Homeowners in Dorset are being urged to avoid attempting electrical improvements.

As a large number of people look to work on their homes during the lockdown period, the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC) has advised people to steer clear of any electrical work they're not qualified for.

Darren Staniforth, Senior Technical Presenter at NICEIC, said: “As homeowners adjust to the current lockdown, it is understandable that they might want to use the extra time at home getting to grips with those odd jobs that you might not otherwise have time to do. However, it’s important not to get too carried away and to know their limitations. There is a stark difference, after all, between adding a new lick of paint or fixing furniture to dabbling with electrics.”

Each year around 12,500 house fires, 750 serious injuries and 10 deaths are caused by unsafe electrics in the home.

To search for a registered electrician in your area, visit www.niceic.com.