Electrical Safety at Home: When Do You Need an Electrician?

Electrical Warning Signs You Shouldn't Ignore

It is worth arranging professional advice if you are experiencing issues such as:

• Circuits repeatedly tripping
• An RCD repeatedly switching off
• Switches or sockets becoming unusually warm
• Damaged sockets or switches
• Burning smells
• Lights repeatedly flickering
• Unexplained electrical faults
• Old or visibly deteriorated wiring
• Too few sockets for the needs of the property
• Electrical problems occurring after renovation work

Do not attempt to diagnose concealed electrical wiring problems by dismantling electrical equipment yourself.

When Does a House Need Rewiring?

Not every older property automatically requires a complete rewire.

The decision depends on the condition, age and suitability of the existing electrical installation.

Rewiring may be considered where:

• Wiring is significantly outdated
• Electrical faults are becoming frequent
• The property is undergoing major renovation
• Existing circuits are inadequate for modern requirements
• Electrical testing identifies significant defects
• Large changes are being made to kitchens or extensions
• The electrical installation has been heavily altered over the years

Depending on the property and condition of the installation, either full and partial house rewiring may be appropriate.

What Does a Consumer Unit Do?

The consumer unit is an important part of a property's electrical installation.

It distributes electricity around the property and contains protective devices for individual electrical circuits.

Modern consumer units may include protection such as:

• RCBOs
• RCD protection
• Surge protection

An older fuse board does not automatically mean a replacement is essential, but a qualified electrician can inspect the installation and advise whether consumer unit upgrades would improve safety or compliance.

What Is an EICR?

EICR stands for Electrical Installation Condition Report.

An EICR assesses the condition of an electrical installation and can identify defects, deterioration and areas that may require remedial work.

EICRs are particularly important for landlords, but they can also be useful for:

• Homeowners
• Property buyers
• Property sellers
• People purchasing an older property
• Homeowners planning renovations
• Anyone unsure about the condition of an existing electrical installation

Testing provides a much clearer picture of the installation than simply judging electrics by appearance. Our team can arrange electrical testing and inspection across South Essex.

Why Does My Electricity Keep Tripping?

Electrical protective devices are designed to disconnect a circuit when certain faults occur.

If an RCD, RCBO or circuit breaker repeatedly trips, continually resetting it without identifying the cause is not a long-term solution.

Possible causes can include:

• Faulty appliances
• Wiring faults
• Moisture
• Damaged accessories
• Overloaded circuits
• Problems with outdoor electrics
• Faults within individual circuits

Professional electrical fault finding can identify where the problem is occurring before the appropriate repair is carried out.

Lighting, Sockets and Home Improvements

Not all electrical work is the result of a fault.

Renovations and home improvements often involve substantial electrical changes.

Typical projects can include:

• New plug sockets
• Additional power supplies
• Kitchen rewiring
• Pendant lighting
• Downlights
• Exterior lighting
• Garden power and lighting
• Home-office electrics
• Extension electrics
• EV charger installation
• Consumer-unit upgrades

Electricians Across South Essex

Georgio's provides domestic and commercial electrical services throughout South Essex and the SS postcode area.

Our electricians can help with rewiring, consumer units, electrical testing, fault finding, lighting, sockets, EV charging and other electrical installations.