Halloween electrical safety tips
Halloween’s all fun and games until your electrics decide to join in.
Between spooky decorations, outdoor lighting, and the colder evenings drawing in, your home’s electrical system works a little harder this time of year and that’s when hidden issues often start to show.
Here’s the real scary stuff to watch out for this season and how to keep things safe, simple, and stress-free.
1. Overloaded sockets – the real horror story
It’s easy to plug in “just one more thing” — the inflatable ghost, the LED pumpkins, the heater by the door. But too many plugs in one socket can cause overheating, flickering, or even melting.
If you need more sockets, use a quality extension lead (not a cheap multi-plug adaptor) and avoid daisy-chaining.
And if your sockets are hot to touch — that’s your cue to unplug and give us a call.
2. Outdoor lighting – don’t let the rain crash the party
Halloween means lights in windows, fairy lights on fences, and the odd pumpkin on the doorstep. Just make sure outdoor fittings and cables are rated for external use.
Avoid running indoor extension leads through windows or letterboxes — damp weather and electrics don’t mix.
If in doubt, ask us to check or install weatherproof outdoor sockets before you decorate.
3. Flickering lights – not ghosts, just a warning
If your lights are flickering more than usual, it’s rarely a spirit trying to say hello. It’s usually a loose connection, voltage drop, or a tired fitting. A single flicker might not mean much, but if it’s happening often, it’s worth getting checked before it turns into something worse.
4. Heating up – the silent energy drain
As the weather cools, portable heaters come out, and so do higher bills. Plug heaters directly into a wall socket (never an extension lead), and keep them clear of curtains or furniture. If you’re noticing strange smells or discolouration around plugs, that’s a definite warning sign.
5. The best way to stay safe: regular checks
Like your car, your home’s electrical system needs routine maintenance. If your property’s over 10 years old and hasn’t had an inspection recently, an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) can flag potential faults early — before they become the real fright of the night.
Don’t let your electrics give you a scare
A few small checks can make a big difference to your safety, and your peace of mind.
If something doesn’t look, sound or smell right, don’t ignore it.
At HRHislop, our team’s here to keep your home safe, bright and fully powered all season long.
Visit our Virtual Quote page to send us photos and details straight from your phone — no site visit needed.
Stay safe, stay spooky, and have a cracking Halloween ⚡🎃
