How to make sure electrical equipment is safe:
Plugs
- Plugs should fit tightly into sockets.
- Their casing should be free from cracks.
- Watch out for burn marks or signs of overheating.
- The cable should be firmly secured in the plug.
- None of the pins should be bent.
- The cardboard label on the bottom of the plug should be removed.
- Plugs shouldn’t rattle.
Leads
- Leads should be free from cuts, fraying and damage.
- Don’t use two- or three-way adaptors.
- If you’re using an extension lead, make sure it’s fully uncoiled.
Sockets
- Sockets should be free from cracks or other damage.
- Check them for burn marks and signs of overheating.
- Make sure they’re properly secured to the wall.
- Make sure the switch works properly.
Lighting
- Check that your light fittings or lamp holders are not visibly damaged, scorched or corroded.
- Check downlighters and their surroundings for signs of overheating such as curled labels and discolouration or scorching.
Consumer units and electricity meters
- Don’t store combustible materials around your fuse box (consumer unit) and electricity meter.
- Regularly test the RCDs (residual current devices designed to prevent you from getting a fatal electric shock if you touch a live wire) in your fuse box by pressing the ‘test’ button every three months. When you press and release the ‘test’ button on the RCD/RCBO, the power should trip (shut itself off). If this doesn’t happen, Unity tenants should let us know. Leaseholders and shareholders should contact a skilled electrician. Don’t forget, RCDs are there to protect you.
Cyclical EICR Program
Unity places a high priority on the safety of our tenants. We undertake cyclical
electrical testing on electrical installations both within your home and in the
communal areas within our blocks to ensure that properties are safe to live in.
Tests are scheduled on a 5 year rolling program. Customers will be contacted
via letter with a pre arranged date and time for the appointment to take place. If this appointment isn’t convenient for you, you can contact the contractor to arrange another appointment.
The check will take approximately 3 hours to complete although this will vary depending on the size and layout of your property. Your Electricity may be switched off for up to 30 minutes during the test.
As part of this routine visit, a smoke detector test will also be carried out. Any detectors found to be out of date will be replaced, and additional detectors will be installed where required. Any other defects identified will also be repaired at the time the test is completed.
Following completion of the test the contractor will post of a copy of the report to you directly within 28 days of completion.
Please ensure that an adult aged 18 or over is present at the property during the appointment and that safe access is available to electrical fixtures, sockets, light switches, and the consumer unit. We also recommend moving any items or furniture that may be obstructing these areas in advance of our engineer’s visit.
This Program is currently under contract with PH Jones. They will contact you via letter to book in your appointment when it’s due. To schedule an appointment with them directly, please call them on on 01928 570 370 and select Option 2. Their office hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm.
For further information and please visit the Electrical Safety First Website – the UK’s dedicated charity to reducing deaths and injuries caused by electrical accidents.
Carrying out electrical work yourself
You must have our permission before you carry out any electrical work in your home. And it must always be carried out by an electrician registered with the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC).
You can search for registered electricians in your area on the NICEIC website.
You must also shared any relevant documents with us (such as minor works certificates) where applicable following the completion of any works.
Electrical Safety Tips:
1. Buy electrical appliances and chargers from a reputable source and always
check for a safety mark.
2. Check your sockets for burn marks regularly. These will be checked on your
safety test, but if you have concerns at any time then contact us.
3. Don’t overload sockets or extension leads. They will have a power limit so be
careful and try to keep to one plug per socket.
4. Switch off appliances at the switch when not in use – unless they are designed
to be left on (e.g. fridge freezer)
5. Don’t take any mains powered items into the bathroom.
6. Remember that water and electricity are not friends – keep them away from
each other.
7. Only use electrical gardening equipment outside when it’s dry.
8. If your home has been flooded, don’t use any of the electrics as they could be
damaged.
9. If you’re using electrical heaters, make sure that they’re kept away from
fabrics, paper and furniture to stop a fire from breaking out.