Advice

Things to watch out for that could spell danger: hot plugs and sockets, fuses that blow for no apparent reason, flickering lights, scorch marks on sockets, plugs or damaged cables. These are all signs of loose wiring and/or other problems. If a plug or cable becomes damaged or broken in any way THROW IT AWAY. Do not tape it up and continue using it.

Ensure that you DO NOT plug too many appliances into an adaptor as you could overload the socket, which can lead to overheating. It is better to use a bar adaptor on a lead, rather than a block adaptor. Don't plug adaptors into adaptors. Only use one adaptor per socket.

If any wires are sticking out of a plug, not only could they be pulled loose but water, dust or debris could get inside the plug and become a potential fire hazard.

The fuse is designed to stop overheating. If the wrong fuse is fitted and there's a problem, a fire could occur.

If in any doubt check the appliance hand book.

Electrical safety requirements have been included in a new Part P of the Building Regulations. The Building Regulations deal with the health and safety of people in and around buildings by providing functional requirements for building design and construction. The law states that anyone carrying out fixed electrical installations in households in England and Wales must ensure that electrical installations are designed and installed to afford appropriate protection against mechanical and thermal damage and so that they do not present electric shock and fire hazards to people. Suitably inspected and tested to verify that they meet the relevant equipment and installation standards.

Many improvements carried out in the home include some form of fixed electrical installation. For example, a new kitchen may require your electrician to install additional sockets, extra lighting and appliances. A fixed installation is the wiring and appliances that are fixed to the building, such as sockets, switches, consumer units (fuse boxes) and ceiling fittings.

You are. It will be a legal requirement for homeowners and landlords to be able to prove that all fixed electrical installations and alteration work have been carried out and certified by a competent person. That is, by an electrician registered with a Government approved body such as the NICEIC.

You can expect to have safer, better quality electrical installation work because all electrical contractors will be working to BS 7671, the national safety standard. You will also be further protected against unsafe work as all electrical contractors are now required to offer their customers the option of additional protection through an insurance-backed warranty. Furthermore, if you use an NICEIC electrical contractor, you will benefit from the Complaints Resolution Scheme.