The wiring in your walls doesn’t last for ever. Insulation ages, connections loosen and DIY changes build up over the years. If you notice any of the signs below, it’s worth having the installation inspected, even if everything still seems to work.
Warning signs to look out for
- Scorch marks or discoloured sockets and switches. Brown or black marks mean a connection has been overheating. Stop using it and get it checked.
- Sockets or switches that feel warm. A plug or socket faceplate shouldn’t be warm to the touch.
- A burning or fishy smell near sockets, light fittings or the fuse box. Overheating plastic can smell fishy.
- Circuit breakers or RCDs that keep tripping. Tripping is the protection doing its job, so the cause needs finding.
- Lights that flicker or dim when appliances switch on.
- Buzzing or crackling from sockets, switches or the consumer unit.
- Small electric shocks or tingles from appliances, taps or metal fittings.
- An old fuse box with rewireable fuses, a wooden back board or no RCDs.
- Old-style wiring: black rubber or fabric-covered cables, round-pin sockets or light switches mounted on wooden blocks.
- Not enough sockets, so extension leads and adaptors are used everywhere.
Times when an inspection makes sense anyway
- You’ve never had one, or the last one was more than ten years ago
- You’re buying or selling (see buying and selling)
- You’re about to let the property
- The house has been flooded or damaged
- You’ve had building work, an extension or DIY electrical work done
- You’re planning a new kitchen, an EV charger or an electric shower, which all add load to the installation
What should I do if I notice a warning sign?
If something is scorched, smells of burning or gives a shock, switch it off at the consumer unit if it’s safe to do so, stop using it and get it checked. Don’t keep resetting a breaker that trips. For the general signs, book an inspection so you know where you stand.
Inspection or repair?
An inspection (EICR) checks the whole installation and tells you what’s wrong and how urgent it is. It’s the right first step when you’re not sure. If you already know what’s faulty, a repair may be all you need. See remedial work.
How much does an inspection cost?
From £120 for a 1 bedroom home. See EICR prices.
Book a home electrical safety inspection
Check your total price on our home electrical safety inspection page, call 0161 400 1855 or 07493 508 439, or send us an enquiry. We work Monday to Saturday, 8am to 6pm, across Manchester and the surrounding areas (see the areas we cover). Your report is emailed within one working day of your payment clearing.
