Electrical Hazards
Electrical hazards are invisible but deadly, causing fires and electrical shocks. These hazards are easily preventable if you use an NICEIC-registered contractor to install, inspect and maintain your electrics.
Government figures estimate that each year there are around:?10 fatal and 2,000 non-fatal electric shock accidents in the home ?19 fatal and 880 non-fatal shock accidents in the workplace
There are also about 12,500 electrical fires in homes across the UK each year. Although many incidents are caused by faulty appliances rather than the electrical installation itself, a properly installed and well-maintained electrical system could save lives.
Cables, switches, socket-outlets and other equipment deteriorate with prolonged use, so they all need to be checked and necessary replacements or repairs made in good time.
Whilst it is relatively easy to make an electrical circuit work – it is far more tricky to make the circuit work safely. To avoid the dangers that electricity can create it is essential that electrical work is carried out only by those with the correct knowledge, skill and experience in the type of electrical work to be undertaken.
The Electrical Safety Council published the results of their National Consumer Survey and found that:
- 42% of those surveyed stated they had never had their electrics checked
- 32% of DIYers stated they had experienced one or more electric shocks while carrying out DIY
- 59% of people do not use qualified electricians when carrying out electrical work
48% of those surveyed did not know that their electrics should be checked at least every 10 years
Q What is part P
A Part P of the Building Regulations came into force in 2005. This means that, with few exceptions, any electrical works undertaken in your home such as the addition of a new electrical circuit, or any electrical work carried out in your kitchen, bathroom, or garden area must be notified to the local authority building control for inspection, and to be signed off as to meet the current electrical standards.
Q Can I S Durnell sign off their own work?
A Yes. I S Durnell are fully accredited to the NICEIC and meet the relevant standards to enable them to sign off their own work and issue the associated paperwork
Q What is an RCD ?
A An RCD is a device which automatically switches of the electrical supply if an earth fault is detected. This typically isolates the electrical supply in milli seconds.
Q Do I have an RCD?
A Some houses have an RCD as a main switch at the origin of their installation. Some house have RCD protection combined within their distribution board. If you are in doubt whether you have one, contact us for free advice on how to establish whether there is one present or not, and the best way of installing RCD protection should you require it.
Q I have no earth in the lighting circuit of my house. Can i use metal lights and switches?
A NO. Metal accessories require an earth connection to be connected to the exposed metal parts of the accessory. Should an earth fault develop then there is no earth path back to the protective device to cut off the electricity. Having metal accessories without having an earth present greatly increases the potential for a fatal electric shock under certain fault conditions. Certain accessories are double insulated and do not require an earth. You will have to consult the manufacturers information as to its suitability.
Should you be in any doubt, contact us immediatly for a free appraisal.
Q How can i tell if my house is earthed?
A There are 3 main ways to earth a house. 1. via an earth rod installed into the ground. This is a TT supply. 2. Via the armoured sheath from the main incoming supply cable. This is a TNS supply. 3. Via an earth bar connected to the neutral supply at the main cut out. This is a TNCS supply. In all cases, an earth cable will run from either of the types of installation to your fuse board. If you are in doubt whether you are earthed in any way, contact us immediately for a free appraisal. A typical earth cable is colour coded green and yellow.
