5 ways to check your electrics in the home are safe
Would you know where to start when it comes to checking what condition your electrics are in? We find out how easy it really is.
Did you know that electrical charity and specialists Electrical Safety First recommend that you get an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) at least every 10 years, particularly as, every year around 20,000 house fires are caused by faulty electrics.
People over 65 are most at risk of a situation like this, due largely to the fact they tend to live in older properties with faulty electrics and old appliances.
But there are simple electrical checks you can make yourself, before calling in an electrician if there’s a serious problem.
So here’s what NICEIC and ELECSA recommend you look out for when it comes to reducing an electrical fault:
1. Ensure plug sockets are not damaged or scorched. Any scorch marks around a socket are an indication that something is not right with the wiring behind the walls and that you should call a registered electrician to investigate further.
2. Check that leads or cables are not damaged or frayed.
3. Check that lights are working correctly and there are no signs of visible damage or buzzing sounds.
4. Check that sockets are not overloaded or that too many extension leads are in use.
5. Check that the main fuse box (consumer unit) has RCD protection fitted. An RCD (Residual Current Device) will trip should it detect an overload in the circuit.
If you would like further advice or help on any of the above, please don't hesitate to contact our team via info@orchilelectrics.co.uk or telephone 01764 681 558.
Article source: BT.com
