Feedback Form

Electrical and Gas Safety

Switch on to Kitemark

Electricity and gas is used throughout our homes - but appliances, plugs and cables that are old or poorly wired can be a real danger. The following information shows you what to check for to ensure your appliances don't put you at risk.

What to check for

There are particular danger signs you should look out for on all the electrical items you have around your home:

smoke alarm

hot plugs and sockets, fuses that blow frequently, flickering lights and scorch marks on sockets or plugs; these are all signs of loose wiring or other problems that should be fixed

smoke alarm

badly wired plugs - if you can see the coloured wires sticking out, they can come loose and debris can also get into the plug

smoke alarm

frayed power leads - the outer covering of all power leads should be in good condition and not damaged

smoke alarm

repaired power leads - split or frayed leads should not just be taped over as this is not a secure repair; they should be replaced

smoke alarm

overloaded sockets - too many electrical appliances plugged into one socket or adapter can overload it, which will lead to overheating

smoke alarm

badly positioned cables - they should not be anywhere they could be tripped over, or near to water, or close to cookers or other sources of heat; and don't run them under rugs or carpets where they can wear through without anyone noticing

smoke alarm

water near electrical items - cables and plugs should never be in danger of getting wet; so don't put a vase of flowers on the TV, for example


The risks associated with gas appliances in your home relate to carbon monoxide poisoning that may occur if:

  • your appliance was poorly installed
    •  
  • your appliance is not working properly
    •  
  • your appliance has not been checked for safety or maintained regularly
    •  
  • there is not enough fresh air in the room
    •  
  • your chimney or flue gets blocked up
    •  
  • you allow an engineer who is not on the Gas Safe Register to install or maintain your appliance(s).

    • The safety of gas appliances can be improved by ensuring that you:

  • Never cover an appliance or block the convection air vents
    •  
  • Never block or obstruct any fixed ventilation grilles, air bricks or outside flues
    •  
  • Never use a gas appliance if you think it is not working properly. Signs to look out for include yellow or orange flames (except for fuel-effect fires which display this colour flame), soot or stains around the appliance and pilot lights which frequently blow out

    • Keep electrical and gas items in good working order Follow these guidelines to keep your electrical items safe to use:

  • maintenance - electrical and gas appliances (especially ones that run at high speeds and contain motors, like the washing machine) should be serviced once a year by a qualified electrician or gas engineer
    •  
  • wire plugs carefully - the outer covering of the power lead should go inside the plug and be secured there; all the wires inside should be held firmly in place
    •  
  • use sockets safely - it's better to use a bar adaptor on a lead than a block adaptor; only use one adaptor per socket and don't plug an adaptor into an adaptor. Don't allow the total current used by the appliances plugged into the adaptor to add up to more than 13 amps all together
    •  
  • throw away damaged cables - if a lead has a crack or hole in it, stop using it; it's safer to replace, rather than repair
    •  
  • turn off and unplug - if you're not using electrical appliances, turn them off at the wall and unplug them (unless the appliance is designed to be left on, like a video player that displays the time)
    •  
  • use the right fuses in your plugs - they are designed to stop overheating; follow the guidance below to find the right one


    • Find a Kitemark
    Electrical
    Installer>>

    Kitemark Pledge
    Paperwork - A written estimate will be provided
    Tools - Vehicles & tools will be in good working order
    Surveying - Surveys conducted where necessary
    Staff Training - Technicians must be properly trained and currently competent
    Property Care - To avoid damage to furniture, floor coverings or decorations
    Building Regulations Compliance
    Material Quality - Checks to ensure all materials meet the required quality standards
    Inspection - Checks that the job is completed to the correct standard
    Complaints - Any issues handled quickly & effectively