Fulcher Edwards Ltd: How an Electrical Safety Certificate can save you more than just money

With England now out of the World Cup, the National Grid can now relax after reports of potential power outages were publicised if England were to win the World Cup! Unfortunately luck was not on our side....maybe next time in Euro 2016!

Whilst we're on the subject of power outages, also known as power cuts or 'blackouts', when did you last have the wiring checked in your own property? Power cuts can happen in your own home from faults in your electrics. If you suffer from regular tripping or power cuts whilst your neighbours seem blissfully unaware, it is time to have some electrical testing carried out in your home.

Electrical testing which has an official name of an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) has to be undertaken by a qualified and registered electrician. As electricians in London, we work closely with home owners across South East London and beyond ensuring that an EICR is carried out in accordance to the recommendations.

Why you should have an EICR carried out

All properties whether owned or rented should have an up to date EICR carried out. It is better to have an EICR carried out before any electrical problems become apparent. This way, early detection of electrical problems ensures the cost to put it right will be the lowest possible. Unfortunately many home owners do not inform us of an electrical problem until it becomes a nuisance. By this time the cost to repair the damage caused is far higher.

Most importantly, a satisfactory EICR gives you peace of mind that the wiring and electrical fittings in your home are safe and there are no nasty surprises lurking in the depths waiting to make their appearance!

Would your home pass an EICR?

You might be aware that electrical fires are currently the biggest cause of house fire in the UK. In many cases, they could have been easily prevented. Electrical appliance misuse and dangerous wiring often in hidden spaces such as lofts and inside walls often cause these fires. An EICR would detect potential fire risks and at an average cost of £120k per house fire, save you a lot of money and heartache.

An EICR involves lengthy electrical installation testing in your home to detect electrical problems and also to advice on updates which will protect you and your family from electrical injury or worse. Here are a few basic pointers which will give you a good idea of the electrical safety level in your home:

Do you have an RCD?

One of the many things we look at when carrying out domestic electrical testing is the fuse board otherwise known as the consumer unit. If you have had a consumer unit upgrade in recent years, chances are you have RCD protection already which is great. Having a working RCD in your home is the best protection you can currently obtain from the dangers of electricity.

Do you have broken electrical fittings?

Sockets and switches which are broken are dangerous. Even an innocent looking hair line crack in a socket can leave you at risk of electrical shock. Sockets which are discoloured or have a 'shadow' where a plug has been are also a cause for concern.

Do you carry out DIY electrical work?

Here at Fulcher Edwards we see evidence of DIY electrical work on many properties. DIY electrical work can cause damage to internal wiring systems which can be costly to replace. Over time damaged wiring can become a fire risk and cause further deterioration to the home electrical system.

Have you had an EICR carried out before?

The current recommendations are for home owners to have an EICR carried out on their property at least once every 10 years. Cables can begin to break down and deteriorate after this time and if you have carried out additions to your electrics during this time then it is important to keep your EICRs up to date.

Increasing numbers of mortgage lenders now insist on an up to date EICR being carried out on a property prior to purchase. Having an up to date EICR certificate will enhance the sale value of your property.

Have an EICR carried out if......