Best to check on Mum’s electrics
HALF of us will be looking in on an elderly relative or neighbour this winter, but the one thing that could be overlooked is a quick check on the state of the electrics.
Less than 20 per cent of the 25 million adults who have an elderly relative living on their own think to check for electrical wear and tear, according to research. This is despite the fact that people of 60 and over are ten times more likely to die in a fire than a young person.
‘During the colder months the elderly are more likely to be plugging in electrical appliances, such as heaters or electric blankets, many of which could be old and potentially dangerous,’ says Darren Staniforth, of NICEIC, the leading regulatory body for the electrical contracting industry. ‘Their electric supply might not have been checked in decades.’
He adds: ‘The lack of concern over electrical safety is not one about not caring, but generally a lack of knowledge about what to look out for.’
NICEIC has joined forces with ELECSA, which provides inspection, assessment and certification services to contractors, to produce a quick visual check. It includes ensuring that: PLUG sockets are not scorched. LEADS or cables are not damaged or frayed and lights are working correctly with no signs of visible damage or buzzing sounds.
SOCKETS are not overloaded or overburdened with extension leads.
THE main fuse box has RCD protection fitted. An RCD (residual current device) will trip should detect an overload in the circuit.
‘By carrying out these simple checks people will be able to reduce the risk of fire or spot something that could potentially lead to a problem in the future,’ adds Darren.
‘If they see something that doesn’t seem to be working properly, we always suggest they call their local registered electrician to rectify faults and identify any potential issues that could lead to further problems.’
Faulty electrics account for 20,000 house fires each year, causing upwards of 70 fatalities. Leading electrical charity Electrical Safety First advises that homeowners have an Electrical Inspection Condition Report (EICR) carried out at least every ten years.