Electricity keeps our homes running, from lighting and heating to cooking and entertainment. But while it’s incredibly useful, it also comes with risks.
In fact, electrical faults are a leading cause of house fires across Australia—many of which are preventable with a bit of care and know-how.
Whether you’re a homeowner, a tenant, or a landlord, being aware of electrical safety is essential.
You don’t have to be an electrician to keep things safe either—just some basic habits and checks can make a world of difference.
Here are 10 practical electrical safety tips to help protect your home and everyone in it.
1. Don’t Overload Power Points
It’s tempting to plug everything into one socket, especially if you’ve got a lot of devices on the go.
“Overloading an electrical outlet by plugging in too many devices can cause it to overheat and potentially start a fire”, says Metropolitan Electrical.
If you’ve got multiple devices to power in one area, use a power board with overload protection, and avoid daisy-chaining multiple boards together.
Also, keep an eye on the wattage. Most double power points can handle up to 2400 watts in total—exceeding that can create dangerous heat levels behind the wall.
2. Check Cords and Plugs Regularly
Frayed, melted, or damaged cords are an accident waiting to happen. Power cables take a lot of wear and tear over time, especially for appliances that are regularly moved or used outdoors.
- Every few months, take a moment to check:
- Power tool cords in the garage
- Toaster and kettle cables in the kitchen
- Extension leads used in the garden
If you spot any exposed wires, melted insulation, or loose plugs—replace them immediately. And don’t patch things up with tape. It’s a temporary fix that isn’t safe long-term.
3. Keep Electrical Devices Away from Water
This might sound obvious, but it’s easy to forget when you’re multitasking in the kitchen or bathroom. Water is an excellent conductor of electricity, which makes it incredibly dangerous around powered appliances.
Here’s what to remember:
- Dry your hands before plugging anything in
- Don’t use hair dryers or straighteners near the sink
- Keep chargers and phones well away from bathtubs or basins
And if you live in a flood-prone area, make sure your electrical systems are installed above known flood levels.
4. Use the Right Bulb Wattage
Light fittings are designed to handle specific wattages, and exceeding that limit can lead to overheating or even a fire.
Always check the maximum wattage rating printed inside the fitting or on the packaging. If you’re ever unsure, it’s safer to go with a lower-wattage bulb.
And if you’ve recently upgraded to LED bulbs, don’t assume you can now use a higher wattage. LED fixtures can still overheat if pushed beyond their rating.
5. Install Safety Switches (RCDs)
Safety switches—also known as Residual Current Devices (RCDs)—are life-saving devices that cut power the moment they detect a fault.
They’re now mandatory in many parts of Australia for new homes and renovations, but if you live in an older property, you may not have them installed.
You should have an RCD protecting every circuit in your home—especially those powering wet areas like the bathroom or laundry. If in doubt, have an electrician inspect your switchboard.
Tip: Test your safety switches every 3 months. There’s usually a little “test” button to make sure they’re still working.
6. Don’t DIY Electrical Work
We all love a bit of DIY—especially in Australia, where it’s practically a national pastime. But when it comes to electricity, leave it to the professionals.
Even minor jobs like installing a new power point or swapping a light fitting require a licensed electrician. Not only is it safer, but it’s also the law.
DIY electrical work isn’t just risky—it can void your home insurance if something goes wrong. If you’re not qualified, don’t touch the wires.
7. Unplug Appliances When Not in Use
Not only does this save energy, but it also reduces the risk of fires or electric shocks.
Some appliances—like toasters, kettles, or phone chargers—draw a small amount of power even when switched off. And if a fault occurs while you’re not around, it can escalate quickly.
Make a habit of unplugging:
- Heaters and fans when you leave the room
- Chargers that aren’t in use
- Kitchen appliances after each use
It’s a small habit that offers big peace of mind.
8. Childproof Your Outlets
If you’ve got little ones at home, electrical sockets can be a serious hazard. Children are naturally curious, and a socket is just the right size for small fingers or objects.
To keep them safe:
- Use outlet plug covers on unused power points
- Rearrange furniture to block access to sockets in play areas
- Teach kids from an early age that sockets are not toys
There are also tamper-resistant power points available, which only allow power flow when both prongs of a plug are inserted simultaneously.
9. Be Cautious with Extension Leads
Extension cords are handy, but they’re not meant to be permanent solutions.
Avoid:
- Running them under rugs (they can overheat)
- Using them outdoors unless they’re weather-rated
- Plugging multiple extensions into each other
If you’re constantly using extension cords to get power where you need it, it might be time to consider having extra outlets installed.
10. Book a Professional Electrical Inspection
Even if everything seems fine, a licensed electrician can spot issues you wouldn’t notice—like outdated wiring, loose connections, or overloaded circuits.
It’s particularly important if:
- You’ve moved into an older home
- Your lights regularly flicker or dim
- You’re using a lot of high-draw appliances like air conditioners or heaters
A professional inspection gives you peace of mind and might even lower your insurance premium.
Stay Safe, Stay Switched On
Electrical safety doesn’t need to be complicated—but it does require a bit of attention.
By following these simple tips and knowing when to call in the experts, you’re doing your part to protect your home, your family, and your peace of mind.
Australia’s hot climate, storm-prone regions, and mix of old and new housing make electrical awareness even more important.
So next time you flip a switch or plug in a device, spare a moment to make sure it’s safe.
After all, when it comes to electricity, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
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