Electricity operates invisibly, often concealed within our walls and cabinets. As a result, it's easy to overlook the importance of regularly checking for damage or wear in our electrical systems.
Outdated or faulty wiring is a leading cause of home electrical fires. Regular inspections of cables, switches, sockets, and related components can significantly reduce this risk.
Identifying the age of your electrical installation involves recognizing specific indicators:
- Fixed cables coated in black rubber (no longer used after the 1960s).
- Fixed cables coated in lead or fabric (common before the 1960s).
- Fuse boxes with wooden backs, cast iron switches, or a mix of different types of fuse boxes (prevalent before the 1960s).
- Older round pin sockets (or light switches), braided flexes hanging from ceiling roses, brown (or black) switches, or sockets integrated into or missing skirting boards (typical before the 1960s).
- Light switches mounted on walls or in bathrooms (common before the 1960s).
Regardless of its age, any electrical installation is susceptible to damage and wear over time. Therefore, it's advisable to have a qualified electrician assess its condition at least every ten years or when moving into a new property.
Since 2020 the regulations for landlords have changed and an electrical condition report is required on a rental property every 5 years.
The primary objectives of an electrical installation condition report are:
- Recording inspection and testing results to ensure the installation's safety until the next inspection, following any necessary safety improvements.
- Detecting and reporting any damage or wear that may compromise safety.
- Identifying components of the electrical installation that do not meet the IET Wiring Regulations.
- Locating potential sources of electric shocks and excessive temperatures.
- Providing a vital record of the installation's status at the time of inspection, serving as a reference for future testing.
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From 1 April 2022 until 31 March 2027, the zero rate applies to the installation of certain specified energy-saving materials in residential accommodation in Great Britain.
From 1st February 2024 the zero rate will be extended to electrical battery storage that is retrofitted to a qualifying ESM.