10 Electrical Safety Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

Electricity is so familiar that it's easy to forget how dangerous it can be. These 10 tips will help you keep your home safe — and help you know when to call the professionals.

1–5: Daily Safety Habits

• 1. Don't overload plug multipliers: Each plug point has a limit. Running too many high-draw appliances from a single multiplier causes overheating and fires. Use a multiplier with a built-in surge protector and breaker.
• 2. Replace damaged cords immediately: Frayed, kinked, or cracked cables are fire and shock hazards. Never use tape as a permanent repair — replace the cord or appliance.
• 3. Keep water away from electricity: Never use electrical appliances near water. Ensure all sockets in bathrooms and kitchens have earth leakage protection.
• 4. Switch off before unplugging: Always switch off an appliance at the wall socket before removing the plug — especially for high-draw items like kettles and irons.
• 5. Don't run cables under rugs or carpets: This traps heat and can cause insulation to degrade and catch fire.

6–10: Installation and Maintenance

• 6. Test your earth leakage breaker monthly: Press the "TEST" button on your ELCB. It should trip immediately. If it doesn't, call an electrician — it's not protecting you.
• 7. Know your DB board: Label all the circuits in your distribution board. In an emergency, you need to know which breaker to switch off quickly.
• 8. Never do DIY electrical work unless qualified: South African law requires all electrical work to be done by a registered electrician. Unauthorised work can void your insurance and your COC.
• 9. Check for signs of electrical problems: Flickering lights, warm outlets, burning smells, or frequently tripping breakers are warning signs. Don't ignore them.
• 10. Have a fire extinguisher and know where your main switch is: In a fire, switch off the main breaker before attempting to fight the fire with an appropriate extinguisher (Class C for electrical fires).

Child Safety

• Use socket covers in homes with young children
• Keep children away from DB boards
• Teach children never to poke objects into sockets or touch electrical appliances near water

When in Doubt — Call a Professional

Electrical systems degrade over time. If your home is more than 20 years old and hasn't had an electrical inspection, it's worth having a registered electrician check the installation. A small inspection fee could prevent a large insurance claim — or worse.