Electrical Safety Tips Before Going on Holiday Whether you're heading away for a long weekend or enjoying a two-week summer holiday, there's plenty to think about before you leave. Packing, checking passports, arranging pet care… it's easy for electrical safety to be overlooked. Spending just a few minutes making your home electrically safe before you go can help reduce the risk of electrical faults, save energy and give you greater peace of mind while you're away. Here are our top electrical safety tips before locking the front door. Unplug Appliances You Won't Be Using Many appliances continue to use electricity even when they're switched off. This is often referred to as "standby power" or "phantom load". Before you leave, unplug items such as: TVs Games consoles Computer monitors Phone and tablet chargers Kitchen appliances like kettles and toasters Hair straighteners and styling tools Not only can this reduce unnecessary energy use, but it also protects your appliances from potential power surges. Leave Essential Appliances Running Of course, not everything should be switched off. If you're going away for a short period, it's perfectly normal to leave your fridge and freezer running. Turning these off could result in spoiled food and unpleasant surprises when you return. If you're planning to be away for several weeks, you may decide to empty and switch off your fridge or freezer instead. If you have security systems, Wi-Fi-connected cameras or smart home devices that you rely on while you're away, make sure these remain powered and are working correctly before you leave. Double Check Hair Styling Appliances One of the simplest but most important checks is making sure you've unplugged anything that generates heat. Take a moment to check that you've switched off and unplugged: Hair straighteners Curling wands Hair dryers Portable heaters Electric blankets Irons It sounds obvious, but these are among the most commonly forgotten appliances when people are rushing to leave the house. Turn Off Lights (But Not All of Them) Leaving every light switched off can make it obvious that nobody is home. Instead, consider using timer switches or smart lighting to turn lights on during the evening. Even having one or two lights come on for a few hours can make your property appear occupied. If you already have smart lighting installed, it's worth checking the schedules before you leave to make sure everything is set correctly. Check Outdoor Electrics Before heading off, take a quick walk around the outside of your property. Make sure: Outdoor sockets are closed properly. Garden lighting isn't damaged. Extension leads aren't left outside unnecessarily. Any electrical equipment has been unplugged and stored safely. If bad weather arrives while you're away, you'll have greater confidence that your outdoor electrics are protected. Test Your Smoke Alarms It only takes a few seconds to press the test button on your smoke alarms before you leave. If the batteries are running low, replace them before your trip. Working smoke alarms provide valuable protection whether you're at home or away. If your property has interconnected smoke and heat alarms, testing them regularly is still recommended to ensure everything is functioning correctly. Avoid Overloaded Extension Leads If you've got several appliances plugged into one extension lead, it's worth checking whether everything actually needs to remain connected while you're away. Unplug anything unnecessary and avoid leaving extension leads overloaded for long periods. If you regularly rely on extension leads because you don't have enough sockets, it may be worth speaking to an electrician about installing additional outlets in safer, more convenient locations. Consider Surge Protection Although power cuts are relatively uncommon, voltage spikes can happen during storms or electrical network faults. A surge protection device (SPD), fitted within your consumer unit, can help protect valuable electronics such as televisions, computers, smart home equipment and kitchen appliances from unexpected power surges. If your consumer unit doesn't already include surge protection, it's something worth discussing during your next electrical inspection. If You're Going Away for Longer... If you're leaving your property empty for several weeks, there are a few extra precautions you may wish to take. You could consider: Turning off the water supply. Asking a trusted neighbour to check the property. Using smart cameras or alarm systems. Setting lighting timers. Arranging for post to be collected. These simple steps can help protect your home while you're away and make it look lived in. When Was Your Last Electrical Inspection? If it's been many years since your electrics were checked, or you've recently noticed flickering lights, tripping circuits or damaged sockets, it's worth arranging an inspection before you travel. An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) can identify any issues that may require attention and give you confidence that your electrical installation is safe. It's always better to deal with a potential problem before you leave rather than discovering it after you return. Enjoy Your Holiday with Peace of Mind A few simple electrical checks can make all the difference before you head off on holiday. By unplugging unnecessary appliances, checking smoke alarms and making sure your home's electrical system is in good condition, you can relax knowing you've done everything possible to keep your property safe. If you'd like an electrical safety inspection before your next trip, or you have any concerns about your home's electrics, Lighthouse Electrical Contractors are here to help. We provide reliable domestic electrical services across Wokingham, Reading, Bracknell and the surrounding areas, helping homeowners keep their properties safe all year round.

Smoke Alarms : Protecting Your Home and Loved Ones Smoke alarms are one of the most important safety features in any home. They provide early warning of a fire, giving you and your family time to escape and potentially saving lives. Despite this, many homes have outdated, incorrectly installed, or non-functioning smoke alarms . Here’s everything you need to know about keeping your home safe. Why Smoke Alarms Are Essential Fires can spread rapidly, and smoke inhalation is a leading cause of injury and fatalities in domestic fires. A working smoke alarm: Alerts you early to danger Gives you precious minutes to evacuate safely Helps protect your property and valuables Types of Smoke Alarms There are two main types of smoke alarms for homes: 1. Ionisation Smoke Alarms React quickly to fast-burning, flaming fires Ideal for kitchens or living areas where rapid ignition is possible 2. Optical (Photoelectric) Smoke Alarms Better at detecting slow, smouldering fires Suitable for bedrooms, hallways, and communal areas Many experts recommend having both types for maximum protection. Where to Install Smoke Alarms To ensure your home is fully protected: Install one in every bedroom Place alarms in hallways outside sleeping areas Have at least one on each level of your home, including the basement Avoid installing smoke alarms directly in kitchens or bathrooms to reduce false alarms from cooking steam or condensation. Maintenance Tips Smoke alarms only work if they are maintained properly. Make sure to: Test alarms monthly Replace batteries at least once a year Replace the smoke alarm unit every 10 years or according to the manufacturer’s instructions Why Professional Installation Matters While some smoke alarms are easy to install, a professional electrician ensures: Alarms are fitted in the correct locations Units are connected to mains power with battery backup if needed All alarms meet UK fire safety regulations Lighthouse Electrical Contractors Can Help At Lighthouse Electrical Contractors , we provide professional smoke alarm installation, maintenance, and advice to keep your home and family safe. Whether you need new alarms, replacements, or an inspection, our team ensures your electrical safety is never compromised. Don’t wait for a fire to remind you. Get in touch today to check or upgrade your smoke alarms and keep your home safe.