How to deal with electrical problems in your home
Useful information for dealing with electrical problems in your home.
When you move into a property make sure that you know where the mains switch is, and how to turn off the electricity in an emergency. The mains switch is usually found in a cupboard along with the meter and fuse box or circuit breaker.
Problem | Things you can do | Who can help |
---|---|---|
If there is a fire | Close the door of the room where the fire is located. This will help to contain the fire, and prevent the spread of poisonous smoke. Warn the other people in the house and leave quickly. Do not stop to collect anything - remember your escape route can be cut off very quickly. If your exit is cut off, close the door of your room and seal it with either a blanket or rug to prevent the fire or the smoke spreading. Call for help from a window. Don't got back into your home for any reason. | Call the fire brigade on 999 |
If you have switched on a light / appliance and the power fails | Check the trip switches in the consumer unit. If one of the switches is at 'off', unplug the appliance or switch off the light and reset the trip switch. Switch on the light and plug the appliances back in one at a time to check if one is faulty and tripping the switch. | If the switch trips again: Request a housing repair Or if you are concerned or unsure about electrical fittings or sockets, turn off the electricity: Request a housing repair |
What to do if you smell gas | Open doors and windows to get rid of the gas. Check to see if the gas has been left on and unlit or if a pilot light has gone out. Turn off the gas at the meter. Do not light any matches or lighters. Do not use doorbells or other electrical switches. | Call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999 |
Preventing carbon monoxide fumes | Keep rooms well ventilated. Make sure vents are not obstructed or closed. Sweep chimneys at least once a year. Buy officially approved appliances marked with the British Standard Kite Mark. Always use Gas Safe registered gas installers. If you want to fit your own gas fittings you must get permission from your area housing office. | Check and service gas appliances regularly. We must, by law, carry out a gas safety check on all appliances once a year - this is free. You must allow us into your home to do this check. We will service and repair all appliances we have installed. Remember this is for your safety. |