A house fire can be an extremely distressing experience; in addition to potentially resulting in serious injuries or fatalities, it can also lead to the loss of some or all of one's personal possessions.  Whilst there are several things which can cause a house fire, electrical issues are a very common culprit. If you're concerned about the possibility of an electrical fire breaking out in your home, here are two things you can do to reduce the likelihood of this occurring.

Watch out for signs of faulty wiring

One of the most effective ways to prevent an electrical fire is to learn how to recognise the early warning signs of faulty, outdated wiring. If you live in an older property which, to your knowledge, has not been rewired in several decades, it's entirely possible that it may be defective in some way and could, therefore, pose a fire risk.

If you notice that the lights tend to flicker or dim each time you switch on appliances around the home, that fuses blow on a regular basis or that the plug outlets around the house get very hot when in use, this could be an indication that there is something amiss with your home's wiring. Another telltale sign of electrical problems is a burnt odour wafting around the house, which you cannot find the source of; this is sometimes the result of short circuiting caused by either outdated wiring or a loose connection. Should you observe any of these things, get in touch with a reputable electrician immediately.

Have your household appliances inspected

You may be surprised to learn that a faulty household appliance could dramatically increase the risk of an electrical fire breaking out in a property.  Even something as seemingly innocuous as a defective kettle or a malfunctioning tumble dryer could potentially destroy your home and put your family in danger.

It's not always easy to tell when there is a serious fault with an electrical appliance, which is why it is recommended that, if you have even the slightest suspicion that there is something wrong with your household appliances, you have them inspected by an electrician.

An electrician will usually visually examine your home's appliances, looking for things such as frayed cords or wires or signs of moisture damage. They will then conduct a series of electrical tests, to check the insulation resistance and to determine if there are problems with the earthing system.

These signs should also be watched out for at your place of business as well. Electricians who offer test and tag services can make sure all electrical equipment is in good working order.