Many of the blogs that I have written in the past mention how important it is to have an RCD fitted in your home. Although I've explained the importance of having one, I've never actually explained what an RCD does and how it protects the household.

What is an RCD?

As a house holder in Nottingham, you will no doubt be aware of some of the dangers that electricity can present in the home, but what do you classify as a problem?

Many homes in Nottingham already have electrical dangers present that the householders are not aware of. This doesn't mean necessarily mean there are dangerous electrics in the home, it is often as simple as how you use electricity that can make it dangerous.

If you are like many people, dubious about where to find a qualified and registered electrician to work in your home, you will be pleased to know that a new search facility was officially launched by the Government which lists all fully qualified and registered electricians who work in England and Wales.

Reducing shoddy and dangerous electrical work

Having made the decision to replace your old fuse board, it is important to ensure that this important job is completed by a competent domestic electrician who is both qualified and registered with a Part P scheme provider such as the NICEIC, NAPIT or ELECSA. Think of your fuse board as the main hub of your home – it is the 'thinking centre' to all electrical aspects in your home. If the job is carried out incorrectly, your home will be in a dangerous condition and your family is then at risk from electrical harm.

We have seen a real improvement in the weather all over the UK over the past week. With it, has seen the expected increase in bbq's and garden parties – and of course I wouldn't be doing my job properly if I didn't tell you what fire and electrical risks I have seen in my local area around Nottingham.

Beware of fire!

A Government notion may soon see the provision of a smoke alarm a compulsory requirement in privately rented properties. A YouGov survey carried out nationwide revealed that 1 in 5 privately rented properties did not have any form of fire alarm. Did you know you are four times more likely to die in a house fire? This is because fires often go undetected, and fire alarms are the alert to warn of a potentially serious house fire.

I had to smile today at the term 'bungling' as I was reading an article on the web about trades people who create shoddy and dangerous work in peoples homes. Although the term 'bungling' might raise a few smiles, it is actually a serious situation.

If you are going away this Easter, it is worth bearing in mind that electrical safety is not just a home matter. Maintaining good electrical safety awareness is still important even when away from home. Don't take for granted that the owners of your holiday accommodation will have seen to your electrical safety needs – I have seen bed and breakfast accommodation where extension leads have been plugged into extension leads.

It is never too late to remind local people in Nottingham, Derby and Mansfield to take care when using electric blankets. Just this week in the National News an 88 year old lady from Wales died as a result of a faulty electric blanket.