A recent poll of 2,000 adults across the UK found that nearly a quarter of us are unaware of the electrical hazards that may exist inside our homes.
And, while it’s recommended that every homeowner have an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) every 10 years, nearly three-quarters of those surveyed didn’t even know it existed.
Add to this the fact that one in seven of us ignore common electrical problems, a survey carried out by NICEIC, the UK’s leading certification and training body for the electrical contracting industry, paints a worrying picture of the likely state of electrical systems in our homes.
Why do you need EICR?
An EICR is essentially an inspection of all electrical components in your home, and something that should be carried out on a regular basis.
Paul Collins, Technical Director NICEICexplains. “An EICR is effectively an MOT for your home’s electrical systems, with modern heating systems increasingly relying on this resource, Heat pump, EV chargers And more, more important than ever.
“In privately owned homes, it’s recommended to have an EICR at least every 10 years,” says Paul, while in rental properties it’s a legal requirement to have one at least every five years.
The survey found that while 22% of respondents admitted that they had not met the required guidelines in the last decade – if at all – 69% did not know what the EICR was, and 48% of those who knew what it was, did not know that it is recommended to be checked at least every 10 years.
Ignoring hazards is also common among homeowners
As well as forgetting to thoroughly check the electrical systems in our homes, the survey also found that residents are also taking more risks when it comes to faults and repairs.
Other common electrical problems that homeowners ignore for long periods of time include damaged sockets, appliances that are cut off—and even unusual or burning odors, all of which are potential signs of trouble. wiring.
And, although it’s always recommended to get a qualified electrician to check and fix any problem, the survey suggests that 24% of us are willing to try to fix the problem ourselves. Something that is never advised, and could potentially lead to issues with your home insurance if you make matters worse.
Landlords are concerned but don’t take action
Yet on the flip side, there is a clear belief in the need for inspections with 49% agreeing that they are not confident in identifying dangerous electrical faults in their home, and 47% admitting they are concerned about the electrical safety of their property.
“Many customers are familiar with our recommendation to replace our mattresses every 10 years or less, but may not think of electrical checks in the same way,” says Paul Collins.
“These results prove that there is clearly a knowledge gap when it comes to keeping up with electrical safety. It is a matter of concern that homeowners are putting off electrical safety checks and trying to solve problems themselves,” he continues, “as this can pose serious risks.
“Electrical installations naturally deteriorate over time, and problems that develop are not always visible. Conducting an EICR is a simple but important step that can help detect problems early,” says Paul, “before they become costly or potentially life-threatening.”
Barriers to good electrical hygiene
Reasons for not maintaining good electrical health at home varied, but included cost concerns (32%), with 23% saying they didn’t think it was necessary and 12% saying they were unsure who to contact.
“Mentoring is easy,” says Paul Collins. “Prioritize your safety, your home and your investment by having your installation inspected by a registered electrician.”
There are currently over 40,000 NICEIC-registered electricians across the UK, all regularly assessed to ensure they work in accordance with the latest electrical regulations. To find one near you, you can use the free The NICEIC tool.
