“People often tuck cables away behind bookcases, run them under carpets, or coat sockets with paint to make things look tidy,” Harrison said.
“But what they don’t realise is this creates a hidden fire risk.”
The problem lies in how these setups trap heat and wear down cable insulation over time. Cables need ventilation to avoid overheating.
When they’re compressed or covered, heat can’t dissipate properly, increasing the risk of electrical faults and, in the worst cases, fire.
“Sockets and cables need room to breathe,” said Harrison. “And they need to be visible so you can spot the early warning signs of trouble, like discolouration, a burning smell, or damage to the wires.”
This issue is especially relevant in summer months, when homes heat up and demand on electrical devices increases, think fans, portable air conditioners, or multiple chargers running at once.
Combined with hidden, compressed wires, this can quickly become a recipe for disaster.
Beyond cable concealment, Harrison points out other all-too-common mistakes overloading extension cords, daisy-chaining plug adapters, and attempting DIY fixes without understanding basic electrical safety.
“DIY can be great, but not when it comes to your electrics,” he said.
“Unless you’re trained, small errors can lead to big consequences. We often see melted sockets, damaged circuits, and in the worst cases, evidence of small electrical fires.”
His key advice for homeowners is to keep cables visible and untangled, never paint over sockets, avoid overloading power strips, and always call a qualified electrician for repairs or upgrades.
“The neatest homes aren’t always the safest,” Harrison added. “But with a few simple habits, you can reduce your fire risk significantly.”