We are so used to using electricity that it’s easy to overlook that if it is not safe it can be the cause of fires or dangerous electric shocks. Every year approximately 70 deaths and 350,00 injuries in UK homes are caused by faulty electrics and electrical equipment. Almost half of all domestic fires are caused by electricity.
Here's how we work with you to keep your home safe:
- Undertake regular electrical inspections – we will complete periodic safety checks on your home and make arrangements for any subsequent repairs.
- Upgrade smoke alarms – we ask that you regularly test your smoke alarms and report any problems to us immediately.
- Why must I get permission to make changes to the electrics in my home?
- DIY attempts are the cause of half of the significant electric shocks, and it’s important that a suitably competent and qualified electrician does any work. Unsafe attempts to extend or change the electrics could cause a fire or shocks and be a danger to you and your family. It is important that you seek permission before proceeding with any alterations to the electrical system within your home.
What is an EICR visit?
This is the Electrical Inspection Condition Report that we are required, by law, to check every five years as part of the electrical safety check.
The electrician will need to:
- be able to do a hundred percent visual check on all electrical points in every room, this includes sockets, lighting pendants and fuse spurs (a switch that’s used to isolate electrical equipment from the mains supply
- access all electrical points.
Jargon buster
‘A consumer unit’ is the same as a fuse box and is used to distribute electricity throughout your home.
‘Circuit breakers’ – newer homes have a circuit breaker in the consumer unit that will switch of a circuit if there is a fault.
‘Fuses’ - Older homes often have rewireable fuses which automatically disconnect the circuit to prevent danger when a fault or overload current goes above a safe level.
Electrical safety tips to keep you and your family safe
Do’s
- Keep your electrical check appointment – contact us if you are finding it difficult and need a special arrangement because of work or caring commitments.
- Ask for permission to make an electrical installation or change. This includes a car charging point, outside socket, or jacuzzi or hot tub.
Don’ts
- Drill holes or hammer nails into the wall without knowing what’s behind it.
- Run domestic extension wires to power high voltage lights Christmas or car charging points.
- Plug an extension lead into another extension lead.
For more information about how to tell if you are overloading sockets, and for safety advice, go to https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/overloadingsockets
