As the local electricians in Essex, London, and Kent, we know that most people usually ignore electrical inspections. And as someone who’s seen the good, the bad, and the downright dangerous in the electrical world, we are here to tell you why it should be at the top of your to-do list.
It might not be the most exciting topic, but it’s important. Regular electrical inspections aren’t just a “nice to have.” They’re an absolute must for keeping your home safe, compliant with regulations, and even saving you money in the long run.
I know it’s easy to assume your home’s wiring is fine, especially if you haven’t noticed any problems. But electrical issues often develop slowly and silently, hiding behind your walls until it’s too late.
According to the UK government’s fire statistics, around 6,000 house fires each year are caused by electrical faults. Sadly, these fires often result in injuries and even fatalities.
What’s an Electrical Inspection?
An electrical inspection is a thorough check-up of your home’s entire wiring and electrical system. Our qualified electrician will meticulously check for everything, including:
- Wiring: We’ll assess the condition of your wiring, looking for any damage, wear and tear, or signs of overheating. We’ll also check if the wiring is installed correctly and secured.
- Electrical Panel (Consumer Unit): Our electrician will ensure your electrical panel is in good working order and the circuit breakers are functioning correctly or not overloaded.
- Outlets and Switches: We’ll test each outlet and switch to make sure they’re wired correctly, grounded properly, and that there are no loose connections.
- Grounding: Our local electrician will verify that the electricity is properly grounded to protect against electrical shocks.
- Appliances: We might also test certain appliances to ensure they do not draw too much power or pose a fire hazard.
- Overall Safety: The electrician will look for any potential safety hazards, such as exposed wires, overloaded circuits, or outdated components.
Certification is provided after an inspection, detailing any observed damage, deterioration, defects, or dangerous conditions. If any immediate or potential dangers are found, the inspector will recommend necessary actions or repairs.
Why Are Electrical Inspections Important?
- Safety: Faulty electrical systems are one of the leading causes of fire in London, Essex, and Kent. Regular inspections help identify potential hazards like faulty wiring or overloaded circuits before they lead to disasters.
- Compliance with Regulations: If you’re a landlord, regular inspections are a legal requirement. Electrical installations must comply with the UK National Standard, BS 7671. Our inspections ensure that electrical installations meet these standards, thereby not only ensuring safety but also compliance with legal requirements.
- Preventive Maintenance: You can identify wear and tear before they transform into bigger problems. This proactive approach not only saves money on costly repairs but also extends the lifespan of your electrical system.
- Insurance: Many insurance companies require up-to-date electrical certificates to validate home and business insurance policies. Regular inspections and compliance can help ensure that insurance coverage remains intact.
- Energy Efficiency: An inspection can reveal if your electrical system is inefficient, potentially leading to higher energy bills.
Research indicates that regular maintenance and inspections can reduce the risk of electrical fires by as much as 70%. Furthermore, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reports that 25% of all serious electrical accidents involve portable appliances. These could be mitigated with regular portable appliance testing (PAT).
Types of Electrical Inspections
There are a few different types of electrical inspections you might encounter:
Periodic Inspection
This is a general inspection of your entire electrical system, usually recommended every 10 years for homeowners. For landlords, it is required every 5 years or with every change of tenancy. Businesses should undertake inspections more frequently, depending on the guidance specified in their risk assessments, often every one to three years.
However, the frequency of electrical inspections depends on several factors, including the type of installation, its age, and its usage.
Visual Inspection
This is a more basic check that focuses on visible issues, like damaged outlets or exposed wires. It’s not as comprehensive as a periodic inspection.
Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
This is a more in-depth inspection that’s often required for rental properties or when buying or selling a home. It provides a detailed report on the condition of the electrical system. The EICR will clearly identify any observed defects and classify them according to their severity:
- C1: Danger present. Risk of injury. Immediate remedial action is required.
- C2: Potentially dangerous. Urgent remedial action is required.
- C3: Improvement recommended.
- FI: Further investigation required.
PAT testing
Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is a process used to evaluate the electrical safety of portable appliances in your home or workplace. These appliances can include anything with a plug, like kettles, toasters, computers, lamps, and power tools. While PAT testing isn’t a legal requirement for homeowners in the UK, it’s a sensible precaution to ensure the safety of your home or building’s electrical appliances.
In the End
Electrical work is complex and potentially dangerous. Please don’t attempt to DIY an inspection or any electrical repairs. Always hire a qualified, NICEIC-registered electrical contractor like BSES to ensure the job is done safely and to the highest standards.
If you’re due for an electrical inspection or have any questions about electrical safety, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We here to help keep your home safe and sound.
Get a quote for free: Call us at 01708874843 or send us a “Hi” on WhatsApp.
Stay safe with BSES!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can perform an electrical inspection?
Electrical inspections should be carried out by a qualified and competent electrician or electrical inspector registered with a competent person scheme in the UK, such as the NICEIC, ELECSA, or similar organisations. These professionals have the training, skills, and tools to assess your electrical systems thoroughly and safely.
How long does an electrical inspection take?
The duration of an electrical inspection can vary widely depending on the property’s size and the complexity of the electrical system. For a typical home, an inspection might take between 3 to 4 hours, while a larger commercial building could require a full day or more.
What is BS 7671?
BS 7671, also known as the “IET Wiring Regulations,” is the national standard in the United Kingdom for the safety of electrical installations. It sets the standards for electrical installation in homes, commercial buildings, and industrial premises, ensuring that the electrical wiring practices are safe and effective in preventing hazards such as fires and shocks.
