You’re the expert on electrical safety —But what about your customers?

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As technology evolves, so do the challenges of ensuring safety in electrical systems. No one understands this better than electrical experts like yourself. With about 29% of the world’s electricity powering the residential sector, along with the growing trend of EV charging stations, the risks associated with modern systems are more pronounced than ever. That’s why prioritizing electrical safety is essential.

But let’s be honest — it’s not always easy to get homeowners on board. They often focus on décor, aesthetics, and other upgrades, letting electrical safety take a backseat. This article is meant to help you help them.

A safety checklist to share with your customers

• Hire a licensed electrician for wiring/Recommend hiring a licensed electrician for wiring
  DIY projects can be fun, but electrical work is not one of them. Always remind homeowners to get a licensed electrician to handle any wiring or repairs.
• Check appliance cords regularly/Remind your customers to check appliance cords regularly
  Appliance cords can wear down over time, especially if they’re bent, pinched, or stuck under heavy furniture. Frayed or damaged cords pose a serious fire hazard, so advise your customers not to use any appliance with a faulty cord until it’s repaired. Also, stress the importance of keeping all appliances, cords, and extension leads far from water to prevent electrical shocks or damage.
• Avoid piggyback or ‘double adaptor’ connections/Inform about the dangers of piggyback connections
  It might seem convenient to plug multiple devices into one outlet, but this can easily overload the circuit. Overheating and electrical fires are real risks, so encourage homeowners to stick to one plug per outlet or use power boards with built-in surge protection.
• Childproof the outlets/Educate on the importance of childproofing For customers with little ones at home, make sure they understand the importance of childproofing all electrical outlets. Outlet covers or tamper-resistant outlets can prevent curious hands from poking small items into sockets, avoiding dangerous shocks.
• Learn how to use safety switches/Explain the use of safety switches
  Just installing safety switches in your customer’s meter box isn’t enough. Teach them how to use a safety switch, such as a residual current circuit breaker (RCCB), to cut off the power when it detects electrical faults.
• Test the safety switches regularly/Train users on how to test the safety switches Safety switches should be tested every three months to ensure they’re working properly. Most have an easy-to-use test button, so it’s important that your customers know how to check them.
• Be aware of overhead power lines/Remind customers to stay aware of overhead power lines
  When working outside, especially with ladders or tree-trimming equipment, inform homeowners to always check for overhead power lines. If working near them, a distance of at least 6.4 meters for wires on poles and 10 meters for wires on towers needs to be maintained.
• Check for underground power lines before digging/Alert homeowners to check for underground power lines
  Are your customers planning on digging up their garden or starting a big landscaping project? Ask them to check for underground power lines first. They can call the local council or search for any national call lines that offer such information.
• Watch for water leaks near electrical outlets/Advise to watch for water leaks near electrical outlets
  Being a good conductor of electricity, water poses a serious risk to electrical appliances. Alert homeowners to contact a licensed plumber immediately if they notice any leaks near outlets or electrical systems.
• Report electrical shocks or tingles immediately/Ask customers to report electrical shocks or tingles immediately
  Feeling a tingle when touching a water fitting shouldn’t be ignored. This could be a sign of a serious electrical fault. Homeowners should know to turn off the power and call a licensed electrician to inspect the issue as soon as possible.

If they’re assisting someone who’s receiving an electric shock, the first step is to turn off the power at the main switch. If the current can’t be cut off, they need to use a non-conducting object, like a broom, chair, or rug, to push the person away from the source of electricity. Then, immediately call the local emergency services for help.

Key safety measures for home maintenance

In addition to using the safety checklist, it’s crucial for homeowners to take extra precautions during home maintenance. Here are some practical tips for your customers:

1. Keep clear of electrical wires/ Remind customers to keep clear of electrical wires
   Remind homeowners to always stay clear of any electric wires attached to their houses or sheds. To prevent accidents, they should avoid touching or disturbing them.
2. Use ladders safely/ Alert homeowners on using ladders safely
   If your customers are using a metal ladder, which conducts electricity, ask them to use a ladder with rubber feet and to keep it away from power lines to avoid the risk of a shock.
3. Handle power tools with care/ Ask customers to handle power tools with care
   For tools like electric lawnmowers or edge trimmers, remind homeowners to keep the cords well away from the blades. If they notice any damage to the cord, they should turn off the power at the plug right away.
4. Choose energy-efficient appliances/ Guide users on choosing energy-efficient appliances
   Encourage your customers to check the energy rating label when buying new household appliances. This label helps pick the most efficient options to save on electricity bills and reduce environmental impact. Appliances like TVs, refrigerators, dishwashers, and even water heaters often come with this label.

Products for electrical safety

Now that we’ve covered the safety tips, let’s talk about the electrical safety products that are the unsung heroes of home protection.

Schneider Electric provides a range of safety solutions designed to help improve electrical protection. Our portfolio includes RCCBs (residual current circuit breakers), SPDs (surge protection devices), AFDDs (arc fault detection devices), MCBs (miniature circuit breakers), and isolators.

The Easy9 and Resi9 series offer advanced protection with a full suite of circuit breakers, residual current devices, switches, and surge protectors. These products are engineered for reliability and ease of installation in residential applications.

Our Acti9 Active range offers enhanced protection with in-built residual current devices, miniature circuit breakers, and arc fault detection devices. It supports remote monitoring and management through our EcoStruxure^TM panel server, providing real-time data and alerts for proactive asset management.

Improving safety in living spaces

Schneider Electric’s products and solutions are designed to boost protection and operational efficiency, meeting regulatory safety standards.

Our advanced solutions can help safeguard your home from electrical hazards, giving you peace of mind. With cutting-edge technology and a commitment to excellence, we offer products that fit evolving consumer needs.

For more information about our products and services, check out our website.

Disclaimer: ** A. Electrical equipment should be installed, operated, serviced, and maintained only by qualified personnel. No responsibility is assumed by Schneider Electric
for any consequences arising out of the use of this material.
B. Apply appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow safe
electrical work practices. See NFPA 70E or CSA Z462 or NOM-029-STPS. **