Electrical Fires: A Bigger Risk Than You Think
Over half of all accidental domestic fires in the UK are caused by electricity — whether through faulty products, ageing wiring, or simple misuse. Many of these fires are entirely preventable. As electricians who work in London homes every day, we see the same hazards coming up again and again. Here are the seven most common ones and how to deal with them.
1. Overloaded Sockets and Extension Leads
This is the number one cause of electrical fires we see in London homes. Plugging too many high-draw appliances into a single socket or extension lead — kettles, heaters, irons — creates excessive heat that can melt plastic and ignite surrounding materials.
The fix: Never plug more than one high-current appliance into an extension lead. If you find yourself relying on extension leads permanently, that’s a sign you need additional sockets installed. If you use cable drum extension leads, always fully unwind them — a coiled cable generates significantly more heat.
2. Damaged or Frayed Cables
Cables that have been trapped under furniture, chewed by pets, or simply worn down over the years expose live conductors. This creates a serious risk of short circuits and arcing — both of which can start fires.
The fix: Check your appliance cables regularly. If you can see any exposed wire, discolouration, or the plug is loose on the cable, stop using the appliance immediately and either replace the cable or the appliance.
3. An Outdated Consumer Unit (Fuse Box)
If your London home still has a fuse box with rewirable fuses rather than a modern consumer unit with MCBs and RCDs, you’re missing out on critical safety protection. RCDs (Residual Current Devices) can detect faults and cut the power in milliseconds — literally fast enough to save your life.
The fix: Have your consumer unit upgraded to a modern unit with RCD protection. This is one of the single most effective electrical safety upgrades you can make to any property.
4. Charging Devices on Soft Surfaces
Charging your phone or laptop on a bed, sofa, or pillow traps the heat that batteries naturally generate during charging. Lithium-ion batteries can overheat and, in rare cases, experience thermal runaway — a rapid, uncontrollable increase in temperature.
The fix: Always charge devices on a hard, flat surface like a desk or countertop. Only charge when you’re awake and in the house, and use the correct charger that came with the device. If a battery swells, overheats, or smells unusual, stop using it immediately.
5. Running Appliances Overnight or Unattended
Tumble dryers and washing machines are among the most common causes of domestic electrical fires. Running them overnight or while you’re out means a small fault can escalate into a serious fire before anyone notices.
The fix: Only run these appliances when you’re at home and awake. Switch off and unplug appliances before going to bed (except those designed to stay on, such as fridges and freezers). It’s a small change that dramatically reduces your risk.
6. Old or Untested Wiring
If you live in an older London property — Victorian, Edwardian, or even 1960s-70s — there’s a chance your wiring hasn’t been tested or updated in decades. Degraded insulation, outdated cable types, and overloaded circuits can all pose hidden fire risks.
The fix: The recommendation is to have your home’s electrical installation tested by a registered electrician every 10 years (or every 5 years for rental properties). An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) will identify any issues and prioritise what needs fixing.
7. Counterfeit or Cheap Electrical Products
Cheap chargers, adapters, and extension leads bought from unverified online sellers often fail to meet UK safety standards. They may lack proper fusing, use substandard components, or have inadequate insulation.
The fix: Look for the UKCA or CE mark on electrical products. Buy from reputable retailers. Register your appliances with the manufacturer so you’ll be notified if a product recall is issued.
When Did You Last Have Your Electrics Checked?
If any of these hazards sound familiar — or if you simply can’t remember the last time your home’s electrics were inspected — it’s time to book an EICR. At F & A Electrical, we carry out thorough electrical safety inspections across all London boroughs, with clear reports and practical advice on any remedial work needed.
Call us on 07407 627 542 or get a free quote for an electrical safety inspection of your London home or rental property.
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Need help with your electrical project? Contact F & A Electrical for a free quote, or call us on 07500 721 453.