Product misuse is the top cause of accidental fires in UK homes.
Modern living means we are using more and more electrical appliances in the home.
Not that long ago the average UK home would have had a hi-fi system and one TV or video. Today there is likely to be multiple TVs, laptops, tablets, mobile phones, games consoles and several kitchen appliances as well as various other electrical gadgets.
So the risk of electrical accidents in the home is much higher. And it can be easy to commit basic electrical safety blunders in the home without realising you are being exposed to the risk of fire or electric shock.
This section is full of useful tips to help you stay safe when using your everyday electrical items.
Why register your appliances?
- You can be easily contacted if there is a safety recall.
- It’s much easier to return a faulty product or order a repair.
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Selected FAQs
The neutral wire is blue.
A periodic inspection is an inspection and associated testing to check whether an electrical installation is in a satisfactory condition for continued service. On completion of the necessary inspection and testing, an Electrical Installation Condition Report will be issued detailing any observed damage, deterioration, defects, dangerous conditions and any non-compliances with the present-day safety standard which might give rise to danger.
It is recommended that periodic inspection and testing is carried out at the following times:
- for tenanted properties, every 5 years or at each change of occupancy, whichever is sooner
- at least every 10 years for an owner-occupied home
- at least every 5 years for a business
The Landlords and Tenant Act 1985 requires landlords of properties with short leases to keep the electrical wiring in repair and in proper working order. We recommend landlords arrange for periodic inspection and testing to be carried out by a registered electrician at the relevant intervals shown above.
Periodic inspection and testing of the electrics should be carried out more frequently on the places and premises listed here:
- 3 years for a caravan
- 1 year for a swimming pool
Periodic inspection and testing should be carried out only by electrically competent persons, such as registered electricians.
First, you need to find out whether the electrician you used is actually registered. To do this, contact the operator of the scheme they have claimed to be part of, and they will tell you whether this is the case. If they are registered, the scheme operator can guide you through their complaints procedure.
If you find out the electrician misled you and is not registered, you should report this to your local Trading Standards Department as they are breaking the law. We would also recommend that you get an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) carried out on your home; this will assess any work that has been undertaken and will act as sufficient documentation to certify that work. This needs to be carried out by a registered electrician and unfortunately will be an added cost for you.
To find a registered electrician near you, please go to the Find an Electrician section of this website where you will find information specific to your region of the UK.
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