Are you at risk from an electric shock in your home?

You may feel that you are not at risk of electric shock in your home, however there are many commonly made mistakes that householders often make that puts them at risk of an electric shock.

Your home may have perfectly safe electrics, it is important though that you still do not take unnecessary risks where electricity is concerned. Electricity kills 70 people every year in the UK and 350,000 serious injuries occur. Many of these injuries could have been easily prevented by staying safe and not taking a chance with electricity.

Did you know?

Some people think it is normal to get a shock from electricity now and then! It is not normal and whilst a minor shock may not kill you, many people have been killed by household appliances – as little as 42 volts is enough to kill. However it is not the volts that actually kill, it is the amount of current that is forced through the body. This effectively means any electrical appliance in your home when in use is capable of transmitted a current that is enough to kill.

Avoid these simple errors

Many electrical accidents can be easily avoided. As electricians in South East London, we often come across householders making these dangerous mistakes with electricity. Carry on reading and find out if you are putting yourself at risk from the dangers of electricity.

• Keep drinks and other liquids away from electrical appliances

How many times have you left a drink near to items such as a computer, sky box, television or games console? It is important to keep drinks away from items like these because if they spill the liquid would drip into the appliance causing you to have an electric shock. It could also cause a house fire. Not to mention the fact that you could also potentially destroy your favourite gadget – and that's at best!

• Always switch off your toaster before retrieving stuck toast

Using a metal object such as a knife to rescue burnt toast is extremely dangerous. If the knife touches the live parts found inside toasters you will get an electric shock – remember metal is a conductor of electricity. If you need to retrieve anything stuck inside your toaster, remember to switch it off first before you begin. Never use any implement inside a toaster whilst it is still plugged in. Do not shake a toaster to dislodge small items, crumbs inside the toaster can stick to the element and could cause a fire.

• Don't leave phones, tablets and other hand-held devices on charge for long periods of time

Once your device has finished charging, unplug it. Chargers can overheat and cause fire. It is also important to only use chargers and other accessories approved for your device. Never be tempted to purchase cheap chargers from unknown origins as they can be very dangerous.

• Don't leave electrical appliances and other items on standby

If you leave your television, games console, computer and other electrical equipment on standby you are risking an electrical fire. It is particularly important to switch off items on that are on standby before you go to bed. Not only will you stay safer but you will save money on your energy bill too. Don't forget to switch off washing machines and dishwashers once they have finished their programme too.

• Don't overload sockets

If you need to use an extension lead, use a bar rather than an adapter. Take care not to overload the extension lead as this can cause overheating and electric fire. The best option is to have an electrical contractor in London to install extra sockets that are needed.

• Keep electrical appliances out of the bathroom

        Don't take hair dryers, straighteners and other electrical appliances into bathrooms. You are at high risk         of electric shock particularly if the appliance comes into contact with water. Don't wind the cord round         appliances when not in use as this increases the risk of electrical fire from damaged cable.

• Only use appliances with a 3 pin plug

Never be tempted to use electrical appliances with a 2 pin plug in the UK. Here at Fulcher Edwards, we have seen instances where householders have tried to force a 2 pin plug into a standard 3 pin socket. If you want to use appliances from another country in the UK, you can purchase a converter which allows you to plug your 2 pin appliance into a 3 pin plug. This should be replaced as soon as possible with a standard UK appliance.

Keeping you and your family safe

By following these simple tips above, you will be keeping yourself and your family safe from the dangers of electrical injury and shock. By using electricity safely you are vastly decreasing your chances of fire and electrical injury in your home.

Spring DIY – know your limits

Well known retailers are now busily plugging their Spring wares in the hope that it will spark off a busy season of DIY. So long as the sun does actually come out then with it will come householders in their droves all of whom have one thing on their minds – DIY.

Whatever project you have planned for this year whether it's a new front door or some new decking you need to know where you stand when it comes to electrical work. Unfortunately electricians are getting called out to increasing numbers of electrical DIY jobs that have gone wrong and the resulting work that needs to be carried out often costs more than using a qualified and registered electrician in the first place.

Electrical DIY that often goes wrong

A recent survey carried out by the electrical training provider Trade Skills 4 U revealed that electricians most commonly get calls to fix DIY lighting that has gone wrong. On the face of it, replacing a light fitting might seem straightforward, however householders often get into difficulties when faced with cables they are not sure what to do with.

Problems with wiring are also common. Our electricians in South East London often get called to homes where cables have been drilled through accidentally or house wiring has been tampered with in an effort to resolve an electrical problem.

Know what electrical work you can and cannot do

When you are planning your DIY projects this year, it is important you know when you need to consult an electrician in South London so that you do not endanger you and your family or break the law. Remember that the majority of electrical work is subject to Part P building regulations and as such the electrical works need to be certified. Attempting to carry out work yourself that is subject to Part P regulations is illegal.

The most straightforward way to overcome this is to only use a qualified and registered electrician to carry out electrical work in your home. In addition to the certification you will have peace of mind that the electrical installation has been tested for safety and complies with the latest electrical and building regulations. In our opinion here at Fulcher Edwards, this is a small price to pay to ensure the continued safety of your family and property.

If you are intent on carrying out as much work as possible yourself, you are able to replace electrical accessories in your home that are like for like. So if your budget is very tight and you are confident in doing so, this could be another option to freshen up the look in your home.

However, in order to achieve the sparkling look that the brochures like to advertise to you, you will need to use the services of a qualified and registered electrician who can carry out the appropriate electrical designs and specify the materials needed to achieve the look.

Don't forget RCD protection

When using electrical DIY tools, it is important that you are protected from electrical injury if your equipment malfunctions. If your home does not currently have RCD protection, then you can purchase RCD sockets at low cost from well known high street retailers. Simply plug in and use for instant protection.

With a bit of forward planning, your Spring DIY should start with a proper 'spring it's step' so don't forget to stay safe and plan ahead! 

Could these Electrical Hazards be present in your home?

There are lots of stories in the media about electricity and how dangerous it can potentially be. When we're carrying out electrical work in London, we come across many households and businesses who use electricity dangerously.

It is not always poor electrical work or dangerous electrical wiring that can cause electrical injury or shock, it can also be dangerous use of electricity by householders and employees. One of the typical instances we come across very often is overuse of extension leads which has caused overheating in the wall socket, the wrong fuses used in extension leads, and badly maintained electrical appliances. It is not unusual for us to find vacuum cleaners in workplaces that have insulation taped wrapped around potentially live cable!

Checking your home and workplace for electrical hazards

When did you last actively check for electrical hazards in your home? It is easy to take electricity for granted and problems can come as a surprise. It is also worth checking your workplace, particularly electrical appliances you use as part of your job. Check your workstation, kettle, microwave, vacuum cleaner etc that you use. Don't take PAT tested equipment for granted, accidental damage can still occur between PAT tests.

Leads to electrical appliances

Check the leads to all electrical appliances that you use. Damage can occur very easily around the plug so check to ensure no bare wires are exposed in the plug area and there are no rips or wires exposed anywhere on the cable. Always check to ensure the plug is still firmly in place.

Damage to cable can cause electric shock, overheating of the appliance and possible fire. It is particularly important to check appliances that will be left unattended whilst in use.

Take care when hanging items on the wall

Burst pipes and drilled cable is no fun however many people have hit a cable unexpectedly when drilling holes in walls in order to hang mirrors, pictures and electrical equipment. If you are not sure where the cables run in your home then do not drill. Hitting a cable with a drill can cause electrical shock not to mention the inconvenience and expense of repairing the damage.

If you do drill through the cable it is important to contact an electrical engineer in London as soon as possible in order that the damage can be assessed and to make your electrical installation safe.

Before drilling or putting nails in the wall, use a cable and pipe detector which will help to identify if any cables or pipes are present where you are intending to drill.

Don't take chances with electricity

All of us have heard people boast about how they don't switch off the light when changing a light bulb or who laugh at the thought of turning off electricity to carry out a simple repair. At FulcherEdwards we highly recommend that you always switch off AND unplug electrical items when carrying out maintenance whether it is a straightforward light bulb change or a belt change on a vacuum cleaner. Electricity can activate at any time when switched on and people have had their fingers trapped when mechanisms activate without warning.

Always use common sense with electricity. If you have a electric shaving point in your bathroom, don't use it whilst you are in the bath, shower or with a basin full of water. Try to keep the use of extension leads to a minimum. It is better to ask an electrical contractor in London to install additional sockets in your home particularly in high risk areas like a kitchen rather than risk overheating and electrical injury. Many kitchen appliances will overload an extension lead so it is better not to use them at all in the kitchen.

Double check the watts when changing a light bulb

Take care not to exceed the watts on your light fitting. Never be tempted to place a bulb into a light fitting which has higher watts than stated. It can lead to overheating and could even melt the light fitting itself. It could also cause fire to both the fitting and to the lampshade around it.

Using the recommended watts saves energy too. Although light bulbs now are all energy saving which is great, it is still not necessary to use any more energy than needed.

If any damage is suspected on light fittings, always ask a domestic electrician in London to take a look.

Check your sockets for noise and damage

Even hairline cracks increase your risk of electric shock. Never use a socket with even the slightest damage. Remember there are live cables behind sockets. If you discover any discolouring on your socket, particularly a mark where a plug has been, this is a sign of overheating. Similarly if you notice any buzzing or crackling noises, fuses blowing and electric tripping then this will need a qualified and registered NICEIC electrician in London to take a look.

Never cover electrical equipment

Electrical equipment like heaters, computer monitors and televisions have vents that are vital to prevent the appliance from overheating. Never be tempted to dry clothing on an electric storage heater. The heat can set fire to the clothes. Worse still, the water dripping onto the electrics could give you an electric shock.

For ultimate electrical safety

Have you had an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) carried out on your property within the last 10 years? If not, it is worth having one carried out. Over time electrical installations can deteriorate which can cause electricity to become dangerous. It is also worth ensuring your are benefiting from the latest technology in electrical safety.

In you rent your home, the recommendation is that your landlord should have an EICR carried out every 5 years or when new tenants move in whichever is the sooner.

Take care not to become the next statistic

Electricity kills 1 person every week and injures 1000's of people. Taking time to check your home and your immediate workplace could actually save your life.

Electrical Safety Checks may become compulsory for landlords

In a welcome move, government officials are debating over the possibility of electrical safety checks becoming a compulsory requirement for landlords. Electrical safety checks have long been a grey area for landlords with the recommendations leaving an open door for less reputable landlords to not undertake any form of electrical safety checks on the properties they rent out.

The recommendations currently

The recommendations are to have an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) carried out every 5 years or with every change of tenancy whichever is the sooner. Unlike gas safety, no certificate is needed to confirm electrical safety. However, a landlord does have to demonstrate how they meet the electrical safety requirements should an electrical accident occur within their property. The majority of landlords opt for an EICR which is the simplest method of staying compliant and is a recognised document in a Court of Law.

An EICR is carried out by experienced domestic electricians in London who will issue a certificate to confirm the condition of the electrical installation in the property.

Government proposals

The government is proposing to make electrical safety checks a mandatory requirement in rental properties by imposing a requirement to have an EICR carried out on the property at least once every 10 years. Whilst this is not as often as it should be, here at Fulcher Edwards we acknowledge that this is a step in the right direction and brings electrical safety checks more in line with the current mandatory gas safety checks.

We expect this move to be fully supported by the vast majority of landlords who are already following current guidelines.

Additionally the Government has also increased the penalties for non-compliance with electrical safety recommendations in rental homes. In 2013, the fine for non-compliance was raised from £5,000 to £20,000.

The government also wants all rental homes to fitted with an RCD and electrical equipment supplied by the landlord to be PAT tested.

The proposals do not come a minute too soon as the findings from a survey carried out by the Electrical Safety Council in 2013 revealed that tenants in the private sector were more likely to affected by electrical accidents and fires with 1.7 million private renters reporting that electrical problems and issues notified to the landlord were never acted upon or not addressed in sufficient time.

What a tenant should expect to see before renting a property

Although electrical safety checks are still currently only a recommendation, we believe that landlords who are serious about your safety will ensure their electrical installations in London properties are safe before the property is let.

Before you go ahead with a rental agreement on a property ensure you see the following documentation before proceeding:

• A dated EICR certificate
• A dated gas safety certificate
• PAT test certificate and list of electrical appliances supplied by the landlord
• Modern consumer unit fitted with RCD

It makes sense to ensure your safety in the property you are thinking of renting and landlords choosing not to comply are risking a prison sentence, heavy fines, invalidation of insurance, not to mention the risk of being sued by you as the tenant!

In our opinion you are better spending your money with a reputable landlord who cares about your safety.

How to ensure your home is electrically safe following a flood

Many homes around the UK have been affected by the recent poor weather conditions which seem to be showing no signs of going away any time soon. At the start of 2014, it was estimated that half the country was underwater and some communities in Somerset are still only accessible by boat.

Electricians in South East London

At Fulcher Edwards we have been carrying out electrical work in London that has mainly involved changing consumer units that have been water damaged and testing electrical installations for safety before they're switched on. It is a dreadful situation for householders to face and we are committed to helping home owners, landlords and business owners across London to get back to normal as quickly as possible.

It is a worrying situation but worse still, there is further flooding expected as rain continues. If you have been unlucky enough to have been affected by floods, it is important to ensure your home is not only free of water before you return to it, but also that the utilities are safe to use. Many electrical systems, gas pipes and other utility supplies have been dangerously affected by water and unfortunately are dangerous to use.

Check for danger first

Keen to get back to normal, understandably householders are not thinking about checking for water damage before switching on light switches, plugging in appliances such as vacuum cleaners and generally attempting to get back to normal.

Check your fuse box

Before you begin cleaning up after being flooded, you need to ensure your electrical installation is safe. It is all too easy to switch on a light or boil the kettle without thinking about it, so make checking your fuse box the first thing you do when you return to your home.

Checking your fuse box safely

Switch off the electrical supply at the fuse box. You may need a torch to do this in poor light. You need to find the big red switch and switch it into the 'off position'.

You will now be able to inspect your fuse box safely. Use a torch to visually check your fusebox for water damage – look for evidence of water inside the fuse box or signs of arcing or overheating where water may have been.

If you spot any of these signs or you're just not 100% certain, call a qualified and registered electrician such as an NICEIC electrician in London to take a look before switching it back on. Never take a chance on electrical safety – always be 100% sure it is safe to switch your electricity back on before doing so.

What an electrician will do to help

An electrician will not only check your fuse box but also other aspects of your electrical installation in your home such as the wiring and sockets. This is known as an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR.) The report will highlight areas which need attention. If there is only minor damage from flooding, the wiring might just need to be dried out and switches, plugs and sockets replaced.

For more serious damage, the worst affected parts of your home may need to be rewired. If this is the case it will be well worth asking the electrical contractor if they can raise the height of the fuse box and sockets to above water level to prevent electrical flood damage in the future.

Check electrical appliances for damage

Large appliances affected by water will need to be replaced. The safest way of ascertaining appliance safety is to have them PAT tested. PAT testing is more than just appliances though. You also need to ascertain the electrical safety of items such as electric cookers, boilers and storage heaters. It is worth keeping portable appliances out of the reach of potential flood water if possible.

Cleaning flood water before an electrician checks your electrics

If you are attempting to clear flood water before it is practical to have your home electrics checked, take extra care when cleaning around electrics. Never touch any exposed wiring as it may be live and only clear up if it is safe to do so.

Remember to take photographs of the flood water and the damage caused for insurance purposes.

Conclusion

Only ever use genuine qualified and registered electrical contractors in London to carry out electrical work in your home. Unregistered electricians prey on householders affected by the floods so don't forget to check their credentials before you allow an electrician to work in your home.

How to find a good electrician to work in your home

Tricky isn't it?

With so many directories and registers available to find a trades person to work in your home, it is little wonder that it very quickly becomes a stab in the dark when it comes to searching for an electrical contractor in London.

With mass media coverage at present on the dangers of unregistered electricians and 'cowboy' tradespeople, it is understandable that people are struggling to know who to trust to carry out work in their homes.

We decided to put together some hints and tips on the best places to start to look for a reputable electrician – that is one who is registered and qualified. Whether you are looking for an NICEIC electrician in London or are looking for more general electrical services, then our handy guide will help you to narrow down your search for a good electrician.

Where to begin

• Recommendations

Many people start by asking people they trust the most in their lives – friends and family. This is a brilliant way of seeking recommendation for an electrician. In fact, the majority of electricians get the majority of their work through recommendation. However before you use the electrician be sure to check their registration and qualifications. It will also be worth asking to see other examples of work done for other people or their portfolio.

Tip: Always be certain that your electrician is able to do the job you need doing. Friends and family recommendations are always well meaning, be sure that the electrician is too.

• Trustmark – Government Endorsed Standards

Here at Fulcher Edwards, we are proud to be Trustmark registered electricians. This means that we comply to Trustmark's Government endorsed standards. To be accepted onto Trustmark, electricians and other trades people have to work to a consistently high standard and be assessed against these standards.

In 2013, 14,567 licensed trades people across 32 trades joined Trustmark. It is an extra re-assurance of quality which is held optionally in addition to standard registration that all electricians need to have.

Tip: Search for a local Trustmark approved electrician in your local area by entering your full postcode and select 'electricians' from the trade drop down box.

• On-line recommendation services

There are many on line recommendation services for trades people out there, you may have heard them being advertised on the radio or television. Such services include checkatrade.com, ratedpeople and trustatrader. We would advise using these services with caution as electricians have been known to 'fiddle' recommendations from their own family and friends. However saying all of that, using an on line recommendation service is a far better alternative than picking up a phone directory and searching at random.

The electricians listed on recommendation sites do have to pay to be on there, and you do have the option to read feedback on the trades person before getting in touch. The other advantage is that you can obtain an idea of price before the trades person visits your home by requesting a price on-line.

Tip: Do not take what these sites say as 'gospel truth'. Remember that the electricians on there are effectively customers of the site and they do not carry any kind of endorsement.

Three golden rules to follow before hiring a trades person

• Obtain 3 written quotes

Don't just settle for 1 price even if you think it sounds good and you're desperate for the work to begin. Ask 3 different electricians for a quote and always check what you are getting for the price. Remember many cheap quotes will not include the cost of materials or certification, and by the time these have been added to the overall cost, it becomes more expensive. Always be certain the electrician has visited your home to view the job before accepting the quote.

• Ensure the work carries a guarantee

If your electrician is registered then the work will carry a lengthy guarantee of at least 12 months. This means that should a problem develop after the work has been fitted then it will be rectified free of charge.

• Do not pay upfront for work

You can agree 'staged payments' with electricians where payment is made as the job progresses, however, ideally payment does not need to be made until the job is finished to your satisfaction.

Conclusion

Using these starting points will help to narrow down the hundreds of electricians who work in your area. It will go some way to identifying who seems to be reputable.

However always check qualifications and registration as well as following the three golden rules above to ensure you are hiring a great electrician.

Take care when selecting an electrician to work in your home

With Christmas and the New Year well and truly behind us, life is returning back to normal. Many people have with renewed goals on living a better life in 2014. One of the most popular New Year resolutions aside from eating a better diet and getting fit is to do up the home.

Of course it is not possible to do up an entire home without using some outside help from qualified tradespeople and using an electrical contractor in London for your home electrics is an absolute must. When looking for a domestic electrician in London, ensure they are qualified and registered electricians.

Don't assume that just because someone has told you that they're an electrician that they really are!

It sounds awful to say but you mustn’t make the common error of taking what people say at face value. Just because they have an advert in the local paper saying they're an electrician or they drive around in a van with the NICEIC logo on it, it doesn't mean for certain that is the case.

Always check credentials

Are they really an niceic electrician in London?

Before proceeding with any work in your home always ask to see your electricians qualifications – in particular check when they qualified as this will give you some idea of their level of experience.

Equally as importantly, ensure they are registered with an electrical registration scheme such as the NICEIC, NAPIT or ELECSA. You can search on the electrical safety register or the electric safe register or contact the registration schemes directly – you will find all the information easily on the internet. Always check the registration number given to you by the electrician is still valid.

Why are we telling you this?

Last month the Electrical Safety Council said there were 20,000 unregistered electricians working in peoples homes. In many cases house holders have unwittingly used someone whom they believed was a bona-fide electrician. Unregistered electricians can come in many guises so it is important to know what to be aware of so you don't end up being caught out.

Don't:

• Use an electrician based solely on someone else’s recommendation. They may have done a great job elsewhere but have they really? Electrical accidents account for over 50% of house fires and one person dies every week as a result of an electrical accident. Always check qualifications and registration to ensure the job is carried out safely

• Agree to use someone as they know a bit about electrics. Well meaning friends and people willing to help out may seem like a good turn at the time. Never compromise your property or your family for a cheap job. You get what you pay for, never take the risk. What can seem like a simple job can quickly turn into a nightmare with the cost

• Allow other tradespeople to choose an electrician for you. If a tradesman claims to be a 'one stop shop' and can do every trade then this should be a concern. Equally if a trades person offers to get their own men in to do certain aspects such as electrics, do not automatically accept. As a householder you should have freedom of choice over who works in your home – always carry out your checks first. A third of electricians have seen an increase in dangerous or sub-standard work carried out by one stop tradespeople and unregistered electricians carrying out work for them.

Conclusion

Opting for a cheap trades person is never the right answer. Remember your safety depends on the person doing the work. A genuine electrician will always be happy to show you qualifications and registration details.