Electrical Safety

As a qualified electrician with decades of experience in the electrical industry and as an electrical tutor, I've seen my fair share of electrical hazards that could have been prevented. The question "Are my electrics safe?" isn't always as straightforward as it seems. While some electrical problems are glaringly obvious, many electrical hazards lurk behind walls, in breaker panels, and within seemingly normal electrical devices, waiting to cause electrical fires, electric shock, or worse.

Extension cord or Power Strip: Are They Safe to Use? Extension leads, also known as power strips or electrical extension cords, are pretty much the unsung heroes of modern life. Whether you’re plugging in your laptop, your phone, or your third coffee machine (no judgment), they give you extra outlets where and when you need them. But—and this is a big one—misuse of these handy devices can lead to some serious consequences, including electrical fire risks and electrical shock dangers. As a qualified electrician and electrical industry instructor, I’ve seen what can go wrong when extension cords are used improperly. We’re talking everything from minor singes to major house fires. So, in this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know to use extension cords safely—whether you’re at home, at work, or somewhere in between.

Bonding Earthing Grounding - Do my pipes need earthing? It is a common misconception that all pipework should be earthed. In many cases, metallic pipework WILL require a connection to earth in order to avoid a dangerous voltage appearing during an electrical fault but in some cases, pipework will NOT need to be connected to the earthing. Let me explain...

Sparking Outlet: Is it Dangerous? Why are there sparks? A sparking outlet can be dangerous under many circumstances. If the spark only occurs when you plug in a piece of equipment that begins to run immediately then the spark is likely to be caused by the electricity jumping the gap as the pins connect into the socket. If the sparking occurs under normal operation with or without equipment connected then there is definitely something to be worried about.

11 Signs you need to call an electrician immediately. Electrical Emergency? Here's what to do...

As a professional electrician and electrical lecturer, I have a great deal of experience with electrical systems and finding electrical faults. Issues with electrical outlets are more common in older homes as old wiring and outdated outlets tend to go hand in hand with older properties. If you are experiencing problems with your socket outlets then this could be an indication that they require replacing.

As a professional electrician, I've often encountered concerns from homeowners about electrical outlets sparking when plugging in devices. While a brief, small spark isn't always a cause for alarm, larger sparks and flashes can indicate a serious problem.

When an electrical circuit overload occurs, the amount of electrical current flowing in the circuit exceeds the safe limits intended by the designer of the circuit and manufacturer of the cabling and components within the circuit. Overload (depending upon frequency and magnitude) can cause a variety of damage to electrical wiring, systems, and components.

As a professional electrician, I've often encountered concerns from homeowners about electrical outlets sparking when plugging in devices. While a brief, small spark isn't always a cause for alarm, larger sparks and flashes can indicate a serious problem.

Are outdoor sockets safe? Yes, absolutely so long as they are installed according to the National Electrical Code (USA) or the Safety Requirements for Electrical Installations (UK). Any electrical equipment installed outdoors, including outdoor outlets, is perfectly safe so long as the local electrical requirements have been met by the installer. What does this mean? Let’s have a look.