Homeowners 'risk electrical disaster' through complacency

Millions of homeowners are taking significant risks with their electrical appliances and circuits, according to the Electrical Safety Council (ESC).

Nearly half of house fires are caused by electricity in the UK, the survey revealed, which is no surprise given how complacent some homeowners are.

Respondents commonly repaired household items while they were still plugged in, while others reported knowingly using faulty plugs and sockets.

Seven in ten Brits are unaware that most electrical accidents in the home can be prevented by installing a residual current device, the poll showed, while many would ignore burning smells coming from an appliance or socket.

Complacency is not just a danger to homeowners own safety, but may also threaten that of guests or tradesmen who come into contact with devices.

In a worst case scenario, homeowners could find themselves on the end of an accident compensation claim.

ESC director-general Phil Buckle explained: "Even though we are using more electrical products than ever before, there is a worrying gap between the public's perception of electrical danger and the reality, with people making simple yet potentially fatal errors that can be easily prevented."

Published by Tessa Jones