Electrical installations - high net worth homes

Electrical systems and equipment are everywhere, and when used properly and maintained effectively, they pose very little risk. However, defective electrical installations, faulty appliances, overloaded extension cables, and counterfeit chargers are often to blame for house fires.

It is recommended that domestic electrical installations be inspected and tested at least once every ten years.

Older buildings

Older buildings may not have the capacity to manage the increased demand from electrical appliances used in today’s homes. It is important that wiring is checked by a qualified electrician, updated as appropriate, or, if required, the entire system replaced.

Features that indicate that an installation may require attention include the following:

• Electrical cables are coated in black rubber, lead, or fabric.
• Fuse boxes with cast iron switches, a mixture of switches, or on a wooden frame.
• Round pin sockets.
• Light switches of outdated materials, such as Bakelite, or located in bathrooms.
• Sockets mounted in skirting boards.
• Installations without circuit breakers or residual current devices (RCDs).

A properly installed and well-maintained installation, along with good appliance housekeeping, will significantly reduce the risk of a fire.

Choosing competent contractors

It is important that all electrical installation work is completed by competent electrical contractors with skills, knowledge, and experience.

Any contractor should be certified with;

• The National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC)
• The Electrical Contractors Association (ECA)
• The National Association of Professional Inspectors and Testers (NAPIT) or
• The Electrical Contractors’ Association of Scotland (SELECT).

All work completed must meet IET Regulations, Guidance note 3, and you should receive an electrical installation and condition report in every case.

Registered electricians work to the UK safety standard BS7671 and will issue certification that their electrical work has been designed, built, inspected, and tested to this standard.

Learn more about reducing the risk of electrical fires at home by reading the guidance below.