When you’ve got little ones at home, safety becomes the number one priority. While baby gates and cupboard locks are often the first steps, many parents forget how important it is to childproof the electrical system . At Lighthouse Electrical Contractors, we’ve worked with families across Berkshire to make their homes electrically safe and secure for children. Here’s how to protect curious hands and prevent accidents around your home’s electrics. 1. Use Socket Covers With Caution Plug socket covers were once a go-to for babyproofing, but not all are as safe as they seem. In fact, poorly designed covers can sometimes make a socket more dangerous if they break or encourage children to tamper with them. Modern UK sockets are designed with inbuilt safety shutters, so the best advice is to use covers only if necessary and always choose child-safe, approved designs . Better yet, install tamper-resistant sockets for added peace of mind. 2. Tidy Away Cables Dangling wires and plugged-in chargers are tempting for toddlers. Not only can they pull appliances down on themselves, but damaged cables are also a shock risk. To reduce hazards: Use cord shorteners or cable tidies Keep extension leads out of reach Unplug devices when not in use We can also install extra sockets in areas where you're over-relying on extension leads – a safer and neater long-term solution. 3. Secure Appliances Ensure large appliances like TVs, lamps and floor-standing fans are stable and secure , with cables tucked out of reach. For wall-mounted TVs or kitchen appliances, make sure they’re properly installed and the wiring is concealed. If you're unsure about how safe your current setup is, we can check and advise on any necessary upgrades or adjustments. 4. Install RCD Protection One of the most effective safety measures in any home – especially with children – is to ensure your consumer unit has RCD (Residual Current Device) protection . RCDs quickly cut off power if they detect a fault or shock risk, greatly reducing the chance of serious injury. If your fuse box is old or doesn’t include RCDs, we highly recommend upgrading. 5. Be Aware of Bathroom Risks Electricity and water are a dangerous combination. Make sure: Bathroom sockets are properly installed and at a safe distance from any water source Hairdryers or electric toothbrushes are never left plugged in near a sink or bath All lighting and fans are correctly IP rated for bathroom use Need Expert Advice? At Lighthouse Electrical Contractors, we’re here to help you keep your family safe. From socket upgrades to RCD protection and professional advice, we offer tailored childproofing solutions for homes across Berkshire. Get in touch today to arrange a safety check or speak to one of our qualified electricians.

Buying a new home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make. While most buyers focus on kitchens, bathrooms and overall layout, it’s just as important to check the condition of the electrics . Hidden faults can lead to unexpected costs, safety issues and major inconvenience after you move in. At Lighthouse Electrical Contractors , we regularly help homebuyers across Berkshire assess the safety of a property’s electrical system. Here’s what you should check before signing on the dotted line. 1. How Old Is the Consumer Unit? The consumer unit (also known as the fuse box) is a key indicator of the overall condition of a property’s electrics. A modern unit should have RCD protection , labelled circuits, and comply with the latest regulations. If the unit looks outdated – for example, it has rewireable fuses or lacks RCDs – this could mean the system is 20+ years old and may need upgrading for safety and compliance. 2. When Was the Last Electrical Inspection? Ask the seller for a recent Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) . This is a professional assessment of the entire electrical system, highlighting any damage, wear or non-compliance. If there isn’t a recent EICR available, you may want to have one carried out before exchanging contracts – especially in older properties. We offer pre-purchase electrical inspections for peace of mind. 3. Check for Visible Issues During your viewing, keep an eye out for signs that the electrics might need attention: Loose or cracked sockets and switches Old-fashioned light switches or fittings Extension leads being used in place of proper outlets Flickering lights or buzzing sounds from switches While these issues may seem minor, they can point to bigger problems beneath the surface. 4. Think About Modern Living Needs Older homes may not have enough sockets, circuits or capacity for modern life – especially if you’re planning to work from home, install a heat pump, or charge an electric car. You may also want to upgrade to smart lighting or energy-efficient solutions. Knowing in advance whether the system can cope with future upgrades helps you plan and budget accordingly. Book a Pre-Purchase Electrical Check At Lighthouse Electrical Contractors, we offer friendly, professional advice and thorough electrical checks for homebuyers across Berkshire. Whether you're unsure about the condition of the wiring or want a second opinion on the fuse box, we can help you make an informed decision. Get in touch today to book a homebuyer electrical survey or to speak to a member of our expert team.