Tips For Electrical DIY

Are you aware that half of all severe electrical shocks in UK homes are caused by DIY mistakes?

Close to 50% of men admit that they feel obligated to attempt to handle home maintenance and repairs themselves, or with the help of a friend, before reaching out to a professional.

However, our research found that almost 50% of all major electric shocks are from DIY, with the main mistakes being cutting into power cords, drilling into wires, and attempting to fix electrical devices while they're still on.

Also one-third of certified electricians we surveyed shared they've seen or been involved in sorting out and fixing blunders from DIYers that led to fires, severe electric shocks, or major repairs being required. In this blog post, we give you some quick tips to help you stay safe when doing electrical DIY.

Tips to help you stay safe

• Find wires in your wall. A typical DIY blunder is accidentally drilling, nailing, or screwing items into wires concealed in your walls. A reliable cable detector can assist you in identifying hidden wires before you begin work.
• Install an RCD (residual current device). An RCD could save your life by disconnecting the power if there's an electrical fault due to a DIY mistake. Ensure you have one installed in your fusebox (consumer unit), and when needed, utilise a plug-in RCD.
• Turn off the electricity. If you're performing any work around electrical wiring or power sources, turn off the electricity at your fusebox and use battery-operated tools when possible. Before starting any work, check that the power is off by plugging an appliance into sockets and testing the lights.
• Inspect power tools and be mindful of the cord. Prior to using any power tools, ensure the cord and plug are in good shape. If you notice any damage (like frayed wires), have the equipment fixed before using it. Always keep an eye on the power cord to prevent accidentally cutting or tripping over it.
• Seek guidance from a certified electrician. The most effective way to prevent electrical issues at home is to consult a professional. If you're uncertain in any way, it's better to not do any work yourself.