Do you have some big plans for your home this year? Perhaps you’re ready for a full home makeover? Or maybe you just want to replace a few old appliances here and there. Either way, it can be quite a stressful task to undertake.

From sorting out new wiring to locating building plans, home renovation isn’t for the faint-hearted, regardless of whether you decide to go down the DIY route, or choose to bring in a registered electrician.

Here are a few electrical safety tips when giving your home a makeover:

1. It can be easy to forget to factor in rewiring plans while renovating as most of the system is concealed behind walls. We advise you to work with a competent, experienced registered electrician to update any home wiring, and to avoid going down the DIY route for this task.
2. If your home is dated, you may come across the issue of there being too few outlets around the house. If you plan on adding new rooms to your house or adding more appliances to existing rooms, make sure to get your electrician to install additional outlets to ensure that you won’t end up relying on using extension cords.
3. If you have bought new appliances or electrical goods for your home makeover, make sure you register them so that you will be the first to know of any product recalls or safety updates. 
4. Carefully plan out the layout of your appliances with the aim in mind to not overload any sockets. Make sure you are aware of the limits of your power outlets are, and stay within them.
5. Ensure your home is fitted with an RCD before undertaking any renovation work. 

1. Don’t undertake any DIY electrical work without researching thoroughly if it’s an installation that is permitted for homeowners to undertake. Certain complex electrical work has to be done by or signed off by a registered electrician – failure to do so could invalidate insurance or leave you unable to sell your property (part P). 

 

If you are unsure about an installation, need advice or assistance please contact PC Electricals. We also have more electrical safety tips on our website www.pcelectricals-dorset.co.uk Facebook or Twitter pages.