Over 20,000 fires are caused by electrical faults each year in UK homes. While our electrical safety check will assure the periodic safety of your electrical system, the biggest cause of electrical fires in homes is faulty appliances.

This simple advice on electrical safety will help keep you and your family safe:

• Switch off appliances when not in use and remove plugs from their sockets, especially when you go to bed.
• Don’t let leads from kettles, toasters or other appliances trail across your cooker.
• Never trail flexible cables from appliances under your carpet or rugs.
• If you see burn marks or notice sockets feel hot, let us know.
• Check cables before using an appliance. If you notice wear and tear, or the plug isn’t securely fastened, don’t use it.
• Never overload electrical adaptors by plugging too many appliances into one socket.
• Use plugs that conform to British Standard 1363 or 1363A. Make sure that they are fitted properly and are fitted with the correct fuse.
• Clocks, radios, table lamps and black and white televisions require 3 amp fuses.
• Don’t use a bulb with a higher wattage than stated on your light fitting.
• Colour televisions, electric drills, food mixer, hair dryer, iron and vacuum cleaners require 5 amp fuses.
• Electric fires, kettles, toasters, and washing machines require 13 amp fuses 5 never run an electrical appliance from a light fitting.
• Always seek professional advice regarding electrical appliances.
• Test your smoke alarm regularly.

Electrical safety inspections

Our team will need to access your home at least once every 5 year to check your electrical system. It is really important that you let us in to allow this inspection to take place.

This is a requirement of your occupation contract and key to the safety of your home and neighbours.

What do we check during a home electrical safety visit.

Our system will select a date  and send out a letter at least two weeks before your appointment is due.

Your home visit usually lasts between 2 to 4 hours depending on any repairs our engineer has to carry out. We would be grateful if you could let us know in advance if you are unable to make your appointment. You can call us on 0800 854 568 or email [email protected]

We check:

• the consumer unit (fuse box).
• your electrical meter and the electrical supply cable coming into your home.
• and carry out a visual inspection on all of your sockets and light switches.
• your gas and water supply (usually under your sink).
• any external supplies e.g. sheds with sockets 
• external lighting

We ask that customers are home during the checks and are over the age of 18.