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- **Outdated consumer units** — Older fuse boards without RCDs (Residual Current Devices) offer very limited protection against faults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