Every year, around 70 deaths and 350,000 injuries in UK homes are caused by faulty electrics and electrical equipment. Almost half of all domestic fires are caused by electricity. If you live in a privately rented property, statistics show that you are at a higher risk of electric shock.
There is often confusion among landlords and tenants regarding who is responsible for electrical safety in rented properties. By law, landlords are required to arrange a test of the electrical system and provide an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). Tenants should report electrical problems as soon as they appear and maintain any electrical items they bring into the house. This simple guide will help you understand the electrical safety and show you what to look out for in your rented home. |
The warning signs
If you see any of these in your rented home, they show that the electrical installation is old and may not have had the proper safety checks:
1 | Cables Cables are coated in black rubber, lead or fabric. |
2 | Fuse Box The fusebox has a wooden back, is made of cast iron or there are a number of them in the same area. |
3 | Sockets Old round-pin sockets and round light switches, cables covered in fabric hanging from ceiling roses, brown and black switches and sockets mounted in skirting boards. |
4 | Switches Light switches are mounted on the wall in the bathroom. |
Things to check
Protect yourself and those you live with by following these simple steps:
• Check that sockets, switches and light fittings are in good condition with no signs of damage such as cracking or burn marks.
• Check that leads (flexible cables) on appliances aren’t damaged or frayed.
• Check that the fusebox has RCD protection. An RCD is a life-saving device that protects against electric shock and reduces the risk of electrical fires.
To help you to carry out visual checks in your rented home, download free Home Electrical Safety Checks smartphone app, available for iPhone and Android. Find out more at electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/visualchecks |
Things to remember
What you can do to reduce the risk of electrical accidents and fires.
• Don’t overload sockets. Visit electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/
overloading sockets and use our calculator to make sure that you are safe.
• Don’t attempt to use electrical appliances from overseas in the UK. Products manufactured for use in other countries may operate at a different voltage and frequency.
• Don’t attempt any repairs to the electrical wiring or appliances yourself.
• Don’t take mains-powered electrical products into the bathroom.
• Don’t touch electrical appliances or switches with wet hands.
• Don’t plug adaptors into adaptors.
• Do tell your landlord immediately if you think there is a problem with the electrics.
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Electrical
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Gas
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Fire Safety
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