Electrical safety in your council home

There are some simple things you can do to keep you and your home safe:

• do not plug too many things into one electrical socket - this can overload it
• do not charge anything overnight or when you’re out
• turn off appliances when you’re not using them
• do not use electrical appliances that were made to be used in other countries - they might work at a different voltage so they could overheat 
• always buy items with lithium batteries - like mobile phones and electric scooters -  from a recognised supplier, and don’t leave them on constant charge or in direct sunlight - find out more about lithium battery safety
• do not use cables that are worn or damaged or charge broken appliances
• do not let electrical leads go over hot areas, like hobs - hook it, don't cook it
• do not use water to put out an electrical fire
• check anything electrical you buy has a CE mark - this shows it meets European safety standards
• do not try and fix damaged electrical wiring or appliances yourself
• do not take mains-powered electrical items into the bathroom
• do not touch electrical appliances or switches with wet hands
• do not plug adaptors into other adaptors
• do not store personal items in electricity meter cupboard
• clean the filter in your tumble dryer regularly

If you buy any second-hand electrical appliances make sure that a qualified electrician has checked that it's safe.

You can check appliances online to see if there have been any safety warnings for them. You can also register new appliances you buy so that if there’s ever a problem with them, you'll automatically be sent an update on what to do.

Find out more about electrical safety

To have an electric vehicle charging point installed at your property, you need to:

• confirm that the work will be completed by a qualified electrician
• confirm that any upgrades or changes made to the current electrics meet the current electrical regulations
• give evidence that your power supply company has approved a charging point

You need to send us all appropriate electrical certification for any changes within 14 days of the work being completed.

Find out more about electric vehicles and charging points

Our contractor will carry out tests on the electrical wiring within your home every five years. This is called an Electrical Installation Condition Report. If any upgrades or fixes are needed, they will be done by a qualified electrician. 

Contractors will also carry out tests in shared areas, for example, emergency lighting, PAT testing of appliances, lightning conductor tests for buildings that need it, and checks of automatic doors. 

We hold reports for the checks and make sure they are completed correctly under current safety standards and regulations.

If you don't have your wiring checked

It's very important you allow access to your home for our contractors to carry out the checks needed. 

If they cannot access your property three times, we might pass your case to our Legal team who will arrange a court order to get access.