What to check for

Danger signs

• Watch out for hot plugs and sockets, fuses that blow for no obvious reason, flickering lights, scorch marks on sockets or plugs. They're all signs of loose wiring or other problems.

Badly wired plugs

• If the coloured wires are sticking out of the plug, not only could they be pulled loose but water and debris could get inside the plug.

Fraying power leads

• The outer covering of a power lead must not be damaged.

Repaired power leads

• If the power lead does get split or frayed, don't tape over it. Water could get in, or the tape could come loose. And never join cables by taping them together.

Overloaded sockets

• If you plug too many appliances into an adaptor you could overload the socket, which can lead to overheating. See the plugs and cables page for details of correct use.

Cables in vulnerable positions

• Don't leave power leads where they can be tripped over, near a source of water, or close to the cooker top, especially if there are loose coils that could be pushed onto a ring.

Water near electrics

• Don't let cables or plugs get wet, and keep liquids away from electrical appliances. Don't put a vase on top of the TV, for example. Make sure the kettle isn't leaking, and don't fill it up when it's plugged in.

Toaster

• Keep the toaster clean and away from curtains.

Maintenance

• Electrical appliances - especially the ones that run at high speeds and contain motors, like the washing machine and tumble dryer - should be serviced once a year.