This week I received an email from Which? Trusted Traders regarding a survey they are conducting, for an article that will be released in 2023, and it really got me thinking…
If someone said to me, Steve. In less than 30 seconds, tell me what would be THE most common electrical issue you would expect to find in a property? Straight away I would answer, Lights! And here is the reason why…
When you walk into a property, you expect to flick the light switch and the light comes on. When it does exactly that, you don’t give it a second thought.
I believe that I could walk into 50% of properties in South Bristol and find an issue on a lighting circuit, which is the result of an incorrectly installed light or light switch, or a poorly maintained electrical installation.
If you’re wondering what types of issues I find, that can result in your entire electrical installation being deemed UNSATISFACTORY, then take a look at these photos.
Recessed Downlights (Spotlights/Downlights)
More commonly incorrectly installed than correctly installed and for this reason, probably my most targeted inspection on an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR):
The colours of the inner cores of an electrical cable should always go all the way into an enclosure. If you can see the Red, Black (old Colours) or Brown, Blue (New Colours) then this is what is referred to as exposed single core insulation. If found on an installation during an EICR then this would be recorded as a (C2) Code 2. This will result in the ENTIRE installation being recorded as UNSATISFACTORY!
Class 1 (metal/Conductive) accessories should always be earthed. If they are not and they become Live, then it could end up in a potentially lethal situation!
Class 1 (metal/conductive) accessories correctly terminated to a compromised circuit:
The brass style light below was installed correctly at the terminals inside the light but presented a potential danger due to a compromised circuit. This was discovered when testing the circuit after the homeowner requested a new bathroom extractor fan to be installed.
As you can see in the photo, one of the earth (Green/Yellow) cables was not connected with the others. This meant the brass light was not earthed.
Class 1 accessories incorrectly terminated to a sound circuit
Class 1 Accessories incorrectly terminated to a compromised circuit - A standard pendant light has been pushed up through the ceiling and the flex, that doesn’t contain an earth, has been connected to a class 1 light.
Thankfully I was still able to rectify the cabling because it was just within reach and had been positioned on the accessible side of a joist. This was particularly lucky because the room directly above was a bathroom and it had a tiled floor.
It’s not uncommon to find lighting cables ‘jointed’ in floor/ceiling voids or loft spaces but they should always be adequately enclosed in a ‘fit for purpose’ enclosure using the correct type of connectors. I won’t go into detail here because that’s a whole different topic for a future blog!
I was called to a property this week where the homeowners were complaining about receiving electric shocks from two metal light switches. Through the electrical testing process, I was able to identify that the earth connection had been lost at one of the lights. Take a close look, would you have spotted it?
Class 1 = switches or lights constructed from a conductive material such as metal.
These are often appealing during a home makeover due to the fancy finishes that can be selected. The most common being brass, polished chrome or a brushed stainless/Nickel effect.
Because these items are so desired by homeowners, it means that a LOT of DIY enthusiasts take on the task of installing the products themselves. Unfortunately, not everyone understands the manufacturer's instructions. It could even be suspected that many don’t read them!
This photo shows a metal (conductive) light switch that hasn’t had an earth cable installed to the earth terminal, as per the manufacturer's instructions.
Now I’d put money on some of you thinking, ‘I don’t need to worry about any of this, the person I use/d is, or used to be, an electrician’!
All I’ll say to this is, I have seen first hand where even ‘qualified electricians’ have installed lights in a way that has completely compromised the safety features provided by the manufacturer.
The term Electrician stretches right the way across the Electrical/Electrical Engineering industry. Many will be excellent in their field but they may not have the appropriate level of knowledge or skill to be working in the Domestic Sector where there are so many product variations and differences to the work they usually do.
Electricity doesn’t always give a warning that it has become unsafe. If your property hasn’t been rewired within the last ten years, or had an electrical test in the last three years, then it would definitely be a wise investment to get the electrical installation tested.
I hear it so many times when working with clients where they refer to their home as ‘The house that Jack built’. My returning comment is, ‘Then it would seem that Jack built most of South Bristol’.
On a serious note though, if you have ANY questions regarding the electrics in your home, then get in touch with your local electrician. You’ll know when you find a good one because they’ll always let you know that even if you have the simplest of questions, to get in touch and they’ll be more than happy to help. How do I know this? Because it’s the exact way I work. It’s not your job to know the answer and there’s no such thing as a silly question. Especially when it’s regarding something that has the potential to seriously harm… or worse.
