Time to test! NICEIC urges households to check life-saving electrical safety devices as clocks go back
As the clocks go back this week, NICEIC, the UK's leading certification body for the electrical industry, is urging homeowners to use the seasonal change as a reminder to take a few minutes to test important safety devices in their homes, including their residual-current device (RCD).
Research from NICEIC's recent electrical safety campaign found that 22% of homeowners had not had their electrics checked by a professional in more than 10 years, if ever. A further 16% did not know whether their electrics had ever been professionally inspected, highlighting how easily important electrical safety checks can slip under the radar.
These simple checks could make a real difference to your home’s electrical safety. An RCD is a safety switch that automatically cuts off the electricity if it detects a certain type of electrical fault, helping to protect against electric shocks and reduce the risk of electrical fires.
With the clocks going back, now is a good time to check that your RCD is working properly. British Standards state that RCDs should be tested every six months, making the seasonal clock change an easy way to remember this important household safety check.
Testing your RCD is straightforward. Simply press the ‘Test’ button on the device, which should trip the switch and cut off the power to the circuits that it protects. If it doesn’t trip, contact an NICEIC registered electrician to investigate.
While RCDs are a vital first line of defence, they should sit alongside good electrical safety habits to help reduce the risk of a fire starting in the first place. Everyday electrical issues can be easy to dismiss, particularly when socket-outlets, switches and appliances appear to be working normally. However, warning signs such as scorch marks around socket-outlets, burning smells, buzzing sounds, unusually warm fittings, flickering lights or circuit breakers that repeatedly trip or fuses that regulary blow could indicate an underlying fault.
These symptoms should never be ignored. If you notice any of them, stop using the affected equipment where safe to do so and seek advice from an NICEIC registered electrician. Never attempt to repair damaged wiring or electrical fittings yourself.
There are five simple steps households can take to help ensure their RCDs and electrical systems are ready when needed:
· Make time for a six-monthly test - RCDs should be tested every six months using the button marked ‘T’ or ‘Test’. The clocks changing in spring and autumn provide an easy reminder to carry out this important check.
· Know what to do if your RCD trips - An RCD that switches off the power may be responding to an electrical fault. If it trips repeatedly, don’t keep resetting it or ignore the warning. If it is a faulty item of equipment stop using the affected equipment where possible and contact an NICEIC-Registered electrician.
· Don’t ignore the warning signs - Scorch marks around socket-outlets, burning smells, buzzing sounds, unusually warm fittings and flickering lights can all indicate an electrical problem. Stop using affected equipment where safe to do so and seek advice from an NICEIC-registered electrician.
· Don’t attempt DIY electrical repairs - If your RCD fails its test or you’re concerned about the condition of your electrics, don’t try to repair the problem yourself. An NICEIC-registered electrician can investigate and carry out any necessary work safely.
· Check when your electrics were last inspected - It’s recommended that homeowners have their electrics inspected and tested at least every 10 years (5 years in the rented sector). An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) can identify potential problems with your home’s fixed electrical installation and establish whether any remedial work is needed. If you are not sure when your electrics were last checked, contact a NICEIC-registered electrician.
Paul Collins, Technical Integrity and Standards Director at NICEIC, commented: “We all have little jobs around the house that are easy to put off, but checking your RCD shouldn’t be one of them. These devices play an important role in protecting your household from electrical danger, and testing them takes just a few moments.
“The clocks changing is an easy way to remember to carry out this simple check twice a year. If your RCD doesn’t trip when tested, or you notice notice signs of electrical damage or deterioration, don’t ignore them. Contact a registered electrician to get things checked out.”
For homeowners who are unsure about the condition of their electrics, an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) can help identify potential problems with the property’s fixed electrical installation. Similar to an MOT for your home’s electrics, it involves a professional assessment to determine whether the installation is in a satisfactory condition for continued use and whether remedial work is needed.
To find an NICEIC-registered electrician, visit NICEIC's online Find a Tradesperson tool at niceic.com/find-a-tradesperson