Households could face power cuts this winter (Image: Getty)
Households across the UK are being urged to do one thing before Christmas or risk facing power cuts.
Experts from a home assistance firm have said that the average household is set to spend a staggering £1,115 on smart home technology this , including smart phones, home assistants and smart speakers.
But with snow, ice, wind and rain disruption sweeping the UK this winter, and surely plenty more to come before next spring, home assistance firm has revealed that one in five Brits have no idea how to get the power back on by resetting their fusebox, and risk sitting in the dark for hours on end as a result.
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In the event of a power cut, even a brief one, your home’s fusebox will often ‘trip’ off, in order to protect from your devices or your home’s wiring being hit by surges, which can prove dangerous.
But despite a huge reliance on technology at home, 18 percent of Britons would not know how to get the power back on at the fusebox, HomeServe claims.
A spokesperson for the firm said: “Surprisingly, 18% of Brits admit they don’t know how to reset their fuse box, prompting HomeServe’s experts to urge people to brush up on basic electrical fixes ahead of the festive season. This is more important as data from HomeServe shows a 19% increase on average in electrical callouts during November.”
The fusebox is usually located in your cellar, your kitchen cupboards or sometimes a hallway. It will look like a white metal box with lots of switches, and is often found near your electricity meter.
During a blackout, it will flip off, and you’ll need to find it in the dark to flip the switches back into the ‘on’ position to restore your lights even when the grid has restored power.
Sam Starbuck, HomeServe Home Expert, commented: ” really is the oxygen of our homes – without it, the impact can be significant. With smart gadgets controlling everything from heating to security, a power cut can seriously disrupt daily life. We’re urging the nation to brush up on basic electrical fixes, like resetting a fuse box, so they’re better prepared for power outages.
“For more complex issues, having reliable insurance or home assistance is essential. As we become more dependent on smart tech, ensuring any electrical faults are quickly resolved will help you to have a stress-free festive season without unexpected disruptions.”