Collaborative content Older properties have a lot of charm and can be a great place to live and work. From quaint stone cottages to sprawli...
Collaborative content
Older properties have a lot of charm and can be a great place to live and work. From quaint stone cottages to sprawling manor houses, the character and features of an older property always catch the eye of homebuyers.
It’s important to bear in mind, however, that an older property won’t necessarily be equipped for modern life. With some homes in the UK dating back to the 11th century, it’s easy to see why renovations are often required!
While older properties might need various types of repairs and modernisation, the electrical circuits are one of the most important areas to consider. Without comprehensive testing carried out by a certified electrician, you won’t know whether the electrics in an older property are safe or whether they’re a disaster waiting to happen.
Why Can Electrical Circuits Be Dangerous?
Electrical circuits can become dangerous for a number of reasons, such as poor installation methods, overloading or general wear and tear. If the insulation around an electrical wire breaks down, for example, the wire is exposed and, if it’s touched, can serious injury or even death. Additionally, outdated or malfunctioning electrics can cause household fires, which is another reason why it’s so important to check electrical systems regularly and ensure buildings have an electrical inspection condition report (EICR).
Older properties are more likely to be fitted with electricals that do not comply with modern standards, which increases the risk of danger and makes an EICR all the more important. As you might expect, the added wear and tear of electrical circuits makes malfunctions more likely in older properties too.
What is an EICR?
An EICR acts as a comprehensive assessment of the electrics in your property. It tells you whether electrical circuits are in good condition, safe to use and whether defective work is present. Your EICR will also state whether:
- Danger is present and immediate work is needed
- Potential danger is present and urgent work is required
- Improvements are recommended but there is no risk of danger
The information contained within an EICR is extremely useful to homeowners. Indeed, it could prove to be lifesaving. If you live in an older property, or you’re thinking of purchasing an older home, an EICR will alert you to any dangers and give you peace of mind.
How is an EICR Completed?
An EICR involves an electrician inspecting the electrical circuits in your property, which means they will need to access various areas, including consumer units, such as fuse boxes. Of course, it’s important that only certified electricians and reputable firms, such as electricalsafetycertificate.co.uk, are used to carry out EICRs. At Trade Services Facilities, all electricians are NAPIT or NICEIC registered, so you can be confident that all EICR and electrical inspections will be carried out to the highest standard. What’s more – you can arrange for an EICR to be undertaken at a fixed price.
No matter how old a property is, home safety should always be a top priority. Electrical injuries are sadly commonplace, but you don’t have to become a victim. With regular testing and a proactive approach, you can ensure the electrics in your home pose no danger.
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