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An electrical safety check makes your home secure. It avoids fires, electric shocks, and catastrophic faults. Some homeowners wonder, "What is an electrical safety check?" Here is the comprehensive answer to their question.
The article covers every aspect of the inspection process. It also illustrates what to look forward to, how long, and what the cost is.
Every home wears out over time. Electrical systems are the same. Wires, switches, and sockets can be damaged. Faults develop quietly. Safety checks pick them up early.
If not checked, faults may lead to fire or accidents. Safety checks identify threats before they turn hazardous. They also maintain your system in line with current safety standards.
Homeowners need to organise a safety check every 5 to 10 years. You also need to book one when you purchase a new home. Checks regularly provide reassurance.
For landlords, the checks are a requirement by law. Rental homes in England need an electrical inspection every five years. The legislation refers to this as the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020.
An electrical safety inspection consists of a thorough examination of your fixed wiring. This is an Electrical Installation Condition Report or an EICR.
The electrician examines all aspects of the electrical system. They test the wiring, the consumer unit (fuse box), sockets, switches, and bonding. They don't test appliances. They are tested via Portable Appliance Testing (PAT).
At the end of the check, the electrician issues a report. This report shows the condition of your electrical installation. It states whether the system is safe or not.
The inspection focuses on all fixed wire elements in your property. These include:
The electrician searches for wear and tear, damage, bad installation, or aged systems. They also inspect whether the system complies with up-to-date British Standards (BS 7671).
Depending on:
The average is 30 minutes per circuit. If there are 10 circuits, the test should take approximately 5 hours.
If faults are discovered, the electrician might take longer. They will check more outlets on a circuit if they notice an issue.
The test has three phases:
The electrician begins with a visual inspection. They examine damage or faults with the naked eye. This involves:
Homeowners can prepare by ensuring outlets are accessible. Move furniture or obstructions away from sockets or the consumer unit.
Dead tests involve turning off the power. Dead tests test safety with no electricity passing through.
Dead tests include:
These tests assist in identifying serious faults such as damaged wiring or incorrect polarity.
Once dead testing is done, the electrician restores power. Live tests ensure the system responds appropriately in emergencies.
Live tests include:
These checks guarantee that safety devices perform as intended.
The electrician hands you an EICR after the inspection. This is a thorough report on the safety of your system.
The report includes four codes:
If the report indicates C1 or C2 faults, you have to do something to render the system safe. You cannot disregard these faults.
Faults have to be repaired urgently, particularly C1 and C2. The electrician does not make repairs as part of the inspection. You need to schedule a follow-up job.
Always have a qualified electrician do repairs. Provide them with a copy of your EICR. When the repairs are done, ask for written confirmation. This can be in the form of a new certificate or assurance that the system is safe now.
Electricians inspect the entire system. Here's a closer inspection of what they look at:
Wiring is the spine of your electrical system. The electrician inspects for:
They also inspect the thickness of cables. Thin cables tend to overheat. The electrician verifies the correct cables for the load.
Earthing guards against people getting electric shocks. Bonding links metal components together so that they remain at the same voltage.
The electrician inspects:
The fuse box is the hub of the system. The electrician inspects:
The electrician inspects all accessible fittings. These include:
They check for signs of burning or injury. They test that the switches function properly. They also test if any fitting produces buzzing or flickering.
Book an inspection if you experience any of the warning signs below:
If you are renovating or extending your house, arrange a check before commencement. Ensure new electrical work complies with the latest regulations.
Here are more points to think about when planning a safety check:
Wear and Tear: Everything degrades with time. Outlets become loose, switches get broken, and wires deteriorate. Heavy use accelerates this process. Inspections catch these issues before they turn into major problems.
New Technology: Smart homes require more robust electrical systems. Equipment such as EV chargers or home automation systems demands more power. The older systems cannot handle this need. A check will indicate if you require upgrades.
Environmental Risks: Humidity in kitchens or bathrooms is risky. So is intense heat or cold. Animals, such as rodents, can destroy wires in attics or walls, too. Children and pets contribute to safety issues. Socket covers and RCDs provide additional safeguards.
Electrical safety checks in rental houses are the law. Landlords have to do them every five years. Failure to do so can result in fines of up to £30,000.
Even in owner-occupied homes, insurance companies may ask for a recent safety certificate. Without it, your claim could be denied after a fire or an electric shock incident.
Safety checks reduce your legal and financial risks. They show that you’ve done your part to keep the home safe.
Always use a competent and licensed electrician. Check for certification from reputable regulatory bodies. A professional will use the correct procedures and issue the correct paperwork.
Request evidence of insurance. Check online reviews or ask for referrals. Select someone who specialises in electrical safety checks, not overall repairs.
Prices depend on property size, number of circuits and various other factors.
For a small studio (up to 6 circuits), prices begin at £180 (£150 before VAT). A three-bedroom house with up to 12 circuits begins at £360 (£300 before VAT).
Commercial properties begin at £480 (£400 before VAT) for 10 circuits. Each extra circuit is £36 (£30 before VAT).
Evening or weekend inspections are more expensive. Power must be switched off during testing, so select a time that causes minimal disruption.
An electrical safety inspection is not optional. It keeps your family safe, your home secure, and your mind at ease. If you're a homeowner or a landlord, frequent inspections mean you're both safe and in compliance.
Knowing what to expect makes you better prepared. Keep your certificates, repair any defects, and always hire a certified electrician.
Your electrical system requires attention, just like all the other aspects of your house. Schedule your safety check today and get ahead of any issues.
