Electricity is constantly used in our daily lives, not only as a source of light, but also as the energy responsible for the functioning of nearly all the home's apparatus: fridges, computers, hobs and televisions are just a few examples. However, incorrect use could lead to a shock in more ways than one. It is best to follow these basic rules.

Basic rules
- You should be aware of and be able to find the general electricity mains of your home, and be able to identify each switch. If necessary, stick on some labels to define the function of each switch; this will help in the event of an emergency.
- Cables or extension leads should never be hidden behind sofas or under carpets because they heat up and begin to deteriorate without you knowing. Also, in the event of a short circuit, carpets and textile materials could quickly catch fire.
- If you notice that the sockets or cables have changed colour or darkened, change them immediately as there is a risk of overheating.
- If you need to move or clean a large and powerful household appliance, such as a washing machine or fridge, unplug it first. If you cannot reach the plug, switch off the electricity at the mains.
- In households with children, you are advised to protect sockets with security devices.
- Never manipulate an electric device that is plugged into the network. Unplug it first. The same applies if there is water on the floor or you are barefoot; in these two cases your body would act as an excellent electricity conductor.

Current legislation
Since 1973 Spanish law requires all households to have an automatic safety switch. Its function is to interrupt the current when an appliance experiences a sudden change in current, when there is a surge or when someone intervenes in the electricity network, such as when a child introduces a metallic object into a socket. The obligatory installation of these switches has saved many lives, given that accidents of this kind were previously very common.

The same law also requires an earth wire, whose aim is to absorb excessive current or a malfunctioning electric appliance and divert it to this yellow-coloured wire that leads directly to the earth.

In addition, nearly all electricity networks currently contain a safety system whereby the electricity will switch off at the mains when an excessive number of appliances are connected. A short circuit will thus be avoided and the installation saved.

In any case, if the electricity switches off automatically, you will need to unplug the appliances causing the problem and then switch on the light again. If the problem continues you should not manipulate the mains: it will be far quicker to call an expert and avoid causing further damage.