Currently, the legal obligations of a landlord relating to electrical equipment and electrical systems can be classified as a grey area. Unlike the Gas Safety Regulations that legally stipulates that you are obliged to get a gas certification every year for rental properties, no law exists that requires you to carry out annual electrical safety checks.

However, various regulations exist and clearly state that all electrical equipments and systems must be safely installed and maintained. Failing to comply with this requirement is considered as a criminal offence that can lead to prosecution and penalties.

Some possible penalties include invalidation of the property insurance, a fine on the item that has not complied, imprisonment for a period of at least 6 months, manslaughter charges in case of deaths and a civil suit by tenants in the event of damages. To avoid legal tussles, you can follow the tips provided below.

Relevant safety regulations

It is your obligation as a landlord to ensure the safety of all the electrical systems and equipment. Section 11 of the 1985 Landlord & Tenant Act states that the landlord must repair and make sure all the electricity installations are working properly.

Other relevant rules that safeguard the safety electrical appliances include the 1994 Electrical Equipment Regulations, the 2004 Housing Act, the 1994 Plugs and Sockets Regulations and the 1987 Consumer Protection Act. One thing clearly stipulated by the law is that a qualified and competent electrician must carry out all the installation work. You can get an electrician who has a government approved certification and is properly trained in electrical safety compliance.

Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)

Portable Appliances testing refers to the process of routinely checking the safety of all electrical appliances. Any items that are plugged in, such as computers, printers, kettles, speakers and cables fall in this category. Though you are not mandated by the law to carry out a PAT, it is advisable to acquire this certification because it proves that the appliance was okay when the tenant rented the property.

In case they later on sue for damages, you can use the PAT certification to defend the safety of your property in the courts. Remember to engage a professional in the routine checkups.

Safety measures

It is recommended that you properly maintain all the electrical systems and equipment to minimise risks and dangers. To determine if any maintenance is required, you need a qualified electrician to carry out regular electrical safety compliance tests in Westcliff and inspections on all the electrical systems and appliances. Frequency of this exercise is determined by various factors, such as the environment, users and the type of equipment.

For instance, if the tenants report any damage that may pose a risk to them, you must immediately engage a Westcliff based electrician to carry out an inspection and the necessary maintenance. During an inspection, you might find an illegal installation that may pose a risk to tenants. Other safety procedures that you can follow to minimise hazards include: using standard sockets and plugs and issuing safety warnings and operating instructions to tenants for communal appliances.

Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO)

If your property is a HMO, the law stipulates that you must carry out an inspection on all appliances and get a PAT certification. According to the HMO Management Standards Regulations, every electrical installation on the property must be tested and inspected every year by a qualified electrician, who then issues the PAT certificate. Ensure you check with your local authority because the requirements for HMOs differ from one region to another.

Need an electrician in Westcliff? Call Powerlec Electrical & Testing Ltd today!

All the work we carry out is Part P approved, fully insured and fully guaranteed. If you are a landlord looking to enquire about some electrical work, give us a call on 01702 952 951 or fill out our handy contact form for a call-back when it suits you.

Would you know what to do in an electrical emergency? Whether it’s a malfunctioning kettle or tripped switch, an electrical emergency can signal an underlying problem that will need to be rectified immediately to ensure the safety of you and your household. Here are 5 common domestic electrical emergencies and the importance of hiring a trained and qualified emergency electrician in Westcliff to resolve these problems.

1. Damaged cords

Plugging in too many electrical cords in the same area can be a big no-no, and can sometimes lead to sparks of electricity that could cause a fire. Use the services of a trained electrician if you see any sparks or are concerned about an issue that could jeopardise your safety in your home.

2. Power outage

A power cut in your home can be a nuisance, and could be a sign that the electrics in your home are faulty. If the power goes out, enlisting the services of an electrician can rectify the problem as quickly as possible, and they will be able to restore the electricity immediately. If power cuts persist, it could be a sign of a bigger problem; hiring an electrician will provide you with the peace of mind you need. If the power cut affects the entire neighbourhood, you will want to contact your electrical provider.

3. Problems with everyday household items

Leaving appliances like phone chargers or laptops plugged into the socket for a prolonged period of time could cause problems with your home electrical wires. Calling in a professional to tackle any electrical emergencies you are having as a result of malfunctioning appliances could safeguard you and your family.

4. Faulty wiring

One of the biggest electrical emergencies in the home concerns faulty wiring, especially in older properties where the wiring inside the walls needs updating. Did you know that home electrical wiring problems cause 12,500 fires in the UK every year? An electrician will be able to check your wiring and identify any problems before they get worse – saving you a significant amount of money in the long run. What’s more, you will be able to avoid any issues with faulty wiring that could pose a safety hazard. A qualified Westcliff electrician will be able to check your wiring on a regular basis – preventing electric shock accidents and fires.

5. Tripped switches

Tripped switches can often signal an electrical emergency in the home. Contemporary electric circuits in the UK are fitted with a circuit breaker fuse system, and the switch will trip if an electrical fault is identified. Switches might trip in the home if there is a faulty appliance being used, an over-filled kettle, an overloaded circuit, or faulty connections on leads. It is important that you know where your fuse box and trip switch are located in your home.

Don’t run the risk!

Trying to fix the electrics in your home can be extremely dangerous if you don’t know what you are doing. An emergency electrician in Westcliff can address any concerns you have about your electrics – ensuring that your appliances are working like they are supposed to and that your family are safe from a potential fire or electric shock.

If you are in need of an emergency electrician Westcliff, don’t hesitate to call Powerlec Electrical & Testing Ltd on 01702 952 951 or fill out our handy contact form for a call back in minutes.

When your electrics go pop, it’s not always easy to know how serious the situation is. After all, who hasn’t had to grab a torch and some candles during a power cut, or experienced the frustration of a blown fuse? So, what are the signs that will help you spot a full-blown electrical emergency from an inconvenient occurrence? Take a look through the checklist below to help you decide when it’s best to call an emergency electrician.

Is everyone safe?

First and foremost, is anyone injured? If so, the first thing you must do is immediately turn off the power supply to your home or premises. The next thing to do is to avoid touching the injured person. Anyone who’s had an electric shock may still have electricity running through them, and if you touch them, the electricity will jump to you. If you need to move them, or remove an electrical implement from their hand, then be sure to use something which doesn’t conduct electricity, such as a wooden broom handle.

Is it an isolated problem?

Secondly, if you’ve had a power cut, are other buildings in your street affected? If not, then it could be a specific problem with your electricity supply or wiring, and in that case, it won’t be solved by just waiting for your electricity provider to switch your power back on. While you might be able to investigate the source of the problem at the fuse box, there may be a deeper electrical emergency which needs exploring; if so, then you need to ring an emergency electrician so they can identify and correct the source of your problem.

Are your appliances behaving strangely?

Thirdly, is an appliance sparking or smoking? If so, unplug it immediately, turn the power off at the wall and check for any tripped circuit breakers in the fuse box. If one has tripped, and the plug or cord show signs of damage, then the problem is probably with the appliance. But if the plug or cord show no signs of damage, then it could be a problem with the electrical socket and should be checked out by a Southend-on-Sea Emergency Electrician as soon as possible.

Is there water in the property?

Fourthly, has water entered the premises? If so, only turn off the mains electricity if it’s safe to do so. You mustn’t touch any switches, sockets or electrical equipment if either they’re wet, or you’re standing in water, as this could result in injury. Additionally, water can affect internal wiring throughout the building, as well as electrical equipment, so you will need an emergency electrician to not only secure the premises correctly but also to assess any long-term or hidden damage caused by the water.

Do any of the above apply? Call Powerlec Electrical & Testing today!

A good, reliable and registered emergency electrician can prove to be vital if such an electrical emergency occurs. To find the best, try to make sure that they’re on the NICEIC Approved Contractor Scheme, which lists those electricians whose skills have been tested against a specific set of competency requirements.

Also, an emergency electrician in Southend-on-Sea who’s a member of the Electrical Contractors’ Association is a good choice, while it is always worth looking out for Trustmark approval. Powerlec Electrical & Testing Ltd is both of these. Get in touch today by calling 01702 952 951, 07779 322 154 or by filling out our handy contact form for a prompt, professional call-back from one of our electrical emergency experts.

There are many electrical systems in the home, from wiring to appliances, and all have the capability to develop faults. It is important that you be aware of what can go wrong and have the necessary knowledge to deal with an emergency in a safe fashion. Here are three of the most common electrical emergencies.

Faulty Wiring

To a large extent, the wiring in your home is buried within the walls so there is little that can be done to check this for safety without the expert knowledge of a qualified electrician. However, wiring extends to the majority of household appliances via flexible cables and extensions, and it is here where problems often occur. Cables are tough but if you are moving them about, or they are in a high wear environment, such as under a carpet; they can become damaged and create an electrical short. If you notice exposed or worn wiring take immediate steps to isolate the appliance from the mains supply and call for professional assistance.

Water and Electricity

It is a simple rule. Water and electricity do not mix and together they are very dangerous. For example, merely over-running a bath can expose wiring systems to moisture, which in turn, can allow hidden wiring issues to develop putting both you and your home at risk. If you believe that your wiring system has been exposed to water, call an experienced and qualified Emergency Electrician who can deal with the problem.

Damaged Electrical Appliances

Your standard electrical appliances are used every day, and they wear with time. Although it may not be obvious, this wear can cause electrical breakdowns that can in turn, create an emergency. Problems such as a short circuit or an earthing failure are lethal. If you believe that one of your appliances is faulty, it is vital that you isolate the item from the supply and seek professional assistance from a qualified Romford Emergency Electrician.

With around 70 people killed and 350.000 people injured every year, the majority caused by faulty electrical appliances, it makes sense to carry out regular checks to ensure that your household equipment is safe to use.

It doesn’t pay to cut corners when the safety of your home and loved ones are concerned, so make sure you are employing a reputable company or individual. An approved electrician will have certifications to a nationally recognised standard and here at Powerlec Elecrical & Testing Ltd we are both NICEIC accredited and Trustmark approved.

Electrical integrity is essential and ensuring that your household appliances are safe is important so remember:

· Check flexible cables for damage and wear

· Have wiring checked if you suspect water damage

· Have appliances tested if you believe they could have been damaged.

As always, if you need an emergency electrician in Romford call Powerlec on 01702 952 951, 07779 322 154 or fill out our contact form to request a prompt call-back from one of our experts.