Are electrical fires caused by light bulbs not being changed?

New research reveals a disconnect between how safe Britons feel their homes are and how well-maintained they actually are. While almost eight in ten adults say they feel confident about the overall electrical safety of their homes, fewer than a third (30%) have had their household electrics checked by a qualified electrician in the past 10 years. This complacency sits alongside a serious and growing lack of basic electrical know-how.

Stats show there are around 19,300 accidental domestic fires linked to electricity each year, accounting for about 53% of all accidental house fires in England.* In other words, faulty wiring, overloaded sockets, damaged appliances and DIY mistakes are the largest cause of domestic fires in the country. Yet it’s an issue many continue to underestimate.

The findings, from new research by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), paint a picture of a nation wary of tackling electrical jobs at home, but far less alert to the everyday habits that could increase the risk of injury or fire. More than half (56%) of Britons say they do not feel confident doing electrical DIY, rising to over 60% among 25–34‑year‑olds. Yet, millions are still taking avoidable risks at home, as the latest Wiring Regulations come into force that could hopefully prevent countless accidents in homes across the country.

Ros spoke to Craig O’Neill, senior engineer and former electrician at Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).