A Sobering Sight: Why This Could Be Hiding in Your Home's Walls. Is it time for an EICR?

Burnt out socket

This photo is a sobering reminder of the hidden dangers that can exist within our homes' electrical systems. It’s a sight no homeowner or tenant ever wants to see, but it's a reality that can be prevented.

What Happened Here?

This damage wasn't caused by a sudden surge or a freak accident. It was the result of a common scenario: a property’s main heating failed during a cold spell. To stay warm, portable plug-in heaters were used.

The problem arose when these high-powered heaters were plugged into multi-plug adapters and extension leads. This overloaded the circuit, causing the wiring and the socket itself to overheat significantly. The result is the severe scorching and fire damage you see in the photo—a potential house fire that was fortunately caught in time thanks to a baby monitor low battery alarm.

The Hidden Danger and the EICR Solution

The frightening reality is that the electrical fault that led to this might not have been immediately obvious. The socket itself may have been old, the wiring behind it could have been deteriorating, or the circuit simply wasn't designed for such a high load.

This is exactly why an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is so important.

An EICR is like an MOT for your home's electrics. It’s an in-depth inspection by a qualified electrician that checks the condition of your entire electrical installation.

How an EICR Could Have Helped

A recent EICR would have likely identified potential issues before they became a fire hazard. The report would have highlighted:

• Overloaded Circuits: Identifying circuits that are not capable of supporting modern high-load appliances.

• Deteriorating Wiring: Spotting old or damaged cables that are prone to overheating.

• Faulty Accessories: Finding sockets or switches that are damaged or showing signs of thermal damage (overheating).

• Lack of Protection: Ensuring your fuse box (consumer unit) has the correct protective devices, like RCDs, which can disconnect power in the event of a fault.

  
  

Don't Wait Until It's Too Late

For landlords, an EICR is a legal requirement every five years. For homeowners, it's a crucial safety check that should be carried out at least every ten years, or sooner if you have concerns or are buying a new property.

The cost of an EICR is a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home and family are safe. Don't wait for a near-miss like the one in this photo.

Is your home's electrical system safe? 

Contact the team at F & H Projects Ltd today to book your comprehensive EICR. Our experienced electricians operate throughout Berkshire, including Bracknell, Ascot, and Wokingham.

Book Now

Check out our previous blog https://www.fandhprojects.co.uk/post/why-your-home-needs-an-eicr

Check out our EICR page https://www.fandhprojects.co.uk/home-eicr