Latest news with #ElectricalInstallationConditionReport
Daily Record
10-07-2025
- General
- Daily Record
People urged to take 'swift action' if they have a fuse box at home
Electricians say it's crucial to act fast to avoid a potential fire risk - here's what you need to know An electrician is warning homeowners with fuse boxes that a strange odour in their homes may not just be leftovers from dinner but could indicate a serious electrical danger. If you notice this unusual smell and are unable to identify where it's coming from, experts recommend taking swift action to avoid a potential fire risk. James Harrison, the Director of Fusion Electrical, an electrician company, has revealed the real importance of this smell and the risks associated with ignoring it. "Electrical components like sockets and switches are often made from a hard plastic called bakelite," Harrison said. "When this material overheats due to an electrical fault, it starts to break down and emits a very distinctive fishy smell." This type of overheating is often caused by arcing – a tiny but dangerous electrical spark that occurs due to a loose or faulty connection, reports Wales Online. "If there's a loose connection in a fuse board or socket, the electricity jumps across the gap - creating heat through arcing," he said. "Over time, that heat can melt the plastic, and that's when you get the fishy odour." The problem isn't limited to just sockets alone. "We also see it in switches, particularly shower pull cords," he continues. "When the contacts inside become worn or loose, they can arc in the same way, leading to overheating." What are the warning signs to never ignore? Besides the smell, there are other signs of electrical overheating, such as brown or scorch marks around socket holes, burned areas behind sockets (which can be seen once opened), and appliances, such as washing machines or showers, unexpectedly losing power. However, Harrison warns that the smell could be the only sign. "That fishy smell means something in your electrical system is burning," he said. "If ignored, it could start an electrical fire - and that risk can be immediate." What steps should homeowners take? If you notice a strange fishy smell with no clear origin, especially near a socket or switch, take it seriously. Harrison stresses the importance of swift action and prompt decision-making, offering urgent advice regarding the fuse box. "Turn off your mains power straight away and call a qualified electrician," he says. "This is not something to wait on or second-guess." How can you prevent electrical faults? To prevent electrical issues, routinely inspect and maintain your electrical system, including wiring, appliances, and outlets. Avoid overloading circuits, use surge protectors, and keep electrical devices away from water. Additionally, promptly address any electrical problems and schedule professional inspections for safety. To sidestep problems before they turn hazardous, Harrison suggests obtaining an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) every five years, regardless of whether you own or rent your property. "An EICR checks the condition of all sockets and circuits - it's the best way to catch faults early," he explains. An additional straightforward prevention measure involves steering clear of socket overloading. "Appliances like TVs and computers are fine, but large items like washing machines, tumble dryers or kettles should never be plugged into extension leads or overloaded sockets," warns Harrison. "They draw a lot of power and can easily overheat the system if not used correctly."
Daily Mirror
10-07-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Anyone with a fuse box at home urged to 'make a speedy decision'
Electricians say it's crucial to act fast to avoid a potential fire risk - here's what you need to know An electrician is sounding the alarm for homeowners with fuse boxes, cautioning that a fishy smell in their house might not be remnants of last night's supper but could signal a grave electrical hazard. If you detect this peculiar scent and can't pinpoint its origin, specialists urge immediate action to prevent a possible fire threat. James Harrison, Director at the esteemed electrician company Fusion Electrical, has explained the true significance of this odour and the dangers of disregarding it. " Electrical components like sockets and switches are often made from a hard plastic called bakelite," Harrison reveals. "When this material overheats due to an electrical fault, it starts to break down and emits a very distinctive fishy smell." Such overheating is commonly the result of arcing – a small yet perilous electrical spark triggered by a loose or defective connection, reports Wales Online. "If there's a loose connection in a fuse board or socket, the electricity jumps across the gap - creating heat through arcing," he added. "Over time, that heat can melt the plastic, and that's when you get the fishy odour." The issue isn't confined to sockets alone. "We also see it in switches, particularly shower pull cords," he continues. "When the contacts inside become worn or loose, they can arc in the same way, leading to overheating." What are the warning signs to never ignore? In addition to the odour, other indicators of electrical overheating include: Brown or scorch marks around socket holes. Burnt areas behind sockets (visible once opened). Appliances - like washing machines or showers - suddenly losing power. But Harrison cautions that the odour might be the sole indication. "That fishy smell means something in your electrical system is burning," he said. "If ignored, it could start an electrical fire - and that risk can be immediate." What steps should homeowners take? Should you detect a fishy odour without an obvious source, particularly around a socket or switch, don't dismiss it. Providing urgent guidance about the fuse box, Harrison emphasises the need for rapid action and quick decision-making. "Turn off your mains power straight away and call a qualified electrician," he says. "This is not something to wait on or second-guess." How can you prevent electrical faults? To avoid electrical problems, regularly check and maintain your electrical system, including wiring, appliances, and outlets. Avoid overloading circuits, utilise surge protectors, and keep electrical devices away from water. It's also essential to address electrical issues quickly and have professional inspections for safety. To sidestep problems before they turn hazardous, Harrison suggests obtaining an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) every five years, regardless of whether you own or rent your property. "An EICR checks the condition of all sockets and circuits - it's the best way to catch faults early," he explains. An additional straightforward prevention measure involves steering clear of socket overloading. "Appliances like TVs and computers are fine, but large items like washing machines, tumble dryers or kettles should never be plugged into extension leads or overloaded sockets," warns Harrison. "They draw a lot of power and can easily overheat the system if not used correctly."
Wales Online
10-07-2025
- General
- Wales Online
Anyone with a fuse box at home told they 'must make a fast decision'
Anyone with a fuse box at home told they 'must make a fast decision' An electrician has issued urgent advice to anyone who has a fuse box at home Acting fast is vital (Image: Getty ) An electrician is issuing urgent advice to anyone who has a fuse box at home if they notice a certain smell in their house. A fishy smell in your home isn't always from last night's dinner - it could be a serious warning sign of an electrical fault. If you notice this strange odour and can't find a source, experts say it's crucial to act quickly to avoid a potential fire risk. James Harrison, Director at leading electrician firm Fusion Electrical, explains what that smell really means - and why you should never ignore it. "Electrical components like sockets and switches are often made from a hard plastic called bakelite," says Harrison. "When this material overheats due to an electrical fault, it starts to break down and gives off a very distinctive fishy smell." This kind of overheating is typically caused by arcing - a tiny but dangerous electrical spark caused by a loose or faulty connection. "If there's a loose connection in a fuse board or socket, the electricity jumps across the gap - creating heat through arcing," Harrison explains. "Over time, that heat can melt the plastic, and that's when you get the fishy odour." This isn't limited to sockets either. "We also see it in switches, particularly shower pull cords," he adds. "When the contacts inside become worn or loose, they can arc in the same way, leading to overheating." Never ignore a 'fishy smell' in your home Article continues below Signs you should never ignore Besides the smell, other warning signs of electrical overheating can include: Brown or scorch marks around socket holes Burnt areas behind sockets (visible once opened) Appliances - like washing machines or showers - suddenly losing power But Harrison warns that the smell might be the only symptom. "That fishy smell means something in your electrical system is burning," he said. "If ignored, it could start an electrical fire - and that risk can be immediate." What should you do? If you notice a fishy smell and there's no clear source, especially near a socket or switch, don't ignore it. Issuing urgent advice regarding the fuse box, Harrison stresses the importance of acting fast and making a swift decision. "Turn off your mains power straight away and call a qualified electrician," he says. "This is not something to wait on or second-guess." If you notice the smell, or any other concerning signs, make a fast decision regarding your fuse box How to prevent electrical faults To avoid issues before they become dangerous, Harrison recommends having an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) every five years, whether you're a homeowner or tenant. "An EICR checks the condition of all sockets and circuits - it's the best way to catch faults early," he explains. Article continues below Another simple prevention tip is to avoid overloading sockets. "Appliances like TVs and computers are fine, but large items like washing machines, tumble dryers or kettles should never be plugged into extension leads or overloaded sockets," warns Harrison. "They draw a lot of power and can easily overheat the system if not used correctly."
Time Business News
01-05-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
A Landlord's Guide to Legal Safety Compliance in the UK
Renting out a property in the UK comes with important legal responsibilities, especially when it comes to safety compliance. Whether you are an experienced landlord or just starting out, understanding and fulfilling these safety obligations is essential. Not only does it protect your tenants, but it also protects you from potential legal issues and financial penalties. Obtaining the appropriate Landlord Certification is a crucial part of meeting these obligations. This guide will walk you through the key legal safety requirements every UK landlord must follow. Being a landlord is more than collecting rent. The law expects you to provide a safe and secure living environment. There are several key areas where you must ensure compliance. These include gas safety, electrical safety, fire safety, energy performance, and the condition of the property. Failing to meet these legal requirements can result in serious consequences, including prosecution and loss of your ability to let out properties. One of the most critical responsibilities for landlords is ensuring gas safety in rental properties. You are legally required to arrange an annual gas safety check by a Gas Safe registered engineer. This check must cover all gas appliances, fittings, and flues in the property. Once the check is complete, you will receive a Gas Safety Certificate, also known as a CP12. A copy of this certificate must be provided to your tenants within 28 days of the check or before a new tenant moves in. You must keep copies of these certificates for at least two years. Neglecting this duty could lead to criminal charges and heavy fines. Electrical systems must be safe at the start of a tenancy and maintained throughout. Since July 2020, landlords in England must ensure that the property's electrical installations are inspected and tested by a qualified electrician at least every five years. This rule applies to both new and existing tenancies. You must obtain an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) and give a copy to your tenants within 28 days of the inspection. If the report recommends remedial work, you must complete it within 28 days or sooner if specified. These checks help prevent electrical fires and other dangers. Fire safety is another critical area of compliance. As a landlord, you must ensure that the property is equipped with working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. In England, at least one smoke alarm must be installed on every floor used as living space. Additionally, a carbon monoxide alarm is required in any room with a solid fuel-burning appliance, such as a wood-burning stove or open fire. You must check that alarms are working on the first day of the tenancy. After that, tenants are generally responsible for testing and maintaining them. In properties that are classified as Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), the fire safety rules are even stricter and may require fire doors, fire extinguishers, and clearly marked escape routes. All rental properties in the UK must have a valid Energy Performance Certificate. The EPC rates the energy efficiency of a property from A to G, with A being the most efficient. Since April 2020, all privately rented properties must have a minimum EPC rating of E unless they are exempt. Before renting out your property, you must provide the tenant with a copy of the EPC. The certificate is valid for 10 years, but it's good practice to improve the property's energy performance over time. Better energy efficiency not only ensures compliance but also reduces energy bills and makes the property more attractive to tenants. Although not a legal certificate like the gas or electrical checks, landlords are also expected to assess the risk of Legionella bacteria in their rental properties. Legionella can grow in water systems and cause Legionnaires' disease, a serious lung infection. You do not need to hire a specialist unless there is a significant risk. In most cases, a simple assessment of the water system is enough. Make sure the water temperature is well-regulated and the system is flushed out between tenancies if necessary. Document your assessment and any actions you take, as you may be asked to show evidence. Landlords are legally responsible for keeping the property in good repair. This includes the structure and exterior of the property, such as the roof, walls, and windows. You are also responsible for maintaining the heating, hot water, gas, and electrical systems in working order. If tenants report any faults, it is your responsibility to respond in a reasonable amount of time. Regular inspections and a proactive maintenance schedule can help you stay ahead of potential problems and avoid complaints or legal issues. If you are renting out a furnished property, you must ensure that all furniture and furnishings comply with the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations 1988. This means they must be made from fire-resistant materials and carry a proper safety label. This includes items like sofas, mattresses, cushions, and padded chairs. Non-compliant furniture should be removed or replaced before the start of the tenancy to ensure safety and compliance with the law. While not directly a safety issue, tenancy deposit protection is a legal requirement for landlords in the UK. If you take a deposit from your tenant, it must be protected in a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme within 30 days. You must also provide your tenant with prescribed information about the scheme you used. Failure to comply with this law can result in penalties and prevent you from issuing a Section 21 notice to regain possession of the property. Keeping accurate records of all safety checks, certificates, risk assessments, and communications with tenants is essential. These documents serve as evidence that you have fulfilled your legal responsibilities. Regulations can change, so it's important to stay informed about updates in housing law. You can do this by joining a landlord association, subscribing to government newsletters, or consulting with property professionals. Safety compliance is not just a legal obligation for landlords in the UK—it's a matter of protecting lives and property. By ensuring gas, electrical, and fire safety, providing necessary certificates, and maintaining your property to the required standards, you build trust with your tenants and reduce your risk of legal troubles. Taking a proactive approach to legal safety compliance not only helps you meet current requirements but also prepares you for future changes in regulations. As a landlord, staying informed and organised is key to running a successful and responsible rental business. If you want to stay updated with posts like this, please follow us on Time Business News. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Birmingham City Council failed to hit critical safety targets for tenants' homes
Birmingham City Council has insisted progress is being made to ensure tenants' homes are safe after it failed to hit key safety targets last year. A council performance report, covering the third quarter of 2024-25, recently revealed a number of findings on compliance which were described by one opposition councillor as 'really serious". One example was the percentage of fire risk assessments undertaken in low-rise blocks was slightly lower than the target of 98 per cent. READ MORE: Warning Birmingham council tax collection rate is of 'real concern' It was therefore given a traffic light rating of red which means performance was worse than the quarterly target and also fell outside of the 'acceptable tolerance'. The percentage of gas safety checks undertaken on all relevant properties also fell slightly short of the 98 per cent target - and again, was rated red. Some of the findings at the Labour-run council which were given the red rating, the lowest possible, can be found below: Performance indicator // quarterly target // result Percentage of fire risk assessments undertaken in low-rise blocks // 98 per cent // 94.76 per cent Percentage of gas safety checks undertaken on all relevant properties // 98 per cent // 94.34 per cent Percentage of asbestos surveys undertaken in all relevant communal properties (block only) // 98 per cent // 92.19 per cent Percentage of Electrical Installation Condition Report tests undertaken in all relevant properties // 98 per cent // 79.62 per cent Conservative councillor Ewan Mackey was deeply concerned by the report, telling a recent cabinet meeting: 'This is the safety of people's lives we're talking about here. 'It wouldn't be acceptable if it was a private landlord. 'This is really serious and we really don't want to have this in a report.' But Paul Langford, executive director of city housing, said many of these compliance indicators were much lower when the council received a breach notice from the Regulator of Social Housing back in 2023. 'We are now in a situation where the regulator is recognising that by April of this year, other than electricals, we will be green [which means performance is equal or better than the target] across the board,' he continued however. 'That will make us the envy of many local authorities.' READ MORE: Birmingham City Council wasn't meeting bin collection and fly-tipping targets even before strike The council performance report added that the authority has been focused on addressing key areas of non-compliance and that there has been 'positive feedback' from the Regulator for Social Housing. 'Most non-compliance areas relate to landlord health and safety which means that the expected percentage levels for each workstream are set at 95 per cent or above,' it said. 'Given the Grenfell disaster, it is right that there is a low level of tolerance to non-compliance in these workstream areas but this doesn't always demonstrate the progress made.' It continued: 'In May 2023, all the landlord health and safety workstreams (except high-rise fire assessments) were at an unacceptable standard. 'Over the past 18 months, workstreams such as asbestos and low-rise fire risk assessments have accelerated from circa 30 per cent compliant to just over 90 per cent. 'Whilst there are still changes with outstanding remedial works and the electrical testing program, the council is in a much better place in terms of assuring itself that tenant's homes are safe.'
