This page has important information about electrical safety in your home. It explains how we keep our customers safe and what you can do to help.
Our responsibilities
We have a duty as your landlord to make sure your home is safe including your mains electrical system. By law, we must carry out an electrical safety check, known as an EICR (electrical installation condition report) at least every five years. This check is carried out by a qualified professional and will show whether the electrical installation in your home meets necessary safety standards.
If you rent your home with us, we’ll write to you before the inspection is due to arrange an appointment before your current electrical safety certificate expires. We always try to make an appointment at a time and date that suits you. It’s important you let us into your home to carry out the inspection for your safety. We may take legal action to gain entry if you prevent access. If this happens, you could be liable for legal costs.
What to expect
The electrical safety check involves a qualified professional running a series of tests on fixed electrical installations we own at your home.
We will test:
- electrical wiring
- consumer units (fuse boxes)
- plug sockets
- light fittings and switches (excluding lamps)
- extractor fans (if fitted)
- electric showers (if fitted).
For some tests we will need to turn off the electricity for a short period. It may take between two and four hours to complete the full test, depending on the size of your home and the age and complexity of the electrical installation. If the safety check shows that there is a problem, it’s our responsibility to ensure work is completed to bring your home to the required safety standard.
We aren’t legally required to check any electrical appliances that are owned by you rather than Selwood Housing, for example, TVs, ovens, fridges, or lamps. We’ve added some tips and links to further articles below which can help you ensure your electrical appliances are safe.
What you can do to keep your home safe
It’s important that you look after electrical equipment and appliances between inspections to help minimise the risk of fire or electric shocks. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns about electrical safety in your home.
Electrical safety tips
Over half of the accidental domestic fires in the UK are caused by electricity. Most of these are caused by faulty or misused electrical products and most begin in the kitchen. Below are some important tips to keep your home and loved ones safe from electrical fires.
- Don’t overload adaptors by plugging many appliances into one socket or extension lead, especially those appliances with high electrical current ratings such as kettles, irons and heaters.
- Check appliance cables aren’t damaged and the plug is fastened securely to the cable. Regularly check plugs and sockets for burn marks, crackling sounds or if it feels hot to the touch. Make sure extension cables are fully unravelled to prevent overheating and never plug one extension lead or 4-way socket into another.
- Don’t DIY. Any electrical works must be carried out by a qualified electrician. If you need to make alterations to electrical wiring, please contact us to discuss this as you’ll need our permission.
- Check your smoke alarms are working throughout the year by pressing the ‘test’ button. Contact us straight away if they aren’t working.
- Only buy electrical goods from a retailer you trust and follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing. Find out how to spot substandard electrical products online in this ‘Don’t be electricked’ article
- Turn off appliances when you’re not using them and don’t leave your washing machine or tumble dryer on if you’re out of the house or overnight.
- Appliance safety: Registering any electrical items you have purchased will make it easier for manufacturers to inform you of any safety issues. Visit Electrical Safety First’s electrical product checker to check if an appliance has had a safety recall. They also have links to product registration pages for many brands.
- Only charge e-bikes, e-scooters, mobile phones and other appliances with lithium-ion batteries when you are awake and never overnight while you’re sleeping. Find out more about in our article about lithium-ion battery safety
Additional support in event of power cut
If you use medical equipment reliant on electricity, or have a disability, chronic illness or other health condition, then you may be able to join a Priority Services Register.
This free service is offered by all the energy network operators. You’ll receive advice on preparing for a power cut and help staying safe and comfortable until the power returns.
Enter your postcode on the Priority Services Register website to find your energy provider and information on how to join the register.
Get in touch
Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns about electrical safety in your home.
You can call us on 01225 715715 or email info@selwoodhousing.com
Useful articles on this website
Lithium-ion battery safety article
Useful third party resources
Electrical safety first website
Product recalls & safety notices
