💡 5 Electrical Safety Myths That Could Get Your Team Hurt (Or Worse…)
- Steven Harrison CMgr MCMI
- Apr 5
- 3 min read
Let’s skip the corporate waffle and get to what matters: keeping your people alive and your business out of court.
Every week, we see well-meaning teams making simple mistakes — not because they don’t care, but because they’ve been fed outdated or downright dangerous advice.
Here are 5 of the most common electrical safety myths that are putting UK businesses at serious risk — plus how to fix them before they burn you 🔥
⚠️ Myth #1: “It’s low voltage, so it’s safe.”
Look — just because something doesn’t sound like a big deal, doesn’t mean it won’t bite you. Low voltage doesn’t mean low danger. Even voltages as low as 50V AC can cause severe muscle contractions, nerve damage, and in some cases, death — especially in wet or confined spaces. We've walked into offices where people were using homemade leads and exposed terminals because it was “only 12 volts.” That’s insane. Electricity doesn’t need much to ruin someone’s life.
✅ The Fix:
Risk assess every electrical setup — no matter the voltage.
Use barriers, signage, and lock-off systems, even for low-voltage systems.
Train all staff to treat every exposed electrical component like it's dangerous.
💥 Myth #2: “If the breaker trips, just reset it.”
Nope. That circuit breaker tripped for a reason. It’s like your car dashboard lighting up with a warning — you wouldn’t just cover it with tape and hope for the best, would you? Resetting without understanding why is like playing Russian roulette with your staff’s safety. One fault left ignored could lead to equipment overheating, electrical fires, or fatal shocks. We’ve seen this myth turn into serious downtime and even full-on workplace evacuations.
✅ The Fix:
Create a reporting protocol for tripped breakers — make it standard.
Have repeated trips inspected by a qualified electrician immediately.
Keep records of electrical faults so you can track recurring issues and prevent major failures.
🔌 Myth #3: “You can just unplug it.”
Let’s be clear — yanking a plug out of the wall, especially while the appliance is still switched on, can arc the socket and cause a small explosion. We’re talking burns, shocks, and damage to the internal wiring. We once saw someone unplug a heater with wet hands in a factory break room. Fast forward 10 seconds — burnt fingertips, no power, and a melted socket. You wouldn’t rip out a USB stick mid-transfer. Why the hell would you do it with electricity?
✅ The Fix:
Teach staff to switch off at the wall before unplugging.
Post clear signage in kitchens, warehouses, and shared areas.
Install RCDs on sockets and circuits to cut power quickly if something goes wrong.
🧯 Myth #4: “PAT testing covers everything.”
A little green sticker on the kettle doesn’t mean your site is safe. PAT testing only checks portable appliances. That’s it. It doesn’t touch fixed wiring, distribution boards, or in-use hazards like poor cable management or daisy-chained extensions. We’ve worked with companies who thought their annual PAT test was enough — until a loose wire in their ceiling caused a near-miss fire. Spoiler: The PAT sticker didn’t stop that.
✅ The Fix:
Combine PAT testing with Periodic Inspection & Testing (EICR) for your building.
Do regular visual inspections and staff awareness checks.
Ensure all documentation is up-to-date and easily accessible in case of an inspection.
🛠️ Myth #5: “Our maintenance guy can handle it.”
Unless your maintenance person has the actual electrical qualifications, you’re breaking the law. End of. According to The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, any work on electrical systems must be done by someone competent — not just confident. We’ve had clients call us after their “handyman” wired up a heater using speaker wire. The outcome? Overheating, melted insulation, and a very awkward call to the insurer.
✅ The Fix:
Only use certified electricians for installs, repairs, and inspections.
Keep qualification records on file — always.
Stop cutting corners. You wouldn’t let your accountant do your plumbing. Don’t let a generalist handle your electrics.
🧠 Final Thoughts
The scariest thing about electricity? It doesn’t warn you.
It doesn’t smell, doesn’t make a sound, and when it hits, it hits hard and fast.
Every one of these myths could cost your business a fine, a lawsuit, or a life — and all of them are totally avoidable with the right approach.
At SJH Safety Solutions, we help UK SMEs eliminate risk and stay compliant — with real-world, boots-on-the-ground safety support that keeps people safe and inspectors happy.
Let’s fix the cracks before the system shocks you. ⚡
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