There are many electrical emergency situations that can occur as a result of everyday usage of electricity in the homes. In case of any electrical emergency, it is advisable to always call for help, especially where there is danger to lives.

If it is a minor emergency, get in touch with an electrical contractor in Southend-on-Sea, so that a certified electrician can visit your home. Make sure you check and confirm their certification by insisting on seeing their certificate of safe practices once the work is done.

In situations where power-lines fall on the ground, contact your local electricity supplier and in other cases call the authorities.

Many things can trigger blackouts and power failures in a home. Natural disaster such as stormy weather is the most typical cause, where powerful gusts of wind could cause trees to fall over power-lines. The supply of electric power can also be interrupted in situations where vehicles clash with power poles.

It is wise to be prepared for any electrical emergency by having a battery powered torch in addition to any battery-operated radio available in an easily accessible location of your home.

If there is a power failure, switch off all cooling and heating home appliances such as cooker, iron, heating units, air conditioners. Also switch off and unplug your television, DVD player, laptop or computer system as well as some other electrical equipment.

Be very careful using candles, as although they provide a vital source of light, electrical emergencies can create a panic and knocking over a candle can make matters 10 times worse! Alternatively call your local emergency electrician to inform them that your electric power is out.

Steps to take in case of electrical emergency

Step 1

In case you lose power in your home, make sure that you check your trip switch. This may be found on or near to the fuse box and is built to shut down the electricity supply in case an appliance overheats or there are lots of home appliances in use at the same time.

Should the trip switch be switched off, turn it back on again and then turn on every one of the appliances that was in use one after the other. In case the trip switch is brought about again, you’ll surely know which appliance triggered the power failure. If you are not able to do this, let your local emergency electrician in Southend-on-Sea come to your rescue.

Step 2

Any time there is power loss, talk to neighbours to find out if the whole neighbourhood is affected or maybe it is only your property. If it is only your property that is affected, contact your electricity supplier’s emergency number to inform them and to provide them with all the necessary information.

Step 3

If you keep candles in a convenient location in case there is power failure, ensure that lit candles are risk-free and be careful when dealing with naked flames of fire, especially if there are pets and kids around. If it is cold, make an effort to keep everybody in a single room and let everyone wrap themselves up with many blankets.

Step 4

When there is electrical failure, turn all home appliances off and keep one switch on, so that you know once the power comes back. Once the power returns, check your fridge and freezer to make sure your food items are not defrosted. If frozen items are no longer frozen, make sure they are disposed of as eating them can pose a health risk.

Don’t Run The Risk – Call Powerlec Electrical & Testing Ltd Today!

Electrical emergencies are dangerous and can easily turn into serious incidents. Don’t run that risk; call Powerlec Electrical & Testing today on 01702 952 951 or get in touch by filling out our contact form.

‘Safety first’, another old adage, which is immensely important with emergency lighting systems. Primarily intended to provide sufficient illumination, emergency lightning systems enable people to safely see their way out of a building in cases of emergency. An emergency can be a fire or a power cut, which may lead to sudden darkness and therefor be a possible danger to people, either through panic or physical danger.

Keep in mind that in most cases the electrical supply of a building will be cut when a fire happens. In addition to providing enough light in an emergency, lightning systems also enable a building to meet the fire safety legislation in a visually appealing way and simple when it comes to maintenance and operation.

Before giving any thought to the design though, you should make sure to establish all the relevant legal requirements for emergency lightning systems and agree on them with the building control officer, the system designer and of course the system installer. The instalment and maintenance services are provided by a Romford electrician.

Besides along all escape routes, which now require a luminance level of one lux on the centre line of the escape route, also all open areas that are larger than 60m2 must be illuminated with emergency lights, if the normal lightning supply fails. In that case, it is vital that emergency lightning does come on. The systems are normally required to give illumination of a sufficiently high level and operate fully automatically. They need to be positioned in a way that enables the occupants of a building to be evacuated safely in an emergency and be illuminated for enough time.

The systems have to comply with BS 5266-1, which is the code of practice for emergency lighting. It offers simple guidance on the most important factors, such as the positioning of emergency luminaries, acceptable glare levels, minimum routine testing schedules and height levels. BS 5266 puts additional emphasis on the importance of regular testing of all emergency lighting equipment.

It is recommended that advice on the installation should be given by a person who specialises in emergency lightning systems and is competent in that field of expertise. Contact your electrician in Romford, to find out about services concerning the matter and to make sure you conform to the regulations.

There are two types of power supplies available when it comes to emergency lightning. Self-contained/ single point systems have the advantage of a cheaper and faster installation. The maintenance and equipment costs are low with this type. The system can be easily extended with additional luminaries and each luminaire is independent of the others. It should be considered though, that battery life is limited to between 2 and 4 years, dependent upon the application and the testing requires isolation and observation of luminaires on an individual basis. Central battery source systems, on the other hand, come with higher costs, but with only one location to consider, the maintenance and routine testing is much easier. Dependent upon type, the life of a battery is between 5 and 25 years

Having said that, continued maintenance and testing is a must and has to be correctly carried out, to comply with the directive and the equipment used must be of adequate quality. Compliance with the appropriate British Standard gives evidence of this. The standard for luminaries is BS EN 60598-2-22. For central battery systems the standard is BS EN 5017.

Emergency lighting systems should be maintained every 6 months by an electrician in Romford and regular internal tests should be done on a weekly/ monthly basis.

Why call Powerlec Electrical & Testing Ltd?

We have been operating as electricians in Romford for a number of years, and over that time have built up a reputation for our professional and efficient service. Whether it is emergency lighting you need, or indeed any other electrical service, give us a call on 01702 952 951 or fill out our handy contact form and we’ll be happy to help.

There’s no doubt that rewiring your home can be a costly project, but it is equally beyond doubt that it can be a lifesaver when it comes to preventing electrical fires and risk of electrocution. Unfortunately it’s not always easy to know if your house needs rewiring. If you’re in need of advice and/or a qualified Southend-on-Sea electrician to make a professional assessment, then we will be happy to hear from you. But even before you call, there are a few tell tale signs your home may be in need of a rewire. Here are a few basic guidelines that may just help you to determine if you should go ahead.

Was your property wired before 1984?

A good rule of thumb is to find out if your property was wired before 1984. Many houses wired before this year weren’t equipped with an earth cable, without which you are more likely to experience electric shocks should there be an overload of power going into your electrical appliances. An earth cable serves to channel excessive electricity away thus preventing electrocution.

Some statistics

Another characteristic of houses wired before 1984 is is that some properties used aluminium instead of copper wiring. According to the US based Consumer Product Safety Commission, aluminium wire is up to 55 times more likely to cause a fire than copper as, in essence, it heats up more quickly. Back here in the UK, faulty wiring is one of the main causes of electrical fires and according to the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC) around 12,500 preventable incidents are reported each year. The same body says that a further 2,000 shock accidents occur ever year.

If in doubt

Given the above statistics, it’s clear to see why it is so important to determine if you need to rewire your home and to ask yourself when was the last time time you had your electrics checked. If you can’t remember, it’s probably a good idea to get it checked now. It could save your home, even the lives of you and your loved ones in the log run.

A few more signs

Some signs that may indicate you need to rewire your home include the presence of a fuse box with cast iron switches mounted on a wooden backing, sockets attached to skirting boards, round pin sockets and round light switches and cables coated in black rubber. If in doubt, get a qualified electrical technician to come and take a look and make a professional assessment.

Make a call

With so many preventable electrical fires occurring every year and homes relying on dated and potentially lethal wiring systems, it may be a good time to get a professional to inspect your home’s wiring no matter the size of your property. Here at Powerlec Electrical & Testing Ltd we will happily carry out a full, honest and impartial electrical inspection on your home or domestic property. After all, your safety is our priority. We look forward to hearing from you when you are in need of an electrician in Southend-on-Sea.

Call us today on 01702 952 951 or fill out our handy contact form for a call-back in minutes.

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.