Electrical safety

Electrical hazards

Please keep an eye out for any electrical hazards in your home. They could be:

• Frayed, cut or damaged leads
• Cracked or damaged cases on plugs and appliances
• Burn marks on plugs, leads or appliances
• Blowing fuses or tripping circuit breakers
• Damaged plug sockets or light switches.

Don't try to fix electrical problems yourself. If you spot any of these, report a repair.

Electrical advice

Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when using appliances and use an RCD (Residual Current Device) when using electrical equipment outdoors.

Don't bring mains-powered appliances into the bathroom, and don't use appliances with wet hands.

Powering your home

If your lights or power go off:

• Check the trip switches in the consumer unit (fuse board).
• Try a new bulb.
• If one of the switches is at off, unplug the appliances 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.
• Do not use any faulty switches, sockets or equipment.

Still having problems? Report a repair.

Lighting in communal areas

If there's a problem with lighting in communal areas, Report a repair.

Power cuts

To report or track a power cut in your area, visit Northern Powergrid or call Phone 105.

Priority services

If you rely on electricity for medical reasons, have mobility challenges, care for young children, or have other additional needs, Northern Powergrid offers free Priority Services. They'll provide tailored support during power cuts.

Register for Priority Services or call Northern Powergrid on Phone 0800 169 2996.

Useful tips during a power cut

• Lighting: Keep a torch with spare batteries handy. Avoid candles, they're a fire risk.
• Heating: Have extra blankets and warm clothing ready. Never use outdoor heaters indoors.
• Food and drink: Keep some non-perishable food and bottled water. Try not to open the fridge or freezer as it helps food stay cold longer.
• Electronics: Keep your phone charged and consider a power bank. Turn off or unplug expensive electronics as power surges can damage them.
• Pets: Make sure they have enough food and water. If you have heated tanks, consider battery backup.
• Stair lifts: Check if yours has a battery backup. Avoid using it just before a planned power cut.

More information: National Grid:

• Safety first
• Being prepared
• What to do