07778 766 338    07825 020 539

Electrical Safety Standards From An Electrician In Dorking

There are many rules and regulations for staying safe when handling electrics. It can be very complicated, which is where an electrician in Dorking comes in handy!

Safety should never be casual. That is why electrical safety standards exist.

As a responsible electrician in Dorking, I want to inform you today about the UK's electrical safety standards.

Electrical Safety Rules For All Tenancies

Keeping your rental safe is a joint effort! Landlords, housing associations, and councils all play a part – ensuring your home stays in good shape throughout your tenancy. 

This includes keeping the wires, plugs, fuse boxes, lights, water heaters, and heating systems in check. All these need to be in top condition and work safely so you can relax and enjoy your home.  This way, everyone can feel secure and comfortable under one roof!

Electrical Safety Checks For Private Tenancies

Since July 1st, 2020, there's been a new rule for landlords! 

They need a qualified electrician in Dorking (or anywhere you live in the UK) to check all the electrical wiring and systems in your rental home. This includes plugs, lights, fuse boxes, and heaters.

The electrician will give the landlord a report called an EICR. This report is similar to a checkup for your home's electrical system. It will either say everything is safe or tell the landlord what needs to be fixed within 28 days. The report also tells you when the following electrical safety check needs to happen. It’s usually every five years, but it could be sooner if required.

As a tenant, you have the right to see this report within 28 days of the inspection. This way, you can be sure your home's electrical system is safe and sound! 

Safety With Portable Equipment & Appliances

Keeping your rental safe is a top priority!  Landlords are encouraged to have certain appliances checked for safety.  Think of things you typically plug in, like TVs, kettles, or toasters. These are called "portable appliances."

While not required by law, having a qualified electrician Dorking (or anywhere else) do a PAT (Portable Appliance Test) is an excellent way for landlords to show they're keeping your home safe. The electrician will test the appliances and put a sticker on the plug showing the test date and when the next one is needed.

PAT testing isn't mandatory, but it's recommended for landlords to fulfil their responsibility of keeping your rental in good shape throughout your tenancy. 

After the testing, the electrician will report the results and the next inspection date. The tenant should receive a copy of this report within 28 days. If the local council asks for a copy, the landlord must provide it within seven days.  This way, everyone can feel secure knowing your appliances are safe and sound!

Are There Any Exceptions?

Some rental agreements are exempt from the new rules. This includes social housing that's privately listed, people renting a room in someone's home, renters living with the landlord's family, long-term leases, student dorms, shelters, care homes, hospitals, and places to stay provided by the NHS.

Are There Penalties For Not Following Rules?

If someone breaks this rule, they could get a 'civil penalty', meaning they must pay a fine. According to the Housing Act 2004 and the Housing and Planning Act 2016, this fine can be as much as £30,000.

This fine can also be issued to landlords who don't provide renters with an electrical safety certificate when they should.

Take Help From An Expert Electrician In Dorking!

Hey there, tenants and landlords!  John Smith Electrician here, your friendly neighbourhood electrical whiz!  

I’ve been in the business for 40 years, keeping homes and businesses in Horsham, Morden, and the surrounding areas safe and up to code. That means lights that work and plugs that spark.

Need a quick fix? Don't sweat it! I'm open 24/7 for emergency electrical repairs. I can also test electrical connections and appliances with proper certification.

 So next time your lights go out, or your plugs act funny, give me a call! I'm here to help everyone keep their rentals bright and safe.  
 

Areas I Cover

My areas of coverage are Morden, Horsham, Crawley, East Grinstead, Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill, Billingshurst, Pulborough, Henfield, Steyning, Shoreham-by-Sea, Worthing, Petworth, Midhurst, Haslemere, Godalming, Guildford, Dorking, Reigate, Redhill, Oxted, Eastbourne, Brighton and Hove, London, Croydon, Sutton, Kingston upon Thames, Woking, Wimbledon, Epsom, Mitcham, Leatherhead, Twickenham, Isleworth, Brentford & Hampton.