How to spot a problem with your home electrics

gazza — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0000

gazza Mon, 05/11/2012

How do you know you have an electrical problem that needs the services of a qualifed electrician? How many times have you considered that the problem may be too small or trivial to a busy electrician?

Read on to find out what could be a problem in your home and what you can do yourself to ensure your electrical safety.

A key point to remember is that if you do spot a potential issue in your home, it is far better to sort the issue out now rather than allow it to develop into a dangerous problem.

It pays not to take chances with electrcity. At least 1 person is killed every week in an electrical related accident and 1000's are injured. Don't be tempted to make any electrical repairs if you are not confident in doing so.

So what potential issues could you spot in your home?Lets start with the fuse board. Another name for this is a consumer unit. When is it time for a new one?

If your consumer unit has a wooden back or iron switches or has no labels this is a sign that the consumer unit is old and outdated. It is well worth investing in an up to date consumer unit specifically for the dual RCD safety features which will protect you and your family from electric shock.

If you have re-wirable fuses, again this is a sign of an old box. Hopefully you have never been tempted to replace fuse wire with paper clips or foil and in any case, rewiring fuses is not recommended nowadays. Switch to a modern consumer unit and the breakers do all the work for you. Simply flick a switch and you're ready to go. Breakers are great safety devices that alert you instantly if there is an electrical problem by tripping your power.

If they are visible, take a look at the wires going into your consumer unit or fuse box. (do not touch) If they are black it could mean the cable is rubber (and old!) Rubber cables can detoriate over time. Modern PVC cables are grey or white in colour.
Moving onto your rooms now, switches and sockets we almost take for granted and we don't think about them a great deal until something goes wrong.

Wish you had more sockets in your living space? Rooms with only 1 or 2 sockets or single sockets can indicate old wiring or an old installation.

Broken plastic revealing the wiring or any inner part contained within sockets and switches should not be used

Sockets should be fitted directly to the wall and not on skirting boards

Plugs which feel hot when in use, or fizzle and crackle and have a smell indicate an electrical wiring problem.
Moving onto lights:

Lights which flicker when in use can indicate old or damaged wiring.

Light fittings that need bulb replacements more often than usual.
The best way to ensure your home is electrically sound is to have an electrical safety inspection carried out every 10 years if you are a homeowner. Different rules apply if you are a landlord. You will receive a certificate that is your peace of mind that your home is safe.
Of course, day to day you can ensure your electrical safety by following some common sense precautions:

Keep the use of extension leads and multi plug adapters to a minimum. Consider asking an electrician to install some extra sockets for you if you need more.

If there is an electrical problem, don't ignore it, simply replacing fuses or re-setting trips are making the problem worse and more expensive to repair. Remember, if a fuse keeps blowing, or your fuse box breakers or RCD's keep tripping there is a reason for this and they are just doing their job!

If your having your home re-wired, do it before you decorate.
Always ensure that your electrician is registered with a Part P organisation such as the NICEIC, NAPIT or ELECSA before work begins. This ensures that not only will the works be carried out in accordance to IET regulations and certified, it also means that the work will be guaranteed, the electrician will be insured to work in your home and you are entitled to complain if you're not happy.

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