For many of us, our homes are our safe haven – the place where we relax, recharge and switch off from the world. But, as our lifestyles become increasingly device-driven, the electrical demands we place on our properties have skyrocketed. Staying plugged in can now mean everything from recharging lithium-ion batteries to having an army of power-hungry gadgets in our kitchens, living rooms and garages.
As a result, while electrical safety at home a couple of decades ago meant focusing on the basics – such as remembering to keep the hair dryer well away from the bathtub – the everyday risks today can look vastly different. And the consequences of ignoring those risks can be devastating. For example, statistics compiled by the NSW Government show that 40% of annual house fires around the state are caused by electrical faults and electrical appliances.1
A more positive spin? This potentially means that up to 1,800 house fires could be prevented each year in New South Wales alone, if people made preventing electrical fires at home a priority, suggests the NSW Government.1
“Many electrical incidents are preventable and often involve everyday products and activities that people don’t think twice about in their homes,” adds Leanne Hughson, Chief Executive Officer of Energy Safe Victoria.
So, what are some of the most common electrical hazards in the home? What can you do to avoid them? What precautions should you take around electricity in high-risk situations such as after a flood or during a power surge? And if an electrical fault or fire does do some damage, will your home insurance cover it?
To answer all of those questions and more, we’ve put together this extensive guide to electrical safety at home, which starts by outlining some common electrical risks to be aware of.
5 common electrical hazards in the home
We asked Energy Safe Victoria to help us identify a handful of electrical hazards that frequently cause safety concerns in Australian homes. Below, they also share some tips and advice for identifying and managing the potential risks involved with these hazards.
Lithium-ion batteries
A type of rechargeable battery that now powers the majority of laptops, mobile phones, e-bikes, power banks and cordless equipment,2 lithium-ion batteries are responsible for almost one fire-related attendance every day by Victorian fire agencies.3
Because lithium-ion batteries are highly flammable,2 subsequent fires can ignite rapidly, produce intense heat and toxic smoke, and prove difficult to extinguish.4
“These fires don’t usually happen because someone deliberately ignores safety advice,” says Hughson. “They happen when everyday shortcuts creep in, like charging overnight or using the wrong charger – and people assume nothing will go wrong.”3
To reduce your risk of experiencing a lithium-ion battery fire, Energy Safe Victoria recommends:3
- Buying reputable brands from trusted retailers and looking for the Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM), which means the product meets Australian safety standards
- Only using lithium-ion batteries and chargers that have been supplied or approved by the manufacturer
- Never charging devices unattended or overnight
- Disposing of batteries that are damaged, swollen or overheating.3
Electrical work that’s not carried out by a licensed electrician
DIY electrical work in Australia is not only dangerous, it’s also illegal.5
“Any electrical installation work or task involving wiring is not a DIY project,” says Hughson.
While tasks such as replacing or moving power points and light switches may appear simple, doing unqualified work may:
- Cause serious electric shocks and burns
- Cause fires, electrical faults and property damage
- Put neighbours and emergency responders in danger
- Impact your home insurance cover.
DIY electrical work can also create hidden defects that may not be immediately apparent. Loose connections, undersized cables or incorrectly installed equipment can overheat over time, increasing the risk of electrical faults and fires months or even years later.
“Always use a licensed electrician and check their licence before engaging them,” advises Hughson.
Damaged chargers and power supplies
Phone chargers, laptop chargers and other plug-in power supplies can become damaged through everyday use, particularly if they’re crushed behind furniture, bent repeatedly or exposed to rough handling.
“Damaged chargers and power supplies can expose live electrical parts, increasing the risk of electrical shock,” says Hughson.
Energy Safe Victoria says it’s best to stop using and replace any charger or power supply that shows signs of damage, bearing in mind that the safest replacement is always the one recommended or sold by the product manufacturer.
Using appliances and power boards unsafely
While modern power boards usually include protection that disconnects the power if they’re overloaded, it’s still important to take care not to overload power boards by plugging:
- Too many high-wattage appliances in at once
- Double adaptors into the board
- One board into another.
For electrical and appliance safety, it’s also important to avoid:
- Connecting multiple adaptors and extension leads together
- “Piggybacking” double adaptors by plugging one into another, which can create a serious fire risk because double adaptors don’t include overload protection.
In particular, caution is recommended when it comes to using heaters, which cause 100 fires in Victoria each year,6 and electric blankets, which were involved in seven reported fires across the state over the 12 months to June 2026.7
“Electric blankets can become dangerous if they are damaged, excessively worn or left switched on for long periods,” says Hughson.7
As well as avoiding overloading power boards with multiple heating appliances,7 Energy Safe Victoria reminds people to:
- Turn off electric blankets once the bed is warm – never sleep with it switched on.7
- Position heaters away from clothing, bedding, curtains, furniture or other flammable items while they’re operating.
- Never cover a heater while it’s operating.
Poorly maintained or unsafe appliances
“Choosing safe products is just as important as using them safely,” says Hughson.
“Before purchasing electrical equipment and appliances, consumers should look for the RCM to ensure the product meets Australian safety standards.”
And when it comes to maintenance, be aware that dust build-up, blocked ventilation openings and damage from rodents – for example, if a fridge, freezer or dryer is kept in a garage – can cause appliances to overheat and increase the risk of fire.
“People should keep appliances clean, ensure ventilation areas are clear and regularly inspect cords and plugs for signs of damage,” adds Hughson.
What are the warning signs of faulty wiring in a house?
According to Energy Safe Victoria, some warning signs that may indicate faults within a home’s electrical installation include:
- Circuit breakers that frequently trip or fuses that regularly blow
- Dimming or flickering lights, particularly when appliances are in use
- Electric shocks or tingling sensations from appliances, taps or fittings
- Burning smells from outlets
- Sparking or discoloured switches and power points
- Hot or warm wall plates, power points, switches or electrical cords
- Visible damage to power points, light switches and wiring.
The state energy safety regulator’s advice is that consumers should arrange an inspection by a licensed electrician if they notice any of these signs, or if they’re unsure about the condition or safety of any aspect of their home’s electrical installation, equipment or appliances.
The risk of old wiring
Old wiring can also increase the potential for house fires and fatal injuries, either because it’s worn out or unable to cope with the demands of modern electrical equipment.1 While the wiring in homes built more than 10 or 20 years ago may start to become a risk, if your home was built before the 1980s, you might like to consider having it inspected to check if you have any aged or faulty wiring.1
Are circuit breakers and safety switches the same thing?
No – while your home’s switchboard can have both circuit breakers and safety switches, which are also known as residual current devices (RCDs),8 they’re not the same thing:9
- Circuit breakers are installed to protect circuit wiring and appliances.
- Safety switches are installed to protect people against electric shock and burns by shutting off electricity supply when a current leakage is detected.9
Safety switches fitted in your home’s switchboard may be of any shape, colour or size, but they’ll always have a “T” on them.8
How often should you test your safety switches?
State governments recommend testing your RCDs every three months to make sure they’re working properly.8,10
To test your safety switches:10
- Tell your household – Let anyone who’s home know you’re about to run a safety switch test and that the power will go off.
- Locate your home’s switchboard – Once you’ve found it, open the front panel and identify the safety switches (they’re the T buttons).
- Test one switch at a time – When you press a T button, the corresponding power switch should flick to the off position, cutting the power points connected to that circuit. Repeat this test for each safety switch on the board.
- Check indoors – Once you’ve pushed every T button and before you reset the switches to the “on” position, make sure none of your electrical equipment, power points or lights have power.10
If any of the power switches don’t flick to the “off” position when you push the corresponding T button, or if the power stays on even when they do, the safety switch could be faulty and it’s advisable to get a licensed electrician to check things out.10 The same applies if a power switch won’t stay in the “on” position after you reset it.8
An electrical safety checklist for rental properties
Both property owners and tenants have some responsibilities when it comes to electrical safety in a rental property.11
Landlord responsibilities
While requirements may differ slightly between states and territories, landlords are typically legally required to:
- Make sure their rental property is fitted with a safety switch.12
- Ensure that a rental property has an adequate number of working smoke alarms installed for fire safety.13,14
- Immediately arrange for a broken smoke alarm to be repaired or replaced once they’ve been notified it’s not working.13,14
- Ensure any other urgent repairs that impact a property’s electrical safety are done within a reasonable time frame.15
Importantly, in Victoria, new smoke alarm maintenance laws were introduced in November 2025, making it mandatory for landlords or property managers to carry out annual smoke alarm safety checks in rental properties.14,16
Tenant responsibilities
Tenants are required to notify their landlord or agent right away if something that could affect a property’s electrical safety, for example a broken smoke alarm, needs repairing.15
While landlords are legally required to have at least one safety switch installed in a rental property,12 it can be the tenant’s responsibility to test any safety switches every three months.11 Tenants are also required to report a switch that isn’t working immediately.11
Electrical safety tips for high-risk situations
Even if your home’s wiring is up to code and its safety switches are functioning properly, certain everyday scenarios and severe weather events require a higher level of caution around electricity.
Water and electricity
Because water conducts electricity,17 the two don’t mix,18 take care to:18
- Never use an electrical appliance near water.
- Never touch anything electrical with wet hands.
- Switch off and unplug all portable electric appliances, such as hairdryers, hair straighteners and shavers, after use.
- Never use portable heaters in bathroom areas.
- Never use extension leads or power leads in wet areas unless they’re specifically designed for that purpose.
- Wear rubber- or plastic-soled shoes when using electrical appliances in laundries, on concrete floors and outdoors.18
Power surges
Described as a sudden spike in voltage that’s significantly higher than the standard range,19 a power surge can damage equipment plugged into power points,20 and cause an electric shock if you’re using that equipment at the time.21
Power surges can be caused by a range of unforeseeable events, including:19
- Equipment failure
- Vehicles hitting power poles
- Objects, such as tree branches or animals, interfering with overhead electrical wires.19
Lightning strikes can also cause power surges, so it’s a good idea to unplug and avoid using electrical equipment during a storm.20,21
Alternatively, connecting your appliances to a power source via surge protectors, such as a surge protector power board, may help to prevent damage and shocks.20
Floods and storms
There are several steps you can take before severe weather hits, as well as during and after an event such as a flood or storm, to help improve your – and your home’s – electrical safety. For example:22
- Before severe weather – As part of your severe weather emergency plan, make sure you know how to turn off your mains supply for power and consider unplugging sensitive appliances such as computers and smart devices to protect against power surges if you aren’t using surge protectors.
- During an emergency – As well as following any instructions and directions from local authorities, make sure you also:
- Turn off and unplug any other electrical equipment if you lose power.
- Remove and relocate portable electrical appliances to a higher location if it’s possible to do so when there’s a risk of flooding.
- Stay away from powerlines, trees and waterways.
- Turn off your home’s electricity if it’s safe to, if you’re told to evacuate – never touch any electrical equipment if you’re standing in water or if your hands are wet.
- After an emergency – Follow advice from authorities about when it’s safe to return to your property, and when you do:
- Don’t attempt to reconnect your electricity supply yourself if it’s been damaged or disconnected.
- Take extra care around your property’s switchboard.
- Ensure any electrical connections and appliances that have been affected by water are inspected by a licensed electrician before you use them again.
- Keep well away from any fallen powerlines, warn others and call the electricity distributor in your area or emergency services on 000.22
Kids and electricity
Common causes of electrical injuries for children are playing with appliances, or poking objects inside appliances or unused power points.18 To help keep kids safe, it can be a good idea to:18
- Use childproof plugs in unused power points.
- Switch off and unplug electrical appliances when they’re not in use.
- Ensure electrical cords aren’t left dangling from benches or anywhere within your child’s reach.
- Use power boards with in-built safety switches if plugs are unavoidably within your child’s reach.18
Once kids are old enough to understand, you might also like to explain the dangers of electricity and teach them how to use appliances safely.18
What should you do if someone gets an electric shock?
It can depend on the severity of the electric shock, which is caused by contact with live electricity.17
While some shocks may only cause a fright and a bit of pain, others can be serious and even life-threatening. It depends on the voltage, the type of current and whether that current impacts the heart.17
You should call an ambulance if someone’s had an electric shock and they:17
- Lose consciousness, even for a second
- Are breathing very fast or very slow
- Have a very fast, slow or irregular heartbeat
- Have fallen from above the ground.17
While you’re waiting for the ambulance, follow these steps:17
- Look first, don’t touch – if the person is still in contact with the electric current, you might get an electric shock too.
- Switch off the electricity at the mains, remove fuses, turn off all power points and unplug cords before you approach the person.
- If you can’t turn off the electricity, try using something like a wooden broom handle to separate the person from the electricity source.
- When it’s safe to do so, check if they’re conscious, breathing and responsive. If they don’t respond and aren’t breathing normally, you should start CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).17
Even if the electric shock seemed mild and didn’t result in one of the problems or symptoms listed above, anyone who’s experienced one should see a doctor to get their heart checked.17
Does home insurance cover electrical fires and damage?
Yes, most home insurance policies include cover for fire.23 Some also include cover for the burnout of motors in electrical appliances, which can be caused by power surges – however, this cover is often an optional extra that you’d need to pay more for and the level of cover may vary between insurers.24
At Youi, cover for damage caused by fire is included as standard under both our Buildings insurance and Contents insurance.25 This includes kitchen fires and other accidental fires resulting from electrical failure.25 We also cover burnout of electric motors, up to $1,000 for each claim after your applicable excess is deducted.26
To explore whether our home insurance might be the right fit for you, why not consider starting a quote online or giving us a call on 13 9684?
1 Source: NSW Government – Electrical safety in the home, n.d.
2 Source: Energy Safe Victoria – Lithium-ion battery safety, n.d.
3 Source: Energy Safe Victoria – Safety reset urged as ‘it won’t happen to me’ mindset fuels battery fires, January 2026
4 Source: Energy Safe Victoria – Five battery fires in 24 hours prompts urgent safety warning, March 2026
5 Source: Energy Safe Victoria – Electrical DDIY – Don’t do it yourself, n.d.
6 Source: Fire Rescue Victoria – Fire safety is a hot topic this winter, May 2024
7 Source: Energy Safe Victoria – Warm up to winter with a home heating safety check, June 2026
8 Source: WA Government – RCD safety switches, May 2026
9 Source: Qld Government Electrical Safety – Frequently asked questions, n.d.
10 Source: Qld Government Electrical Safety – Safety switches, n.d.
11 Source: Qld Government Residential Tenancies Authority – Electrical safety, n.d.
12 Source: Qld Government Electrical Safety – Electrical safety in rental properties, n.d.
13 Source: NSW Government – Smoke alarms in a rental property, n.d.
14 Source: Consumer Affairs Victoria – Smoke alarms and fire safety, February 2026
15 Source: NSW Government – Electrical safety in a rental property, n.d.
16 Source: Consumer Affairs Victoria – New changes to the rental laws, March 2026
17 Source: Healthdirect – Electric shocks and burns, September 2025
18 Source: Energy Safe Victoria – Using electricity safely, n.d.
19 Source: Energy and Water Ombudsman Victoria – Have you experienced a voltage variation or power surge?, n.d.
20 Source: Ausgrid – Power surges, n.d.
21 Source: Qld Government – Electricity in the home, July 2022
22 Source: NSW State Emergency Service – Electricity, gas and water safety information, n.d.
23 Source: Moneysmart – Storm, flood and fire insurance, n.d.
24 Source: Canstar – Motor burnout cover, March 2026
25 Exclusions and limits may apply. Where you have increased your cover or reduced your excess within 72 hours of a flood, storm, hail or bushfire occurring, cover will be limited to the amount that was effective prior to the change. Loss, damage or legal liability caused by, resulting or arising from flood, storm, hail or bushfire during the first 72 hours of your policy first being purchased is excluded unless certain conditions apply. See the PDS for full details.
26 Limits, exclusions and conditions apply. For full details, see the Home Insurance PDS.
