Emergency electricians Glasgow 2024

 

Why Landlords in Glasgow Should Have an Emergency Electrician in Glasgow on Speed Dial

Owning rental property can be a rewarding venture, but it also comes with its own set of responsibilities. One of the most critical areas that landlords need to stay on top of is property maintenance, particularly electrical safety. Electrical issues are not only an inconvenience but can pose serious risks to both the property and tenants. That's why having an emergency electrician in Glasgow and the surrounding areas can be a lifesaver—literally and financially.

The Importance of Electrical Safety in Rental Properties

Landlords have a legal obligation to ensure the electrical installations in their properties are safe. This includes everything from wiring and sockets to appliances provided with the rental. Faulty electrics can lead to dangerous situations such as:

• Electrical fires: A leading cause of house fires is faulty wiring or overloaded circuits.
• Electrical shocks: Defective wiring or appliances can cause shocks, leading to serious injury or even death.
• Property damage: Electrical issues can damage appliances, cause power surges, or trip circuits, resulting in property loss and costly repairs.

The key to avoiding these issues is regular electrical inspections and immediate response to any signs of electrical faults. However, despite your best efforts, emergencies can still occur. This is where an emergency electrician becomes essential.

Common Electrical Faults Landlords Face

As a landlord, you're likely to face various electrical problems over time. Some common issues that warrant immediate attention from a qualified electrician include:

1. Flickering Lights: This could be a sign of loose wiring or an overloaded circuit, both of which require urgent investigation.

2. Tripping Circuit Breakers: If a tenant's breaker keeps tripping, it’s an indication of an underlying problem with the electrical system.

3. Burning Smell or Scorched Sockets: This is a red flag that something is seriously wrong. It could be a sign of overheating wires or a possible electrical fire.

4. Power Outages in Certain Rooms: If only specific areas are affected, there may be faulty wiring or issues with the circuit breaker.

5. Buzzing or Humming Sounds: Electrical systems should operate silently. Any buzzing or humming noises could indicate a serious fault.

Why You Need a Trusted Emergency Electrician in Glasgow

An emergency electrician in Glasgow offers peace of mind. Whether it's 2 AM or a holiday, you can’t afford to leave your tenants without power or heating. A reliable electrician will provide:

• 24/7 Availability: Emergencies don’t wait for business hours, so you need an electrician who is available round-the-clock.
• Fast Response: Electrical problems can escalate quickly, so it's essential that your electrician can arrive promptly to assess and fix the issue.
• Expertise and Compliance: An emergency electrician should be fully qualified and knowledgeable about local regulations, such as landlord safety certifications and the latest electrical standards.

Benefits of Hiring a Local Electrician in Glasgow

By choosing a local emergency electrician in Glasgow, you ensure:

• Faster Response Times: Being local means they can reach your property faster in an emergency.
• Local Knowledge: They understand the common issues faced by properties in the area, allowing them to diagnose and fix problems more efficiently.
• Supporting Local Business: By hiring locally, you're contributing to the economy of the surrounding community.

Emergency Electrical Services You Should Expect

As a landlord, you should seek out an electrician who offers a wide range of emergency services. These might include:

• Electrical fault finding and repairs
• Circuit breaker and fuse box repairs
• Rewiring
• Lighting installation or repair
• Appliance testing and certification
• Full or partial power loss restoration

Choosing the Right Electrician Westend Glasgow

When looking for an emergency electrician in Glasgow, consider the following:

• Check Qualifications: Always ensure that your electrician is registered with a recognized governing body like NICEIC or SELECT.
• Read Reviews: See what other landlords and homeowners have to say about the service.
• Ask for References: A reputable electrician should have no problem providing references from satisfied clients.
• Have an approved electricians css card valid and in date, this will enable the electrician to sign off installations and issue the appropriate certificate 

Final Thoughts

Electrical safety is not something landlords can afford to ignore. By having a trusted emergency electrician in Glasgow and surrounding areas, you ensure the safety and satisfaction of your tenants, and you protect your property from costly damages. It’s a small investment for peace of mind and long-term savings.

Make sure you have a professional’s number on hand so that when an electrical emergency strikes, you can act swiftly, minimizing risk and ensuring your property remains a safe and habitable environment.

Landlord EICR Testing 2024

EICR Glasgow

 EICR Testing and PAT Testing in Glasgow and Surrounding Areas: Ensuring Safety and Compliance

Electrical safety is a top priority for businesses and landlords, especially in bustling urban areas like Glasgow and its surrounding regions. To ensure compliance with legal requirements and protect both property and people, two essential processes come into play: EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) testing and PAT (Portable Appliance Testing).

In this blog, we’ll explore what these tests are, why they are important, and how businesses and property owners in Glasgow can benefit from regular testing.

What is EICR Testing Glasgow?

EICR testing is an inspection process designed to assess the condition of electrical installations within a building. Over time, electrical systems naturally deteriorate, which can lead to serious safety hazards such as electric shocks or fires. EICR reports assess whether an installation is safe for continued use.

Key elements of an EICR test in Glasgow include:

1. Visual inspection of the electrical system to identify signs of wear, damage, or unsafe components.
2. Functional testing to ensure circuits and equipment are operating correctly.
3. Evaluating earthing and bonding to confirm safety mechanisms are in place.

In Glasgow, EICR testing is crucial for residential landlords as per the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006, which mandates electrical safety checks. It is also recommended for commercial properties to maintain safety standards and reduce liability risks.

How often is an EICR needed?

• For residential properties: Every 5 years or at the change of tenancy.
• For commercial properties: Every 3 to 5 years, depending on the type of installation and use.

What is PAT Testing Glasgow?

While EICR tests focus on fixed electrical systems, PAT testing is about inspecting portable appliances for safety. Whether it's the office coffee machine or tools in a construction workshop, all portable electrical devices need to be tested regularly to ensure they are functioning safely.

What does PAT testing involve?

• Visual inspection of the appliance to check for obvious signs of damage like frayed wires or cracked plugs.
• Electrical tests to measure things like insulation resistance, earth continuity, and polarity to ensure appliances are safe to use.

For businesses in Glasgow, PAT testing can often be overlooked, but it's a simple and effective way to prevent electrical accidents, as well as comply with regulations. Employers have a duty under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 to maintain electrical equipment in a safe condition.

How often should PAT testing be conducted?

• This depends on the type of appliance and how often it is used. Appliances that are used regularly in a harsh environment (e.g., construction tools) will need more frequent testing than low-use items in an office setting.
• As a rule of thumb, items used frequently in demanding environments should be tested every year, while less intensive environments may only need testing every 2-4 years.

Why Is EICR and PAT Testing Important in Glasgow?

1. Legal Compliance
Businesses and landlords are legally obligated to ensure that their electrical installations and appliances are safe to use. Failing to comply with safety standards could lead to hefty fines, liability in case of accidents, or even imprisonment in severe cases of negligence.

2. Protecting Your Property
Unchecked electrical systems and appliances can cause major issues like power outages, electrical fires, or expensive repairs. Regular testing helps prevent these issues from escalating into costly disasters.

3. Ensuring Tenant and Employee Safety
For landlords and employers in Glasgow, maintaining electrical safety isn't just about ticking a box – it's about providing a secure environment for tenants and staff. Both EICR and PAT testing give peace of mind, knowing that risks of shock, fire, and other electrical hazards are minimized.

Choosing the Right Electricians in Glasgow

It’s essential to choose qualified and reputable electricians for EICR and PAT testing. Electricians registered with the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC) or other recognised governing bodies ensure you get expert service. Many firms in Glasgow specialize in both EICR and PAT testing, offering package deals to keep your premises compliant.

Conclusion

If you own a business or property in Glasgow or its surrounding areas, regular EICR and PAT testing should be a top priority. Not only will it ensure compliance with Scottish regulations, but it will also safeguard the health and safety of everyone on your premises.

Stay safe and compliant by scheduling your electrical tests today, and ensure your property is in line with Glasgow’s high safety standards!

eicr paisley 2024

 

EICR Paisley

A Comprehensive Guide to EPC and EICR Certificates for Landlords in Paisley

As a landlord in Paisley, you have a legal responsibility to ensure your rental properties meet specific safety and efficiency standards. Two key documents that you need to be aware of are the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and the Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). In this blog, we’ll dive into what these certificates are, why they are important, and how you can obtain them.

What is an EPC?

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) provides a rating of the energy efficiency of a property on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). This rating helps tenants understand the likely energy costs and carbon emissions associated with the property.

Key Points About EPCs:

• Legal Requirement: All rental properties in Paisley must have a valid EPC before they are rented out. This is a legal requirement under the Energy Performance of Buildings (Scotland) Regulations 2008.
• Validity: An EPC is valid for 10 years from the date of issue.
• Minimum Standard: As of April 2020, private rented properties in Scotland must achieve at least an EPC rating of E before they can be let out to new tenants or have their tenancy renewed.
• Improving Energy Efficiency: If your property does not meet the minimum EPC rating, you may need to make improvements, such as upgrading insulation, installing energy-efficient windows, or replacing an old boiler.

What is an EICR Paisley?

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is an inspection report that assesses the safety of the electrical installations within a property. It ensures that the electrical systems are safe, and any potential hazards are identified and rectified.

Key Points About EICRs:

• Legal Requirement: Since 1st December 2015, it has been a legal requirement for landlords in Scotland to have an EICR carried out every five years or at the beginning of a new tenancy.
• Scope of Inspection: An EICR covers all the fixed electrical installations in a property, including the wiring, sockets, light fittings, fuse boxes, and any fixed electrical appliances.
• Report Outcomes: After the inspection, an electrician will provide a report detailing any observations and classifications based on the level of urgency. These are categorized as:
  • C1 (Danger Present): Immediate action required.
  • C2 (Potential Danger): Urgent remedial action required.
  • C3 (Improvement Recommended): Improvements recommended but not required to comply with regulations.
• Rectifying Issues: If a C1 or C2 issue is identified, landlords must undertake the necessary remedial work and obtain confirmation that the work has been completed to a satisfactory standard.

Why are EPC and EICR Certificates Important?

1. Legal Compliance: As a landlord, you are legally required to provide both EPC and EICR certificates to your tenants. Failure to do so can result in hefty fines and legal action.

2. Safety Assurance: An EICR ensures that your property is electrically safe, reducing the risk of electrical fires and other hazards. An EPC, on the other hand, helps tenants understand the energy efficiency of your property and encourages you to make improvements that can reduce energy costs.

3. Tenant Confidence: Providing valid EPC and EICR certificates demonstrates your commitment to maintaining a safe and efficient property, which can help attract and retain tenants.

4. Property Value: Improving your property’s energy efficiency can also increase its value, making it more attractive to potential buyers if you decide to sell in the future.

How to Obtain EPC and EICR Certificates in Paisley

Obtaining an EPC:

• Hire a Registered Assessor: To get an EPC, you need to hire a registered energy assessor. The assessor will visit your property, inspect its energy-related features (like insulation, heating, and windows), and then provide a rating.
• Cost: The cost of an EPC in Paisley typically ranges from £60 to £120, depending on the size and type of the property.

Obtaining an EICR Cardonald:

• Hire a Qualified Electrician: Only a qualified electrician can carry out an EICR. Ensure they are registered with a recognized trade body such as SELECT or NICEIC.
• Cost: The cost of an EICR depends on the size of your property and the number of circuits that need to be tested but generally ranges from £150 to £300.

Conclusion

As a landlord in Paisley, ensuring that you have valid EPC and EICR certificates is essential for both legal compliance and the safety of your tenants. Not only do these certificates protect you from legal issues, but they also help you provide a safer, more energy-efficient home for your tenants. Make sure you stay up to date with these requirements and always use qualified professionals to obtain these certificates.

If you need more information or help getting started, don’t hesitate to contact a local professional who specializes in EPC and EICR certificates. Your tenants' safety and your peace of mind are well worth the effort.

Emergency electricians Cardonald 2024

  

Emergency Electricians in Cardonald: Your Go-To Guide for Electrical Emergencies

Understanding the Importance of Emergency Electricians Cardonald

Electrical emergencies can strike at any time, often without warning. Whether it's a sudden power outage, a sparking socket, or an electrical appliance failure, these situations can be not only inconvenient but also dangerous. In such scenarios, knowing who to call is crucial. For residents of Cardonald, having a reliable emergency electrician on speed dial is essential to ensure that any electrical issues are addressed quickly and safely.

What Constitutes an Electrical Emergency Cardonald ?

An electrical emergency is any situation involving your electrical system that poses an immediate risk to your safety or the safety of your property. Common electrical emergencies include:

• Power Outages: While a power outage might seem like a minor inconvenience, it can indicate a more serious issue, such as faulty wiring or overloaded circuits.
• Electrical Fires: Sparks or flames coming from outlets, switches, or appliances are a clear sign of a dangerous electrical problem that requires immediate attention.
• Burning Smells: If you detect a burning smell near electrical outlets or appliances, it could indicate overheating wires or components, which could lead to a fire.
• Tripped Circuit Breakers: Frequent tripping of circuit breakers can signal an overloaded circuit or a short circuit, both of which need to be addressed by a professional.
• Exposed Wires: Damaged or exposed wires can cause electric shocks or fires and should be repaired immediately.

In any of these cases, it's vital to contact an emergency electrician who can assess the situation and take the necessary steps to prevent further damage or injury.

Why Choose a Local Emergency Electrician in Cardonald?

When dealing with an electrical emergency, time is of the essence. This is where the value of a local emergency electrician becomes apparent. Here’s why choosing a local electrician in Cardonald is beneficial:

1. Quick Response Time: Local electricians can respond faster to emergency calls, minimizing the time you're left in a potentially dangerous situation.
2. Familiarity with Local Infrastructure: A local electrician is likely to be familiar with the specific electrical infrastructure of Cardonald homes, allowing for quicker diagnosis and repair.
3. Availability: Emergency electricians in Cardonald are often available 24/7, meaning you can get help at any time of day or night.
4. Community Trust: Local electricians often build their reputation within the community, ensuring that you’re dealing with someone who has a stake in maintaining high standards of service.

What to Look for in an Emergency Electrician Cardonald

When choosing an emergency electrician in Cardonald, there are several key factors to consider:

• Certification and Licensing: Ensure that the electrician is fully qualified and registered with a recognized body such as NICEIC or NAPIT. This guarantees that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to handle electrical emergencies safely.
• Experience: Look for an electrician with a proven track record in handling a wide range of electrical issues. Experienced electricians are more likely to diagnose and fix problems quickly and efficiently.
• Availability: Check that the electrician offers 24/7 emergency services. Electrical issues don’t adhere to a 9-5 schedule, so it’s important to have access to help whenever you need it.
• Transparent Pricing: In an emergency, you don’t want to be hit with unexpected costs. Choose an electrician who offers clear, upfront pricing for their services.
• Positive Reviews: Read online reviews or ask for recommendations to find an electrician with a strong reputation for reliability and quality work.

Preparing for an Electrical Emergency

While you can’t predict when an electrical emergency will occur, you can take steps to be prepared:

• Keep Contacts Handy: Save the contact information of a trusted emergency electrician in your phone or keep it somewhere easily accessible.
• Know Your Circuit Breaker: Familiarize yourself with your home's circuit breaker panel so you can quickly turn off power in the event of an emergency.
• Regular Maintenance: Regular electrical inspections and maintenance can help prevent emergencies from occurring in the first place.

Conclusion

Electrical emergencies are not something to take lightly. In Cardonald, having a reliable and qualified emergency electrician at your disposal can make all the difference in ensuring your home’s safety and your peace of mind. By choosing a local electrician with the right credentials and experience, you can rest assured that help will be on the way when you need it most.

Don’t wait until an emergency strikes—take the time now to research and choose a trusted emergency electrician in Cardonald. That way, when the unexpected happens, you’ll be ready.

Ensuring Electrical Safety: A Comprehensive Guide for Landlords

Introduction

Electrical safety is paramount when it comes to being a responsible landlord. As the person responsible for the maintenance and well-being of your rental property, ensuring that the electrical systems are safe is not just a legal requirement but also a moral obligation. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the importance of electrical safety for landlords, the legal obligations, and practical steps to take to ensure the safety of your tenants.

The Importance of Electrical Safety

Electrical safety is not just about compliance; it's about protecting lives and property. Faulty electrical systems can lead to devastating consequences, including electrical fires, electrocutions, and property damage. As a landlord, you play a crucial role in providing a safe living environment for your tenants. By prioritizing electrical safety, you can prevent accidents, ensure tenant satisfaction, and uphold your reputation as a responsible property owner.

Legal Obligations

1. The Landlord and Tenant Act: In the UK, landlords have a legal obligation to ensure that the electrical installation in their properties is safe when tenants move in and throughout their tenancy. This obligation is outlined in the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985.

2. The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020: In England, since July 1, 2020, landlords are required to have the electrical installations in their properties inspected and tested by a qualified professional at least every five years. This applies to new tenancies from that date and existing tenancies from April 1, 2021.

3. The Repairing Standard in Scotland: In Scotland, the Repairing Standard requires landlords to ensure that their properties meet a minimum physical standard, which includes having a safe and adequate electrical system.

Practical Steps for Electrical Safety

1. Periodic Electrical Inspections: EICR Hire a registered and qualified electrician to conduct periodic electrical inspections and tests. This will identify any potential hazards, wiring issues, or faulty appliances that need attention.

2. PAT Testing: Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is crucial for assessing the safety of electrical appliances in the property. All appliances provided by the landlord, such as toasters, kettles, and microwaves, should be PAT tested regularly.

3. Installation and Maintenance: Ensure that all electrical installations and appliances are installed by a qualified electrician and are properly maintained. This includes regular checks for wear and tear, damaged cords, and exposed wires.

4. RCDs and Circuit Breakers: Install residual current devices (RCDs) and circuit breakers to provide additional protection against electric shocks and overloads. These devices can prevent potentially dangerous situations.

5. Adequate Wiring and Sockets: Ensure that the property has an adequate number of sockets to avoid overloading circuits. Outdated wiring should be replaced to meet modern safety standards.

6. Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms: While not directly related to electrical safety, having functional smoke and carbon monoxide alarms is essential for overall tenant safety. Test alarms regularly and replace batteries as needed.

7. Keeping Records: Maintain a record of all electrical inspections, tests, and any remedial work carried out in the property. This documentation demonstrates your commitment to safety and compliance.

Tenant Education

Apart from adhering to legal obligations and implementing safety measures, educating your tenants about electrical safety is essential. Provide them with information on how to use appliances safely, what to do in case of power outages, and whom to contact in case of electrical issues.

Conclusion

As a responsible landlord, prioritizing electrical safety is not just a legal requirement; it's a moral duty. By ensuring that your rental property's electrical systems are safe and well-maintained, you create a secure living environment for your tenants and protect your investment. Regular inspections, proper maintenance, and tenant education are key components of a comprehensive electrical safety strategy. Remember, a commitment to safety is a commitment to the well-being of both your tenants and your property.

New Smoke and heat alarm legislation in Scotland

The new Smoke and heat alarms that used to be law in Scotland for landlord has now been extended to homeowners, as of February 2022 all homes in Scotland would need to be fitted with interlinked smoke and heat alarm detection systems. Below is a video from the Scottish Government regarding the new law

To request a visit from our leading installers contact WES Electrical below

WES Electrical - 01418405236 are fully qualified to install the new smoke and heat alarms

Two types of alarms

You can use either sealed battery alarms or mains-wired alarms.

Both types of alarm are interlinked by radio frequency and do not need WiFi.

What the alarms must have

If you use battery alarms, they must be sealed tamper-proof units and have long-life lithium batteries, which can be up to 10 years. You may be able to fit these types of alarms yourself and they do not need an electrician.

Mains-wired alarms are cheaper but if you use them, they must be fitted by a qualified electrician and must be replaced every 10 years. You may also need to redecorate after fitting them.

If you also need a carbon monoxide alarm and it is battery-operated, it must have a sealed battery for the duration of its lifespan.

Where and what to buy

There is no list of approved suppliers or fitters. You can buy both types of alarms online or in store from a number of retailers, and any qualified electrician can fit the mains-wired type. 

You need to check that each alarm complies with the following standards:

• smoke alarms                       BS EN14604:2005
• heat alarms                           BS 5446-2:2003
• carbon monoxide detector British Kitemark EN 50291-1

More information on the standard, including the types of alarms, is in the Tolerable Standard Guidance Chapters 16 and 17.

Please note that the Nest Protect System will not meet the standard. This is because they do not meet the requirements for a heat alarm under the relevant British Standard. British Standard (BS 5839-6:2019) states that only heat alarms should be installed in kitchens.

Frequently asked questions

The more detailed information below may help to answer some other common questions about the new standard.

Cost of alarms and financial help

Homeowners and landlords

Any costs will be the responsibility of home owners and landlords, and will depend on what you currently have in place and the alarms you choose to install. We estimate that the cost for an average three bedroom house which requires three smoke alarms, one heat alarm and one carbon monoxide detector will be around £290. This is based on using the type of alarms that you can install by yourself without the need for an electrician.

The Scottish Government has, over the period 2018-20, provided the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) with £1m funding to install these alarms in the homes of people assessed to be at high risk from fire as part of a home fire safety visit.

As a general principle, home owners must pay for any ongoing work needed on their own property. As with other housing standards, the homeowner must meet the new fire and carbon monoxide alarm standard. Local authorities have broad discretionary powers to provide advice and help to home owners with work needed to look after their homes.

Help with the costs for pensioners and disabled people

We are providing funding through Care and Repair Scotland to help elderly and disabled people meet the new standard.

To be eligible for support from Care and Repair Scotland you must own and live in your home that  has a council tax banding of A-C and:

• be of state pension page and receiving guaranteed Pension Credit, or
• have a disability and be in a support group for Employment and Support Allowance

Tenants of local authority or housing associations

Social landlords (local authority and housing association landlords) are aware of the new standard and have been working to ensure that the new alarms are in place, where needed. The Scottish Government has made over £15m of loan funding available for social landlords ensuring that social tenants are safe in their homes. The standard will be monitored by the Scottish Housing Regulator, which may intervene as they deem appropriate for any non-compliance.

Shared ownership (housing association)

For shared ownership properties, as with other condition standards, responsibilities are set out in the occupancy agreement. However, in general, it is your responsibility as the proportion owner, rather than the registered social landlord, to meet the new fire and smoke alarm standard.

Private rented property 

The new standards for fire and smoke alarms extend those which currently apply in the Private Rented Sector (PRS) to housing of all tenures, your landlord should already be complying. 

Specialist alarms

If specialist alarms are needed – such as for deaf people or Telecare systems – these must be fitted in addition to any smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarms.

Interlinked smoke and heat alarms are required to be installed in addition to any Telecare smoke/heat alarms to help keep you safe. If you have fitted or are planning to fit interlinked smoke and heat alarms, please do not remove your telecare smoke, heat or carbon monoxide alarms.  

Tenements and blocks of flats

Different homes in a shared property like a tenement or block of flats do not need to be linked to each other, and there is no need for alarms to be fitted in communal areas such as entry halls and stairways.

Asbestos in ceilings and how it affects installation

It is not necessary to disturb asbestos to install fire alarms. You may wish to seek specialist advice but it is possible to install interlinked, tamper proof long-life lithium battery alarms to ceilings with asbestos using a firm adhesive. It is unlikely that attaching an alarm with an adhesive pad would constitute disturbance of asbestos as it does not require cutting or drilling or similar intrusion to release fine particles.

If for any reason, it is inappropriate or you do not want to use an adhesive pad, battery-operated alarms that meet the manufactures requirement and can be wall mounted may be used, - to be compliant with the legislation, an alarm on the wall should be within 30 cm of the ceiling.

Replaceable batteries

Replaceable batteries cannot be used because the sensors in the alarm degrade over time and so will not be able to detect heat or smoke. This is why the alarm has a limited lifetime.  There have been several tragedies over the years where alarms failed because their batteries expired or people have removed them. Any alarm you buy will have information on how long it lasts, which can be up to 10 years.  

Sealed, tamper-proof battery units must be used because they are safer than those which allow the user to change the batteries.

Disposing of your old alarms

Some but not all types of alarms can be recycled at recycling centres. Look on the alarm for information, or check with the manufacturer.

Compliance with the new standard 

Compliance checks

Most home owners want to make their homes as safe as possible and compliance will in time form part of any Home Report when they come to sell their home.

As this will be a minimum standard for safe houses, local authorities will be able to use their statutory powers to require owners to carry out work on substandard housing. However, as is the case for other elements of the Tolerable Standard, any intervention must be proportionate, rational and reasonable and where owners are unable to meet the standard, it is not a criminal offence.

Information and advice  

Free Home Fire Safety visits from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS)

To protect the most vulnerable, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) will only fit interlinked alarms into owner-occupied homes where the individual/household is assessed as “high risk” through our Home Fire Safety Visit assessment process.

If the individual / household does not meet these criteria, SFRS staff will provide safety advice, information and details of the revised legislation during the visit. Interim detection can also be supplied if the property has no detectors at present.

Household insurance

Different home insurance policies will have different terms and conditions which a homeowner must comply with in order for their home insurance to be valid.  If you are not sure how the new fire and smoke alarm requirements affect your policy, get in touch with your insurer to find out.

Building regulations requirements

New home extensions and building regulation requirements

While building regulations recommend mains operated devices with battery back-up for building work in certain circumstances, tamper proof long-life lithium battery operated devices may be the preferred option for home owners. 

The building standards system gives the local authority verifier a degree of flexibility when applying the building regulations to alterations, extensions and conversions. They can consider that a sealed long-life battery operated system that is interlinked via radio frequency can provide an equal or in some cases, higher level of protection than is required through Building Regulations.

A building warrant is sometimes required for the installation of fire and CO alarms

If you are only installing battery operated alarms a building warrant is not required. 

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electricians westend Glasgow


www.weselectrical.co.uk www.wesuk.co.uk www.certificates4landlords.com

NICEIC UPDATES 2015

  Regulations in 2015/2016

After I attended a briefing and update session today by the NICEIC I can report on some of the main points of interest to property owners:-

• Between January and July 2015 electrical installations work undertaken can comply with either the old or the new regulations. From July 2015 the new regulations will apply except in one regard in respect of replacement or new Consumer Units. Any electrical contractor engaged should by January be conversant with the new regulations.
• Not unexpectedly the changes to regulations are there mainly to improve safety to persons and property. A few of the changes are to better align our regulations alongside common European regulations.
• For home owners, from January 2016 at the latest, the main change will be a slightly different construction for Consumer Units (aka Fuse Box). Consumer Units will need to be of a fire resistance construction, in other words steel. They may not be quite so pretty and the method for the cables entering the Consumer Unit may not be so flexible or pretty either.  We shall have to wait and see what the manufacturing industry comes up with over time as they accommodate this new requirements.  I would forecast that prices for these new steel Consumer Units will be more expensive to manufacture and will take a little longer to install.  It also means that from mid 2014 there could be a flood of 3rd Amendment Regulation non compliant Consumer Units available at knock down prices.
• For commercial businesses, schools, colleges and government buildings there will be stricter requirements for additional protection against electric shock on socket outlet circuits by increasing the use of safety devices called RCDs.  It will be a useful change in increasing safety but it does mean perhaps increased costs and in some cases a different approach to design circuits for computer equipment in offices and education establishments.
• The will be more focus of design, inspection and testing of control circuits such as those used for central heating systems. This could present some challenges for Gas/Oil heating system engineers who may in the future have to call in an electrician whereas previously they could have completed the wiring to control valves, controllers and thermostats themselves.  This too will have cost implications on home owners.
• The regulations for formal Inspection are changing a little as well. Enough require all new stationary and reference material for electrical contractors. Also new  methods and adjustments to learn how to use for recording results.
• Interestingly there is a new regulation that when Periodic Inspections and Tests (EICR)are being undertaken in Homes and Business Premises then inspection to some degree or another in accessible loft spaces is now required unless recorded as a reasonable non compliance. Previously the inspection of wiring in loft spaces was a reasonably accepted omission. This is certainly a safety improvement as I personally have found a fair number of safety issues with wiring in lofts.
• Another change is the need to ensure cables that run above or across safe exit routes but be secured with supports that will resist heat/fire. This is to avoid fire fighters and escapees being tangled up in drooping wire when try to get out of fire damaged building. Apparently the Fire Fighters requested this changes because there had been several deaths because of this problem.  To installing electricians this is a fairly  easy requirement to meet by using metal type buckle clips or purpose designed cable retainers for use inside trunking.
• In the new Regulations there will now be approximately 1500 individual regulations, and increase of several hundred compared to the current issue.

LED LIGHTING GLASGOW