First of all, a mention to say how happy I am to be representing this business. We have an excellent team of people. I have a background in renewables stretching back 3 decades and have run large and complex projects for multi-national companies.
My story with domestic wiring starts with a project in my own home. It was a real eye opener as the electrician dealt with over extended rings, spurs run off rings, central heating wired from a spur from a spur, live cables left disconnected and unprotected under the floor, loose connections and a host of other faults. I was impressed with how the electrician worked diligently through difficult problems to leave us with a safe future proof solution.
So, what’s my point: Well, wiring in domestic properties can be complex and difficult. It is often dogged by a legacy of neglect, DIY wiring not to code and potentially dangerous safety issues. Insulation can break down, damage can occur, switches wear out and connections can work lose through heat cycles or magnetic effects. We get our boilers serviced every year so why do we pay so little care to our electrical system. I confess, I was the same until I witnessed it in my own home and then became part of an electrical business.
And this seems to be the general state of much of our housing stock. Obviously, the immediate safety issues are concerning. However, as a country we are now modernizing and relying more on electricity. For instance: EV Chargers, Solar Panels and Battery Storage. These are all high energy systems which we are attempting to marry to ageing and often neglected domestic electrical systems.
We are often asked to install products for our valued customers and encounter these types of problems. And often, additional expenditure is required to correct circuits to enable safe installation of items. This normally starts with an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) which when satisfactory generates a certificate and helps to validate your home insurance.
So, what’s my point. Well, like plumbing, drains, windows, boilers etc. your electrical system should get checked out with an EICR, and every 5 years is recommended for a domestic property. It could save your life and your property. Yes, it’s a cost financially but I believe it is a price more than worth paying. If I were to move again, then I would pay particular attention to this and set aside money to modernize before moving in. And currently, I’m scheduling my next EICR 5 years after the last one elapses.
It's easy for me to say. I have been on a journey and learned the hard way. But, as a consumer, it is another financial burden. However, keeping safe, peace of mind and preparing your home for the future are surely a necessary part of keeping your home safe, functional and efficient. And trust me, when an accredited electrician raises a concern, you too should be concerned.
