A CUSTOMER IN LONDON, KENSINGTON W8 ASKS: “WHAT ELECTRICAL PRECAUTIONS SHOULD I TAKE WHILE AWAY FROM HOME”?

One of our customers in London, Kensington W8, has asked for advice on electrical safety in their home while they are away. Many people in this affluent suburb of London move between two or three homes during the year, and often live abroad over the winter leaving their property in Kensington W8 unoccupied for long periods of time.

Of course, unoccupied homes where electrical appliances are left unattended can pose an electrical fire risk not to mention an unnecessary wastage of electricity and the costs involved.

I would recommend taking the following precautions to ensure electrical safety and minimise electricity costs in your home while you are away:

• Weekly check by a neighbour or friend – If possible, it’s always ideal to have a neighbour, friend or work colleague, to pop in and check on your home to ensure that all the electrical items you have left on are working properly including electrical timer switches
• Unplug unnecessary appliances and devices – Unplug your television, computer, toaster, oven, heaters, Aircon, or any other non-essential appliances that may lead to a fire. Many appliances and devices use electricity even when they’re turned off. If you’re away for the winter, you may want to set your boiler to come on to avoid frozen pipes or drain your system completely
• Use Timer Switches – Use electrical timer switches for necessary appliances and if you want a few lights to come on for security reasons while you’re away; this will also help save on electricity costs
• Check your smoke alarm – This is vital for home safety; check that your smoke alarms are working correctly, and replace the batteries if necessary – and don’t forget to let your neighbours know that you are going to be away so they can call for help if they hear a smoke alarm
• Have your electrics/ appliances checked – If you are leaving one of your homes unoccupied for long periods I would recommend having an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) done at least once a year for peace of mind. This is a report by a qualified electrician into the condition of your home’s electrical installation and will highlight any safety shortcomings and defects. You can also have any appliances by an electrician if you are concerned that they are now working properly

All our Kensington W8 electricians at SOR Electrical our certified, qualified and Part P registered. If you are going to be away from your home for an extended period and are concerned about the condition of your electrical installation or appliances, please do not hesitate to give us a call on 0208 935 5199. Or contact info@sorelectrical.com. Leave your name and number, and one of our SOR Electrical London staff will call you back within the hour.