Going Away This Summer? Electrical Safety Checklist
July 7, 2026
Every summer, thousands of homeowners head off on holiday looking forward to a well-earned break. While most people remember to pack their passports and arrange for someone to feed the cat, many forget about one of the most important parts of leaving home safely, their electrical system.
A few simple checks before you leave can reduce the risk of electrical faults, lower your energy bills and give you greater peace of mind while you’re away.
Unplug Unnecessary Appliances
Many appliances continue to use electricity even when they’re switched off. Known as standby power, this can quietly add to your electricity bill throughout the year.
Before leaving for more than a couple of days, consider unplugging:
- TVs
- Games consoles
- Kitchen appliances
- Phone chargers
- Computer equipment
Not only does this save electricity, it also reduces the risk of damage from unexpected power surges.
Leave Essential Equipment Running
Not everything should be switched off.
Some appliances need to remain powered, including:
- Fridges and freezers
- Burglar alarms
- CCTV systems
- Smart home security devices
- Internet routers, if remote monitoring is required
It’s worth checking these systems are working correctly before you leave.
Test Your Smoke Alarms
A working smoke alarm is one of the simplest ways to protect your home.
Before going away:
- Test every smoke alarm.
- Replace batteries if required.
- Make sure alarms are less than 10 years old.
Many modern alarms are mains powered with battery backup, but they still need testing regularly.
Check Outdoor Electrics
Summer often means using outdoor sockets, garden lighting and electric gates.
Before leaving:
- Switch off outdoor equipment that’s no longer needed.
- Check extension leads aren’t exposed to the weather.
- Ensure outdoor sockets are properly sealed.
If you notice cracked fittings or damaged cables, have them repaired by a qualified electrician.
Don’t Overload Extension Leads
If you’ve been using fans, portable air conditioning units or extra appliances during the hot weather, take a moment to check how they’re connected.
Extension leads should never be overloaded and should not be daisy-chained together. If you regularly run out of sockets, it may be time to install additional outlets rather than relying on extension leads.
Use Timers for Lighting
Leaving a couple of lights on timers can make your property appear occupied while you’re away.
Modern smart lighting systems make this even easier, allowing you to control lighting remotely using your phone.
An electrician can advise on installing timer switches or smart lighting solutions that improve both convenience and security.
Check Your Consumer Unit
Your consumer unit is the heart of your home’s electrical system.
Before travelling:
- Check there are no tripped breakers.
- Make sure nothing feels unusually warm.
- If you’ve experienced flickering lights or nuisance tripping recently, don’t ignore it.
Small electrical faults often become larger problems if left unattended.
Book Electrical Work Before Autumn
Summer is often the ideal time to arrange electrical upgrades before the darker months arrive.
Many homeowners use this period to:
- Upgrade consumer units.
- Install additional sockets.
- Fit outdoor lighting.
- Add electric vehicle chargers.
- Improve security lighting.
- Carry out an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR).
Booking work before autumn can help avoid the seasonal rush.
Need an Electrician in Chelmsford?
Whether you’re preparing your home before a holiday or planning improvements later in the year, Complete Electrical Services provides professional electrical installations, testing and repairs across Chelmsford and the surrounding areas.
From consumer unit upgrades and lighting installations to fault finding and electrical inspections, our experienced electricians are committed to keeping your property safe, efficient and compliant.
Contact Complete Electrical Services today to arrange a visit before your next holiday.
