1. Upgrade to Residual Current Circuit Breakers (RCCBs)
Standard MCBs (Miniature Circuit Breakers) protect your home against overloads and short circuits, but an RCCB protects you from electric shocks. It detects minute current leakages and trips the power supply instantly, preventing fatal accidents and electrical fires.
2. Never Overload Power Sockets
Plugging multiple heavy-duty appliances—like iron boxes, heaters, or microwave ovens—into a single multi-plug adapter is a recipe for overheating.
. Tip: Always use dedicated, properly rated 16A wall sockets for high-power appliances.
3. Check for Warm Outlets and Flickering Lights
If your switchboards feel warm to the touch, emit a faint burning smell, or cause connected lights to flicker, these are clear signs of loose wiring or overloaded circuits. Turn off the main supply to that switchboard and have a certified electrician inspect it immediately.
4. Ensure Proper Earthing Across All Outlets
Proper earthing provides a safe path for excess electricity to discharge into the ground during voltage surges or internal insulation faults. Un-earthed sockets can give mild shocks when touching metal-bodied appliances like washing machines or refrigerators.
5. Invest in Quality Wires and Flame-Retardant Switchgear
Cheap, non-standard wires degrade quickly under heat, increasing the risk of insulation breakdown and fires. Always choose FR (Flame Retardant) or FRLS (Flame Retardant Low Smoke) wires certified by national standards for long-lasting peace of mind.