🎄 Avoid Overloading Sockets This Christmas: Essential Electrical Safety Tips for Taunton Homes

As Christmas arrives across Taunton and the wider Somerset area, households begin decorating with lights, trees, and festive displays. While these brighten your home, they also increase electrical demand — and overloading sockets with Christmas lights is one of the most common seasonal hazards.

At RB Electrical, your trusted Taunton electricians, we’re dedicated to helping local families stay safe. Learn more about our services at
👉 www.rbelectrician.co.uk
Or explore our full range of electrical work here:
👉 RB Electrical Services



🔌 Why Overloaded Sockets Are Dangerous

When multiple sets of Christmas lights and decorations are plugged into one socket, the risk of:

⚠️ Overheating

Sockets and plugs can get dangerously hot.

🔥 Electrical fires

A major cause of winter house fires in the UK (source: Electrical Safety First).
More info:
👉 https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/guidance/safety-around-the-home/christmas-safety/

⚡ Tripped circuits & damaged appliances

Overloaded sockets can repeatedly trip breakers or permanently damage electrical equipment.



🎄 Understanding Electrical Load

Older incandescent lights draw much more power than modern LEDs. Keep safe by following these UK electrical safety guidelines:

Use one extension lead per socket

Never daisy-chain extension leads

Most extension leads are rated 13A / 3120W

Avoid multi-plug cubes altogether


For a professional inspection of your wiring, see:
👉 Electrical Safety Checks (EICR)



🏡 Seasonal Safety for Taunton & Somerset Homes

Many Taunton properties — especially terraces, cottages, and older homes — may have limited sockets or aging wiring.

The UK guidelines recommend electrical inspections every:

10 years for homeowners

5 years for rented properties
More info:
👉 https://www.gov.uk/private-renting


If you’re unsure about your wiring, RB Electrical provides EICRs, rewiring, and fuse board upgrades across Taunton, Wellington, Bridgwater, Minehead, and Somerset.



🔐 Christmas Electrical Safety Checklist

✔ Choose LED Christmas lights
✔ Spread load across multiple sockets
✔ Use surge-protected extension blocks
✔ Turn lights off when sleeping or out
✔ Inspect for frayed or damaged cables
✔ Use IP-rated equipment outdoors
More safety guidance from NICEIC:
👉 https://www.niceic.com/find-a-professional/homeowners



🧰 Need a Local Electrician in Taunton? RB Electrical Is Here to Help

RB Electrical offers:

Extra socket installations

Consumer unit upgrades

Electrical safety inspections

Domestic electrical services

Expert advice for safe Christmas lighting


Get in touch today:
👉 Contact RB Electrical



🎅 Enjoy a Safe & Bright Christmas in Taunton

With safe socket use and proper planning, you can enjoy a festive, beautifully lit home without risk.
For trusted electrical services in Taunton, choose RB Electrical.

👉 www.rbelectrician.co.uk