• 24 Hour Electrician, service in Northern Ireland

Electrical Safety First Services

  • Northern Ireland
  • 10(1 reviews)

Electrical Safety First Service is reducing the number of electrical accidents and ensuring safety in homes and businesses. Our commitment extends to providing a range of services such as safety checks, educational resources, and advocacy for improved safety standards. The importance of their 24-hour services cannot be overstated, as electrical hazards can pose significant risks at any time of day or night. By offering round-the-clock assistance, Electrical Safety First ensures that urgent issues, like faulty wiring or appliance malfunctions, can be addressed promptly, reducing the likelihood of fires, electric shocks, and other dangerous incidents. This continuous availability is crucial for maintaining public safety and peace of mind, knowing that expert help is always accessible.

ElectroGuardian 24-7 Electric Care

  • Northern Ireland
  • 10(156 reviews)

ElectroGuardian 24/7 Electric Care is your guardian against electrical chaos. We're ready to protect your home from electrical disasters, offering solutions for power outages and more.

Northern Ireland

UK

Steps to Take When Electrical Safety Issues Are Found

Discovering electrical safety issues in a property is a serious matter that requires prompt and effective action to prevent potential hazards such as electrical fires, shocks, or system failures. Here's a detailed guide on what should be done if electrical safety issues are found:

Immediate Actions

  1. Turn Off Power to the Affected Area
    • Isolate the Circuit: Use the consumer unit (fuse box) to switch off the circuit breaker or remove the fuse for the affected area. Ensure the area is de-energized to prevent any immediate risk of shock or fire.
    • Emergency Isolation: In cases of severe risk, such as exposed live wires or signs of burning, consider isolating the main switch to cut off power to the entire property until further evaluation.
  2. Avoid Using Faulty Equipment or Circuits
    • Unplug Devices: Disconnect any appliances or devices connected to the faulty circuit.
    • Avoid Contact: Do not touch or attempt to handle exposed wiring or damaged electrical components, especially with bare hands.

Assessment and Documentation

  1. Determine the Severity of the Issue
    • Visual Inspection: Conduct a visual inspection to identify obvious signs of damage, such as burnt marks, exposed wires, or melted insulation.
    • Consult the EICR: If the issue was identified during an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), refer to the report's classification codes to understand the severity:
      • C1 (Danger Present): Immediate risk that requires urgent attention.
      • C2 (Potentially Dangerous): Requires prompt remedial action.
      • C3 (Improvement Recommended): Not immediately dangerous, but improvement is advised.
      • FI (Further Investigation required): Only further investigation can determine the risk.
  2. Record Observations and Take Photos
    • Document the Issue: Make detailed notes about the observed issue, including location, condition, and any immediate risks.
    • Photographic Evidence: Take clear photos of the problem areas to assist with further assessment and repairs.

Engaging a Qualified Electrician

  1. Hire a Certified Electrician
    • Locating a Professional: Find a qualified and certified electrician registered with a recognized competent person scheme, such as NICEIC, NAPIT, ELECSA, or STROMA Certification.
    • Emergency Call-Out: For serious risks, contact an electrician immediately for an emergency call-out service.
  2. Assessment and Remediation by the Electrician
    • On-Site Inspection: The electrician will conduct a thorough inspection to diagnose the cause of the issue.
    • Remedial Action: Based on the assessment, the electrician will carry out the necessary repairs or upgrades to rectify the problem.
      • Replacing Damaged Components: Replace faulty wiring, circuit breakers, sockets, or appliances as needed.
      • Upgrading Systems: If outdated or non-compliant with current standards, consider a full upgrade of the electrical system.
  3. Testing and Verification
    • Post-Repair Testing: The electrician will conduct tests post-repair to ensure that the electrical system is safe and compliant with BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations).
    • Certification: Obtain an updated Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) or relevant certificates to document the completed repairs and compliance.

Communication and Follow-Up

  1. Communicate with Relevant Parties
    • Inform Occupants: Notify all occupants of the property about the identified issues and the steps being taken to address them.
    • Reporting to Authorities: In rental properties, provide copies of updated safety certificates to tenants and, if required, local authorities.
  2. Schedule Regular Inspections
    • Periodic Safety Checks: Establish a schedule for regular electrical safety inspections, generally every five years for rental properties or as recommended.
    • Maintenance Contracts: Consider engaging in maintenance contracts with electrical service providers to ensure ongoing compliance and safety.

Long-Term Considerations

  1. Educational Awareness
    • Safety Training: Educate occupants or employees about basic electrical safety practices.
    • Emergency Procedures: Ensure everyone is aware of emergency procedures, including how to isolate power and whom to contact in case of electrical emergencies.
  2. Upgrading to Modern Standards
    • Proactive Upgrades: When possible, upgrade older systems to meet the latest safety standards, reducing the risk of future issues.
    • Technological Advancements: Consider incorporating modern safety devices, such as Residual Current Devices (RCDs) and Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs), to enhance safety.

Conclusion

When electrical safety issues are found, immediate action is required to mitigate any risk. Turn off the power to affected areas, avoid using faulty circuits, and document the issue. Engage a certified electrician for a thorough assessment, remedial actions, and follow-up testing to ensure all electrical systems are safe and compliant with regulations. Additionally, establish ongoing practices for regular inspections, educational awareness, and proactive upgrades to maintain and enhance electrical safety in the long term.