Home electrical safety

Zone 0–1 (inside and above the bath): 12V SELV only, no outlets. Zone 2 (60 cm from bath): IP44+, powered via 10 mA RCD. Towel warmer — outside zones, on RCD.

A breaker protects wiring from overload, an RCD protects people from shock (trips at 10–30 mA leakage). You need both, or an RCBO. Test the RCD monthly with the 'T' button.

Outlets with shutters (internal plates, not plug-in caps — kids pull those out). An extension cord is not a toy. In a kid's room use raised or covered outlets.

Hot outlets, sparks when plugging in, burning smell, flickering lights, tripping breaker — reasons to call an electrician, not 'it will pass'. Oxidized 30+ year wiring needs replacement.

OK: replace an outlet/switch on a dead line, test phase with an indicator. Not OK: work live in the panel, touch the meter or service entry, repair 'live'.