Last reviewed 30 October 2026. General guidance, not legal advice.
Warning signs
- A burning smell, scorch marks or a hot socket or plug.
- A fuse or switch on the fuse board that keeps tripping.
- Flickering lights, or buzzing from switches.
- Old fuse boards with wire fuses, or cables with black rubber or fabric covering.
If you see sparks or smell burning, switch off at the fuse board if it is safe, and get an electrician.
The RCD
An RCD (residual current device) switches the power off fast if current leaks, for example through a person. Most modern fuse boards have one. Press its test button as its label says: it should switch off. If you have no RCD, ask an electrician about one.
Extension leads
Don't plug one extension lead into another, and don't run heaters, kettles and other high-power appliances from the same lead. Unwind cable reels fully before use.
How often to have the wiring inspected
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a check of the whole installation. Electrical Safety First suggests one at least every 10 years in a home you own, and when you buy a home. In England, landlords must have the electrics inspected and tested at least every 5 years.
Who may do the work
In England and Wales, a lot of home electrical work (new circuits, a new fuse board, work near a bath or shower) must meet Part P of the Building Regulations. The simplest way is an electrician in a competent person scheme, such as NICEIC or NAPIT, who can self-certify it. You should get an Electrical Installation Certificate or Minor Works Certificate, and for notifiable work a Building Regulations compliance certificate. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own building rules.
Find the right trade
Sources
- Electrical Safety First
- Electrical Competent Person register
- GOV.UK: electrical safety standards in the private rented sector