Summer is a time for enjoying longer days, warmer weather, and spending more time outdoors. It's also a time when many households start using electrical equipment that may have been sitting unused for months.
From fans and portable air conditioning units to garden equipment and outdoor lighting, the increased use of electrical appliances can place additional demands on your home's electrical system.
At Allen's Ohms, we often see an increase in electrical issues during the warmer months, so we've put together a few simple tips to help keep your home safe this summer.
Check Fans and Portable Appliances Before Use
Many people dig out fans and portable cooling equipment when temperatures start to rise.
Before plugging them in, it's worth checking:
- Plugs for damage
- Cables for wear and tear
- Signs of overheating
- Loose connections
If an appliance has been stored away for a long period, give it a quick inspection before putting it back into regular use.
Don't Overload Extension Leads
One of the most common summer electrical issues is overloaded extension leads.
During hot weather, it's not unusual to see:
- Fans
- Portable air conditioning units
- Phone chargers
- Garden equipment
all plugged into the same extension lead.
Try to spread electrical loads across different sockets where possible and avoid connecting multiple extension leads together.
Use Outdoor Equipment Safely
Summer often means more time spent in the garden.
Whether you're using:
- Lawnmowers
- Pressure washers
- Outdoor lighting
- Garden power tools
it's important to ensure that any equipment used outside is suitable for outdoor conditions.
Always check:
✔️ Cables for damage
✔️ Outdoor sockets are weatherproof
✔️ Connections are protected from rain and moisture
Keep an Eye on Outdoor Sockets
Outdoor sockets are incredibly convenient during summer, but they should be regularly checked for signs of wear or damage.
If you notice:
- Cracks
- Loose fittings
- Water ingress
- Discolouration
it's worth getting them inspected.
A properly installed outdoor socket is much safer than running extension leads through doors and windows.
Be Careful with Portable Air Conditioning Units
Portable air conditioning units have become increasingly popular during recent summers.
These appliances can draw a significant amount of power, especially during long periods of use.
For best results:
- Plug them directly into a wall socket where possible
- Avoid sharing heavily loaded extension leads
- Ensure air vents remain clear
- Follow manufacturer guidance
Don't Ignore Warning Signs
Electrical problems often give warning signs before they become serious.
Watch out for:
⚡ Flickering lights
⚡ Tripping circuits
⚡ Warm plugs or sockets
⚡ Buzzing sounds
⚡ Burning smells
If you notice any of these, it's always worth investigating sooner rather than later.
Test Your Smoke Alarms
Summer is a great time to check your smoke alarms are working correctly.
A simple press of the test button only takes a few seconds and could make a huge difference in an emergency.
Remember:
- Test alarms regularly
- Replace batteries when required
- Replace alarms when they reach the end of their service life
Heading Away on Holiday?
Before leaving for your summer holiday:
✔️ Unplug unnecessary appliances
✔️ Check smoke alarms are working
✔️ Turn off non-essential electrical equipment
✔️ Ensure timers are functioning correctly if used
Taking a few minutes before you leave can help provide peace of mind while you're away.
Consider an Electrical Safety Check
Many electrical issues develop gradually over time and aren't always obvious during everyday use.
A professional electrical inspection can help identify:
- Aging wiring
- Loose connections
- Faulty accessories
- Consumer unit issues
before they become larger and potentially more expensive problems.
Enjoy Summer Safely
Most electrical issues can be avoided through simple maintenance and awareness.
By taking a few minutes to check appliances, avoid overloading circuits, and pay attention to warning signs, you can enjoy the summer knowing your home's electrics are operating safely.
At Allen's Ohms, we help homeowners across the West Midlands with electrical safety checks, fault finding, consumer unit upgrades, EICRs, and general electrical work.
If you have any concerns about your electrics this summer, we're always happy to offer advice and help where we can. ⚡☀️
