damage to cables.
4. Keep electrics away from water: When cleaning kitchens, bathrooms or windows, take extra care to keep plugs, sockets and appliances dry. Water and electricity is a dangerous combination and can lead to serious injury.
5. Watch for warning signs: Flickering lights, burning smells, buzzing sounds or regularly tripping circuits can all point to an underlying electrical issue. These should not be ignored, as they may indicate a developing fault.
6. Check cables during your clean: Moving furniture and appliances can expose hidden wear and tear. Make sure cables are not trapped, stretched or running under rugs where they could overheat or become damaged over time.
7. Switch off unused devices: As you declutter, unplug appliances you no longer use regularly. Devices left plugged in unnecessarily can still pose a risk they develop faults.
8. Consider ongoing protection: For added peace of mind, households may wish to consider options such as British Gas’ appliance cover to help manage the cost and disruption of unexpected electrical breakdowns.

For more information and advice on keeping your home running smoothly, visit: https://www.britishgas.co.uk/the-source/no-place-like-home/keep-your-home-running-smoothly.html