• Overview
• Safety at Home
  • Overview
  • How to wire a plug correctly
  • Using appliances safely
  • Kitchen safety
  • Bedroom safety
  • Bathroom safety
  • Garage, Workshop and Garden safety
  • The Electrical installation - Fuses and MCBs
  • What to do if there is a Power Cut
• Safety at Work
• Safety on the Farm
• Equipment Protection
• Environment
• Storm Damage
• Safety Publications
• Safety for Young People/Schools

Safety at Home

Enjoy the benefits of electricity and use it safely.

Electricity is so much part of modern living that we can often take it for granted. It is a powerful and versatile energy but can be dangerous if it is not used properly.

In Ireland serious accidents with electricity in the home are rare but each year there are a small number of serious injuries. Most of the accidents that occur are due to either carelessness or to a lack of awareness of some basic rules which should be observed in the use of electricity.

This section on Safety at Home covers the main points of advice on using electricity and electric appliances safely in the home.

Responsibility for Safety

The safety of the electrical wiring installation, on the customer's side of the ESB Networks meter, is the responsibility of the householder. So also is the way in which electric appliances are used and maintained.

Advice in Case of Flooding

Electrical wiring within your home and business is your responsibility. However, ESB Networks emphasises that electricity and water do not mix. For safety, do not touch electrical equipment in your home if there is flooding - call a Registered electrical contractor for an inspection.

New Installations

If you are having a new house wired or having existing wiring renewed or extended you should get an ETCI Completion Certificate from your electrical contractor. This certificate is your contractor's statement that the installation complies with the National Wiring Rules. This certificate will also be required by ESB Networks before a new supply can be connected.