Are you in danger of electrical shock or injury?

Electricity is very often taken for granted and it is only when something goes wrong that many people realise the true potential of electricity. When electricity goes wrong it goes wrong in spectacular style.

In fact electricity kills 7 people every week and injures 1000's more. It is often silly mistakes that leads to electricity injury rather than knowingly taking risks with electricity. Do you really know how electrically safe your home is? The truth is many homes in the UK are actually electrically dangerous and whether or not you own or rent your homes makes no difference. 

Unfortunately many people think that because their electrics are working then they must be safe. Don't wait for something to happen to your home electrics before you get them checked out.

Who should check your electrics?

The checking of your home electrics should be carried out by a qualified and registered electrician. Anyone offering electrical services in London should be qualified and registered to carry out work and electrical investigations within your property.

Unfortunately we have heard several stories of landlords, well meaning friends or unqualified individuals making assumptions on the condition of home electrical systems. Remember that electricity can kill and if you have any concerns about your electrics, you need to contact a qualified and registered electrician.

Working on your home electrics is mostly illegal

Did you know that carrying out work yourself on your home electrics is actually mostly illegal? You can replace like for like but like the vast majority of our clients here at Fulcher Edwards, you'll be looking for something different – perhaps an upgrade to chrome sockets or new lighting.

People who carry out DIY electrics are not only putting themselves at risk of electric shock but also their family and friends. You might think you know what you are doing but the truth is many people are quite literally shocked when they realise that what seemed like a simple job wasn't quite as straightforward as they hoped.

Also how safe is your work? Does it meet todays standard. Substandard electrical work can lead to house fire and expensive damage to other parts of your home electrical system. As electricians in East London we see the result of DIY electrical work on a daily basis. Our advise to you is not to attempt it and contact an electrician to do the work for you.

Are your home electrics keeping you safe?

The main reasons for needing an electrician to assess the safety of your electrics are:

• Not having them checked for more than 10 years (or 5 years in a rented property.)
• Carrying out DIY electrical work
• Having a wooden backed fuse box

Having an electrical safety inspection (known as an EICR) is highly recommended during these time scales to ensure your home electrics are working as they should and provides you with peace of mind. An EICR can save you from an expensive electrical job further down the line.