Electrical safety check

[Coldicote]

I have lived in my present home for more than 14 years and am wondering where to go to get an all-over check of electrical installations, wiring etc. Many electrical businesses seem only interested in new work. I've yet to see or hear of anyone specialising in safety checks. How have others dealt with this please?

[woofgang]

our electricity supplier offers a free one (southern electric). We bought a new fuse box as the old one was the old kind (blocks with fusewire in not resettable breakers) and got the house checked and certificated as part of the deal.

[sammmo]

you would be better off by going with your electric supplier as woofgang said.. the other option is to find a part P registered electrician to come and give it the once over.. but be prepared for a long list because nowadays the electrical systems in houses very rarely match up to what is "safe" or legal just ask whether or not there is anything that is likely to cause a fire or shock..

[bednobs]

how old are you? If you are a pensioner you may be able to get one through the council or age uk

[Coldicote]

Many thanks for these guidelines - I'll follow them up. Suggestions welcome.

[The Builder]

You surprise me Coldi ............... usually, small elec. firms, especially one-man businesses, are only too pleased to do a "Periodic" test. They make a good living from them.
Ask at a local branch of CEF, or a similar trade supplier. They'll know who's trustworthy and reliable.

[vivandorron]

Last year my house was struck by lightening and a heavy surge in the electric current resulted in my loosing two computers; TV.; Electronic Keyboard and Beside Radio. Consequently, it was necessary for me to have my house wiring examined and up-dated as appropriate; bearing in mind that the cables were approx. 45 year old.......Result, the wiring proved to be in good condition and did not have to be replaced, but it was recommended that I have a new consumer unit fitted with Trip switches.; which was then installed. There was a question of my not having an earthed lighting circuit and quite correctly this was drawn to my attention and put in writing by the Electrician who agreed that I would be protected by the newly installed consumer unit's trip switches, although they should not be relied upon as the first line of defence and it was my decision not to proceed in a re-wiring job to install earthing.

You have not said how old the wiring is in your property. I have always been wary of offers for a free check from Electricity suppliers who might say that the house needs re-wiring when it doesn't; and even lead you to believe that your supply could be terminated if you fail to agree for a massive amount of work to be done. Best to call in a registered electrician whom you feel you can trust to be honest with you:as was the one I employed.

It might be worthwhile reading the replies I received from ABers about house re-wiring.

http://www.theanswerb...n/Question516077.html

Best wishes ....Ron.

[Coldicote]

Many thanks for these helpful replies. My home was built 50+ years ago and various jobs like extra wall sockets and exterior lighting have been added since, also a WYLEX fuse box with a row of 10 coloured switches, but I feel a bit concerned that there hasn't to my knowledge been a general all-over check. I've made enquiries and have arranged for an electrician to come and give it the once over.