5 Electrical Safety Mistakes Homeowners Make (And How to Avoid Them)

Apr 30, 2025

Electricity keeps our homes running, but if it’s not handled properly, it can cause serious hazards, including fires, electric shocks, and costly damage. The problem? Many homeowners unknowingly make common electrical safety mistakes without realising the risks.

At LBA Electrical Services, we’ve seen it all! Here are five of the most common electrical safety mistakes and how to avoid them to keep your home safe.

1. Overloading Plug Sockets & Extension Leads 🔥

It’s tempting to plug multiple devices into an extension lead, but too many appliances on one socket can cause overheating and fire risks.

⚠️ Common signs of overload:

❌ The plug or extension lead feels warm to the touch
❌ The fuse in the plug keeps blowing
❌ Lights flicker when multiple appliances are running

💡 How to fix it:

✅ Avoid plugging high-power appliances (like kettles, heaters, and washing machines) into extension leads
✅ Use a surge-protected extension lead if extra sockets are needed
✅ If you’re constantly relying on extensions, consider installing additional wall sockets

🚨 Did you know? Overloaded sockets cause thousands of house fires in the UK every year!

2. DIY Electrical Work Without Proper Knowledge 🛠️

With so many “how-to” guides online, many homeowners attempt DIY electrical work without understanding the dangers. A simple mistake could lead to electric shocks, faulty wiring, or even fires.

⚡ Common DIY electrical mistakes:

Incorrect wiring connections – Can cause sparks or short circuits
Using the wrong fuse rating – Could allow dangerous power surges
Improperly installed lighting fixtures – May lead to exposed live wires

💡 How to fix it:

✅ Never attempt complex electrical work yourself—always hire a qualified electrician
✅ Only carry out simple tasks (like changing a lightbulb or replacing a fuse)
✅ If you’re unsure, get an electrical inspection to ensure your system is safe

🚨 Important: In the UK, electrical work must comply with Part P of the Building Regulations. If you DIY your electrics incorrectly, you could face fines or even issues selling your home!

3. Ignoring Warning Signs of Electrical Problems ⚠️

Electrical systems don’t fail overnight—they often show warning signs before problems become serious. Ignoring these signs could lead to electrical fires or appliance damage.

🔍 Signs that something is wrong:

❌ Burning smell near sockets or switches
❌ Frequent tripping of circuit breakers
❌ Buzzing or crackling sounds from outlets
❌ Discoloured or scorched plug sockets

💡 How to fix it:

✅ If you notice burning smells or overheating sockets, turn off the power immediately and call an electrician
✅ Schedule an electrical inspection if your home’s wiring is more than 25 years old
✅ Don’t ignore flickering lights—they could indicate a serious wiring issue

4. Using the Wrong Light Bulbs 💡

It might seem like a small mistake, but using the wrong wattage bulb in a light fixture can cause overheating, damage, and even fires.

⚠️ Common mistakes:

❌ Using a higher-wattage bulb than the fixture is rated for
❌ Using non-LED bulbs that consume too much power
❌ Installing cheap, unregulated bulbs that don’t meet safety standards

💡 How to fix it:

✅ Always check the maximum wattage rating of your light fixture
✅ Switch to LED bulbs—they use up to 80% less electricity and last much longer
✅ Buy bulbs from reliable manufacturers to ensure quality and safety

🚨 Did you know? A bulb with too high a wattage can overheat, damaging wiring and melting the light fixture!

5. Not Upgrading an Old Fuse Board ⚡

If your home still has an old fuse board with rewireable fuses, it might not provide enough protection against modern electrical demands.

🔌 Why old fuse boards are a problem:

❌ No RCD protection – RCDs (Residual Current Devices) shut off power instantly if a fault is detected, reducing the risk of electric shocks
❌ Can’t handle modern power loads, leading to frequent tripping
❌ Higher fire risk due to outdated wiring

💡 How to fix it:

✅ Upgrade to a modern consumer unit with RCD protection
✅ Ensure your electrical panel meets current UK safety standards
✅ Book an electrical safety inspection if your fuse board is more than 20-30 years old

🚨 Warning: If your home was built before the 1990s and has never had an electrical upgrade, your fuse board is likely outdated and unsafe!