Essential Guide to Electrical Safety at Home

Electricity is an essential part of our everyday lives. We rely on it constantly, from powering our homes and appliances to supporting our lifestyles. But without proper care and attention, electricity can also pose serious risks. Faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, damaged cords and incorrect DIY installations are among the leading causes of house fires and electric shock incidents across Australia. Whether you’re renovating, upgrading, or just doing a routine check around the house, this essential guide will walk you through the basics of electrical safety and what you can do to protect your home.

Why Electrical Safety at Home Matters

Electrical accidents are more common than many realise. In Australia, Electrical Regulatory Authorities Council (ERAC) data shows that electrical faults contribute significantly to home fire statistics, with many incidents occurring due to preventable issues such as overloading or improper appliance use.

Keeping your home electrically safe not only protects your family and property, but it also ensures your home meets compliance standards, supports insurance claims, and reduces the risk of injury or death.

Common Electrical Hazards to Watch For

Knowing what to look for is the first step to maintaining a safe electrical system. Many hazards around the home go unnoticed until it’s too late; so recognising and addressing them early can help prevent serious accidents, fires or damage. Here are some of the most common electrical risks found in Australian households, and why they matter:

Overloaded Power Boards and Extension Leads

Plugging too many devices into a single power board or daisy-chaining extension leads can easily exceed the circuit’s capacity. This may lead to overheating, electrical fires or damage to your home’s wiring. Always use power boards with built-in overload protection and avoid running multiple high-wattage appliances (such as heaters, kettles or microwaves) from the same socket.

Frayed or Damaged Cords and Plugs

Wear and tear on cables, especially near the plug or socket, can expose live wires, increasing the risk of electric shock or fire. Cords are particularly prone to damage if they’re crushed under furniture, stretched across doorways, or tangled in storage. Replace cables immediately if it feels warm to the touch or shows signs of fraying, cracking, or discolouration.

Appliances Operating Near Water Sources

Kitchens, bathrooms and laundries are high-risk areas due to the presence of water. Even small splashes can cause electrical faults, especially with older or non-waterproof appliances. Ensure all power points in wet areas are protected by a Residual Current Device (RCD), and avoid baths or basins when using hairdryers or heaters.

Unprotected Power Points in Homes with Children or Pets

Exposed or easily accessible sockets can pose serious danger to children and pets. A child inserting a metal object, such as a fork or toy, into a power point can suffer serious injury. Use safety covers, install child-proof sockets with built-in shutters, and keep cords routed securely and out of reach.

Old or Faulty Wiring

Homes built more than 30 years ago may contain wiring that doesn’t comply with current safety standards. Common issues include aluminium wiring, brittle insulation or the absence of proper earthing. Warning signs include flickering lights, regularly tripping circuit breakers, or a faint burning smell near switches or sockets. If you’re unsure about the age or condition of your home’s wiring, it’s wise to book a professional inspection.

Lack of Residual Current Devices (RCDs)

RCD’s, also known as safety switches, are life-saving devices that cut off the electricity supply within milliseconds if a fault is detected. They provide critical protection against electric shock and are now a legal requirement on all new circuits in Australian homes. Have a licensed electrician help you assess and update our system if your switchboard does not include RCD’s. Similarly, if they haven’t been tested for some time.

Room-by-Room Electrical Safety Tips

Bathroom

Water and electricity don’t mix, ever. Therefore, approach bathrooms with extreme cauton.

• Never use plug-in appliances near the bath or shower. Even a small splash can cause an electric shock, so always keep electrical devices well away from water.
  
• Install RCDs (safety switches) to cut off power in the event of a fault. RCDs provide fast protection by shutting off electricity within milliseconds if a fault is detected.
  
• Ensure all fittings (e.g. lights, exhaust fans) are moisture-rated. Only install electrical fixtures that are specifically rated for wet or damp conditions to avoid corrosion and failure.
  
• Keep electrical heaters well away from water sources. Heaters should be placed at a safe distance from sinks, showers and baths to prevent accidental contact.

Bedrooms & Living Areas

Even the most relaxed spaces need care when it comes to power usage.

• Don’t tuck cords under rugs or furniture, this can lead to overheating. Concealed cables can overheat, wear down over time and become a serious fire hazard.
  
• Avoid daisy-chaining multiple power boards. Linking power boards together can overload the circuit and increase the risk of fire.
  
• Replace cheap or non-compliant chargers with approved models. Uncertified chargers can overheat, damage devices or cause electrical fires.
  
• Keep flammable materials away from heaters and power points. Items like curtains, bedding and paper should always be kept clear of any electrical heat source.
  

Garages, Sheds and Outdoors

Outdoor and workshop areas often have makeshift setups, which increases risk.

• Use weatherproof, outdoor-rated sockets and switches. Outdoor electrical fittings must be designed to withstand moisture, dust and temperature changes.
  
• Check cords for wear after storage or exposure to the elements. Cables kept in sheds or garages may become brittle or damaged over time, especially in extreme temperatures.
  
• Never run extension leads through water or across driveways. Water can conduct electricity and pose a shock risk, while cars can crush and damage cables left on the ground.
  
• Have EV chargers installed by licensed electricians on dedicated circuits. Electric vehicle chargers draw high loads and must be installed safely and compliantly on their own circuit.
  

Signs of Electrical Problems You Shouldn’t Ignore

If you notice any of the following, it’s time to act immediately:

• Flickering or dimming lights: This may indicate loose wiring, a failing switch or an overloaded circuit.
  
• Hot outlets or switches: Overheating can be a sign of excessive current flow or poor connections behind the wall.
  
• Burning smells near appliances or sockets: A burning odour is a serious warning sign and often indicates melting insulation or wiring damage.
  
• Circuit breakers frequently tripping: Frequent trips suggest your system is overloaded or experiencing a short circuit.
  
• Buzzing sounds from switches or power points: Electrical buzzing usually means a connection is loose or arcing, which can lead to fire.
  
• Sparks when plugging in devices: Visible sparks point to poor contact, worn outlets or internal faults—all of which require urgent attention.

Top 10 Home Electrical Safety Tips You Need to Keep in Mind

These are the top pieces of advise we wish to share with every homeowner, for their peace of mind:

• Test your RCDs quarterly using the test button. Replace faulty units immediately. Regularly testing your RCDs ensures they’re functioning correctly and ready to shut off power in an emergency.
  
• Unplug unused appliances to reduce energy usage and eliminate shock risk. Appliances left plugged in can still draw power and may pose a fire or shock hazard if damaged.
  
• Inspect cords regularly for fraying, kinks or exposed wires. Damaged cords can lead to electric shock or fires and should be repaired or replaced straight away.
  
• Use extension cords temporarily — they’re not a substitute for proper wiring. Long-term use of extension leads increases the risk of overheating and is not compliant with safe electrical practice.
  
• Avoid using appliances with wet hands or near water. Moisture increases the risk of electric shock, so always ensure your hands are dry before touching switches or devices.
  
• Install smoke alarms and test them monthly. Working smoke alarms provide an early warning of electrical fires and are legally required in every home.
  
• Only use power boards with overload protection. Power boards with built-in safety features help prevent circuit overloading and reduce fire risk.
  
• Have a licensed electrician check your wiring every 5–10 years. Regular professional inspections help identify faults or ageing components before they become hazardous.
  
• Label your switchboard clearly to identify circuit breakers. Clearly marked breakers make it easier to isolate circuits quickly in an emergency or during maintenance.
  
• Never attempt DIY electrical work. It’s illegal in Australia and extremely dangerous. All electrical installations and repairs must be carried out by a licensed professional to ensure safety and compliance.

Electrical Safety for Kids and Pets

Children and pets are naturally curious, which can lead them into dangerous situations. Remember these tips for their safety:

• Use outlet covers or safety plugs in unused power points. These block access to sockets and prevent small fingers or objects from being inserted.
  
• Keep cords out of reach and securely fastened along walls or behind furniture. Securing cords minimises tripping hazards and stops pets from chewing through live cables.
  
• Teach children never to play with switches, plugs or chargers. Simple safety lessons can go a long way in helping kids avoid potentially dangerous situations.
  
• Unplug and store high-heat tools (e.g. straighteners) immediately after use. These appliances can remain hot long after they’ve been switched off and should be kept out of reach.
  
• Creating an electrically safe environment is key to preventing accidents. A few small precautions around the home can significantly reduce the risk of electrical incidents involving children or pets.

When to Call a Licensed Electrician

Not everything is a DIY job; and when it comes to electricity, most things aren’t. Here’s when to bring in the experts:

• Installing or moving power points and switches. Only a licensed electrician can safely install or relocate electrical outlets in accordance with building regulations.
  
• Upgrading your switchboard. Modern switchboards with RCDs offer better protection and are essential in homes with newer appliances or solar systems.
  
• Adding outdoor lighting or EV chargers. Outdoor electrical work must be weather-rated and compliant, especially for high-draw devices like electric vehicle chargers.
  
• Rewiring parts of your home. Whether it’s part of a renovation or a safety upgrade, rewiring must be carried out to Australian Standards.
  
• Experiencing repeated circuit breaker trips. Frequent tripping often signals a deeper electrical issue that needs expert investigation and repair.

Here at Tailored Power Solutions, we work closely with licensed electricians to deliver safe, code-compliant work that meets Australian Standards. We also offer complete electrical fit-outs and switchboard upgrades as part of our tailored property services. Our commitment to building safer homes and smarter systems is our driving force to offering end-to-end solutions tailored to your specific needs. We’re dedicated to keeping you and your home safe. Get in touch today to learn more or schedule an inspection.