Why is my home at risk of electrical fire – Advice from Electriman, North London Electricians

Why Is My Home at Risk of Electrical Fire?

Electrical fires account for around 20,000 house fires per year in the UK, and the worrying part is that most start inside walls or behind accessories — completely out of sight. Understanding the risk factors in your own home is the first step to protecting your family.

The Most Common Causes

Old or deteriorating wiring — Homes wired before 1970 may still have rubber-insulated cables that have become brittle, cracked, and potentially arcing inside walls

Overloaded sockets and extension leads — Plugging too many appliances into one socket is a leading cause of fire, especially in kitchens and home offices

Loose or corroded connections — Inside sockets, switches, and the consumer unit, connections can work loose over time, creating heat and sparking

Outdated consumer units — Older fuse boards without RCDs (Residual Current Devices) offer very limited protection against faults

DIY electrical work — Incorrectly installed sockets, light fittings, or extended circuits increase risk significantly

Damaged or poorly rated cables — Extension leads used under rugs or with too high a load are a common hidden hazard

What You Can Check Safely Yourself

Look for scorch marks, discolouration, or melted plastic around plug sockets and switches

Notice whether lights flicker or circuit breakers trip regularly without obvious reason

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Electriman covers Mill Hill, Barnet, Finchley, Edgware, Enfield, Watford and surrounding areas. All work is Part P certified and fully insured.