Landlords in Glasgow 2025

 

Why Regular EICR Testing in Glasgow is Essential for Landlords

As a landlord, ensuring the safety and compliance of your rental properties is crucial. Regular EICR testing in Glasgownot only protects your tenants but also safeguards you from potential legal and financial repercussions. Let’s delve into why landlord certificates in Glasgow, such as an EICR, are a must-have for every property owner.

What is an EICR in Glasgow

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a detailed assessment of your property’s electrical system. It identifies any potential hazards, ensuring that the property meets safety standards. Regular EICR testing in Paisley or Glasgow is not just a recommendation; it’s a legal requirement for landlords under the Housing (Scotland) Act.

Key Benefits of Regular EICR Testing Glasgow

1. Ensures Tenant Safety Faulty wiring or outdated electrical systems can pose significant risks, such as electrical fires or shocks. An EICR in Glasgow identifies these issues before they become dangerous, providing peace of mind for you and your tenants.

2. Legal Compliance Failing to provide a valid landlord certificate in Glasgow can result in hefty fines or legal actions. Staying compliant ensures your property is always ready for inspections.

3. Protects Your Investment Electrical faults can lead to extensive property damage. Regular EICR testing prevents costly repairs by addressing issues early.

What Other Certificates Do Landlords Need?

In addition to an EICR, landlords must obtain other certifications, such as EPC certificates in Glasgow. An EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) evaluates the energy efficiency of your property, which is essential for both legal compliance and attracting tenants.

How Often Should You Conduct EICR Testing?

For rental properties, EICR testing in Glasgow should be conducted every five years or whenever there is a change in tenancy. This ensures your property remains safe and up-to-date with current regulations.

Why Choose Us for Your Electrical Needs?

Our team specializes in providing comprehensive EICR testing in Paisley and Glasgow. We also offer EPC certificates in Glasgow and other essential services tailored to landlords. With years of experience, we guarantee thorough inspections and prompt service.

Final Thoughts

Ensuring your property’s electrical safety and compliance isn’t just about meeting legal requirements—it’s about protecting your tenants and your investment. Regular EICR testing in Glasgow, along with obtaining valid landlord certificates in Glasgow, keeps your property safe and attractive to potential tenants. Contact us today to schedule your inspection.

SEO Linking Strategy

For optimal SEO, aim to include 4-6 internal links to your website in each blog post. Each instance of EICR in Glasgow, landlord certificates in Glasgow, EICR testing in Paisley, and EPC certificates in Glasgow should link back to relevant service pages. These links help boost your site’s visibility and ensure potential customers can easily find your services.

A Guide To Central Heating Systems

There are three main types of gas central heating systems used in housing:

• Combination Boiler Systems
• Gravity Fed Systems
• High Pressure Systems

All three of these systems heat central heating radiators in similar ways. The main differences are the water pressure that the boiler operates at and the way hot water is provided.

heating engineer Combination Boiler System

Often referred to as a ‘combi boiler’ this type of installation heats hot water as you need it, without the need for a hot water storage tank. So in places where space and hot water requirements are limited, such as flats, these can be very popular systems. The system uses mains water pressure, so there are no overflow tanks.

The major downside is the flow of hot water is slower than systems that provide stored hot water – most systems will struggle to cope with houses with two bathrooms. To have a reasonable level of hot water flow the boiler output has to be in a range of 25-30kW rather than 15-20kW for a system with a hot water storage tank. If you are thinking of using solar water heating in the future then another downside is that these systems are not suitable for use with a combi boiler as they need a hot water cylinder. Read more in our solar panels cost article.

See Combination Gas Boilers for a list of current popular combi boilers with typical consumer prices.

Gravity Fed Systems

Central Heating System Gravity Fed System

Historically a gravity fed central heating system was the most common system installed in UK housing. They are less common now as combi and high pressure systems are both superior when a complete new system is being installed.

gas safe

Many older homes have existing gravity fed systems, so it may be more cost effective to upgrade the existing gravity fed system with a new more efficient boiler rather than go to the expense of a complete new system. Some manufacturers call boilers for a gravity system “open vent boilers”, “heat only boilers”, “conventional boilers” or “regular boilers”. Most system boilers can also be used with a gravity system. A system boiler has additional built in components such as a pump which makes installation easier than for a heat only boiler.

The major downsides are:

• the water pressure for hot and cold taps can be quite poor, as the flow depends on gravity. In flats, where there is no opportunity to put the water tanks in a loft, shower water pressure can be poor unless a shower pump is used.
• The extra requirement for a cold water storage tank and an expansion tanks. These tanks were often installed in lofts where they become vulnerable to frost damage resulting in water leaks.

High pressure systems

High Pressure Unvented System

This type of system operates at mains water pressure and uses a stored hot water system. So if it is lashings of hot water at a forceful pressure you are looking for then this is the system for you. EICR Certificate Glasgow

The main downside is that these high performance systems tend to be more expensive than the combi systems as you have the additional expense of a hot water tank. They also tend to require a higher skill level amongst installers, although as these systems become more common this is less of an issue. Some manufacturers call boilers for a high pressure system with a tank “system boilers” although some heat only boilers can also be used if additional external components such as pumps are added. electricians

gas engineer west end glasgow

SOLAR POWER SCOTLAND

Funding For Renewable Technologies in Scotland

To encourage people to install renewable technologies the Government has devised a scheme whereby financial incentives are available via grants.

For Solar Thermal and Ground Source Heat Pumps

Scottish Community Householder Renewables Initiative (SCHRI):

• FUNDING FOR HOUSEHOLDERS SET AT 30% OF THE INSTALLATION COST UP TO £4,000
• RESIDENTS IN SCOTLAND CAN CHOSE TO HAVE A SCOTTISH COMMUNITY HOUSEHOLDER RENEWABLES INITIATIVE (SCHRI) OR A LOW CARBON BUILDINGS PROGRAMME (LCBP) GRANT
• APPLICATIONS LIMITED TO ONE GRANT PER TECHNOLOGY FROM EITHER OF THESE PROGRAMMES
• MORE INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE AT THE WEBSITE FOR THE LOW CARBON BUILDINGS PROGRAMME

Planning permission for solar panels

From 6th April 2008 the Government legislation ruled that the installation will not require planning permission and will be classed as a permitted development. This may not apply if the building is within a conservation area or on a listed building).

More information is available from the Energy Saving Trust.

Building Regulations for solar panels

Building Control supervision may be required for some types of roof, particularly where load-bearing capacity is in question or where considerable aging of structure is evident. C Hanlon can help you identify and solve any issue which you have with your roof.

Further Information – the Energy Saving Trust

The Energy Saving Trust offers free, impartial, expert advice about home energy efficiency and local grant schemes.

ELECTRICIANS GLASGOW

Replacement Consumer unit Glasgow

Vist our website www.weselectrical.co.uk or call 01418405236



17th Edition: Update for customers in the Glasgow and the surrounding areas october 21, 2015

Over the next year the electrical industry in the UK, faces Several changes to the electrical regulations. It has already started with the introduction of BS 7671: 2008(2015) - Amendment 3 to the 17th Edition of the IET wiring regulations - on 1st January 2015 and will continue through to 2016. It is important that electricians and electrical installers and electrical contractors understand what the amendment is and how it will affect their customers and there business

 So whats changed?

 BEAMA, the independent expert knowledge base and forum for the electrotechnical industry for the UK and across Europe, has said that the primary root-cause of fires in consumer units is loose electrical connections. Additionally, the London Fire Brigade has found that fires involving electrical consumer units have increased to approximately five incidents each week. It’s clear that a change needs to be made to protect consumers from potential harm. The London Fire Brigade LFB has been working with Electrical Safety First, BEAMA and other industry organisations to make edits to Amendment 3 requirements that will directly improve personal safety and quell the risk of residential fires.

What does it all Means? Glasgow 

To address this issue Amendment 3 will provide a degree of enhanced fire risk protection, requiring switchgear assemblies – including consumer units - to have their enclosures made from a suitable non-combustible material, or be installed in a cabinet or enclosure comprised from a suitable non-combustible material, for example steel. This is all covered within Chapter 42 with the addition of Regulation 421.1.201. MK Electric will be making the mandatory changes to their consumer units, using metal enclosures, which will be available at the end of March. This new range will be available alongside their MK Sentry insulated consumer unit portfolio. Enhanced fire safety is also referenced in the new Regulation 521.201, which outlines the requirements for wiring systems which are above escape routes, to be supported by fire-resistant fastenings and fixings. All cabling must be supported such that it cannot prematurely collapse when exposed to extreme heat. Once again there is a hint towards the use of metallic materials, although this is not prescribed. Amendment 3 also puts more responsibility on the installer. Chapter 41 examines the use of RCD protection on socket outlets. The regulation now requires RCD protection in accordance with regulation 415.1 for socket outlets up to 20A and for mobile equipment with a current rating not exceeding 32A for outdoor use, for all installations. However there is an exception, for socket outlets up to 20A, where the socket outlet is specifically labelled, or where a documented risk assessment determines that RCD protection is not necessary. Chapter 61 makes a new reference to ‘Skilled person (electrically)’ which has the added condition of the person being competent in inspection, testing and certification work. It also notes that supplies up to 100 amps have a new, more detailed schedule of inspections. Additionally, for installations greater than 100amps, a model list of items that require inspection during initial verification is provided in Appendix 6.

This list, along with a documented risk assessment of any permitted exceptions to the list must be appended to the Electrical Installation Certificate and the declaration signed. Dates to you need Know Over the next year and into 2016 there will be key dates that both manufacturers and installers need to keep in mind to comply with the updated regulation. • 1st January 2015: BS7671:2008+A3 was published.

Installations designed after this date may comply and be certified to these new standards or be designed and certified to BS7671:2008+A2 (for a maximum transitional period of 6 months) • 1st July 2015: BS7671:2008+A2 Installations designed after this date must comply fully with BS7671:2008+A3

 • 1st January 2016: Regulation 421.1.201 comes into full effect (this doesn’t preclude conformity beforehand) MK Electric is Ready​ MK Electric will shortly be announcing details of its new metal consumer unit range for compliance to regulation 421.1.201. The range will be available from the end of March. Additionally, MK Electric is offering electric installers and contractors the opportunity to take part in Continuing Professional Development Accreditation for Training to better understand the regulation. More specifically the session will address how the regulation affects installers, specific changes to be aware of and information they will need to counsel their clientele.

Consequentially, Amendment 3 to BS7671:2008 introduces a new regulation relating to the enhancement of Fire Safety, as follows: Regulation 421.1.201 – Protection against thermal effects – Consumer Units Within domestic (household) premises, consumer units and similar switchgear assemblies shall comply with BS EN 61439 3 and shall: Have their enclosure manufactured from a non-combustible material, or Be enclosed in a cabinet or enclosure constructed of non-combustible material and complying with Regulation 132.12 Amendment 3 was published on 5th January 2015 and will apply to all Electrical installations designed after 1st July 2015; however Regulation 421.1.201 will not be mandatory until 1st January 2016.

Metal Consumer Unit Regulation 2016 Amendment 3

Below is the new amendments for the 17th edition electrical installation regulations

Need an electrician in Glasgow? 

NEW NUMBERING SYSTEM

The Third amendment recognises UK only regulations and these are now identified by a new numbering system. Regulations with a .100 number are CENELEC requirements and those with a .200 number are specific
to the UK.

PART 2 - Definitions

Definitions have been expanded and modified, including the introduction of some new symbols. A list of abbreviations used in the Regulations has been added. The definition of ‘competent person’ has been removed and it has been replaced with ‘instructed person (electrically)’ and ‘skilled person (electrically)’. These changes have been reflected throughout the wiring regulations.

CHAPTER 41 - Protection against electric shock


There is now a requirement for RCD protection for socket-outlets up to
20A for all installations, however exceptions are permitted for:
a specific labelled or otherwise suitably identified socket-outlet provided for connection of a particular item of equipment, or
where, other than for an installation in a dwelling, a documented risk assessment determines that the RCD protection is not necessary
Maximum earth fault loop impedances given in tables 41.2, 41.3, 41.4 and 41.6 have been revised to take account of the Cmin factor. Cmin is the minimum voltage factor to take account of voltage variations depending on a number of considerations.

CHAPTER 42 - Protection against thermal effects

Due to the number of consumer unit fires reported within domestic premises, Regulation 421.1.201 (UK only) has been added and

requires consumer units and similar switchgear to have their enclosure manufactured from non-combustible material or be enclosed in a cabinet or enclosure constructed of non-combustible material and complying with Regulation 132.12.
Please note: This regulation will be implemented on 1st January 2016 to allow for manufacturers to ensure an adequate supply of suitable cabinets or enclosures is available.

CHAPTER 51 - Common rules

Section 551 concerning compliance with standards requires all equipment to be suitable for the nominal voltage and also requires certain information to be noted on the Electrical Installation Certificate.

CHAPTER 52 - Selection and erection of wiring systems

A new regulation 521.200 (UK only) has been included giving requirements for the methods of support of wiring systems in escape routes.
The regulations concerning selection and erection of wiring systems have been re-drafted. Reference to “under the supervision of a skilled or instructed person” has been removed.

CHAPTER 55 - Other Equipment


A new section 557 Auxiliary Circuits is included. All auxiliary circuits are
defined in Part 2.

SECTION 559 - Luminaires and lighting installation

Requirements for outdoor lighting installations and extra low voltage lighting installations have been moved to new Sections 714 and
715 respectively.

PART 7 - Special Installations or Locations Section 701 locations containing a bath or shower

There is now a requirement for RCD protection to be provided for: low voltage circuits serving the location
low voltage circuits passing through zones 1 and 2 not serving the location.
Appendix 3 - Time/current characteristics of overcurrent protective devices and RCDs
This includes changes in connection with maximum earth fault loop impedance to take account of the Cmin factor given in CLC/TR50480:2011.

APPENDIX 6 - Model forms for certification and reporting

The schedule of inspections (for new work only) has been replaced by examples of items requiring inspection during initial verifications (which must be appended to the Electrical Installation Certificate).
A small number of changes to the Electrical Installation Condition Report and associated notes have been made, including a requirement to carry out an inspection within an accessible roof space where electrical equipment is present in that roof space.
This summary is not a definitive guide to all the changes introduced by Amendment 3 and contractors will be required to demonstrate a full and comprehensive understanding of AMD 3 at their assessment visit. 

electricians in glasgow westend

Smoke Detectors and Co Alarms to become legal requirements for landlords

Landlords in England and Scotland will be required by law to install working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in their properties from October 2015, it has been announced.

According to Housing Minister Brandon Lewis the move will help prevent up to 36 deaths and 1,375 injuries a year after a consultation showed strong support for the measure.

Fire and rescue authorities in Glasgow are expected to support private landlords in their own areas to meet their new responsibilities with the provision of free alarms, with grant funding from the government.

Lewis explained that it is part of wider government moves to ensure there are sufficient measures in place to protect public safety, while at the same time avoiding regulation which would push up rents and restrict the supply of homes, limiting choice for tenants.

‘In 1988 just 8% of homes had a smoke alarm installed but now it’s over 90%. The vast majority of landlords offer a good service and have installed smoke alarms in their homes, but I’m changing the law to ensure every tenant can be given this important protection,’ said Lewis.

‘But with working smoke alarms providing the vital seconds needed to escape a fire, I urge all tenants to make sure they regularly test their alarms to ensure they work when it counts. Testing regularly remains the tenant’s responsibility,’ he added.

These alarms should be fitted by a qualified electrician or electrical contractor

According to Communities Minister Stephen Williams it will help to create a bigger, better and safer private rented sector. ‘A key part of that is to ensure the safety of tenants with fire prevention and carbon monoxide warning. People are at least four times more likely to die in a fire in the home if there’s no working smoke alarm,’ he said.

‘That’s why we are proposing changes to the law that would require landlords to install working smoke alarms in their properties so tenants can give their families and those they care about a better chance of escaping a fire,’ he added.

The proposed changes to the law would require landlords to install smoke alarms on every floor of their property, and test them at the start of every tenancy. Landlords would also need to install carbon monoxide alarms in high risk rooms such as those where a solid fuel heating system is installed.

Those who fail to install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms would face sanctions and could face up to a £5,000 civil penalty. This would bring private rented properties into line with existing building regulations that already require newly built homes to have hard wired smoke alarms installed.

New regulations will be laid in Parliament to require landlords to install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in their properties, and are expected to come into force, subject to Parliamentary approval, on 10 October 2015.

The allocation of funding to fire and rescue authorities to offer free smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to local landlords will be announced shortly.

The British Property Federation said the crackdown was necessary to force the small number of landlords who did not install alarms in their properties to bring them up to standard. It added that although most landlords do everything necessary to ensure the safety and comfort of their tenants, making the installation of carbon monoxide and smoke alarms compulsory will give tenants peace of mind and provide clarity to landlords. 

The BPF recommended that the obligation on landlords and their agents should be to ensure that there are working detectors at the time the tenancy starts. There should be an obligation on tenants, however, to maintain and test the alarms and to report any faults.

'It is quick, cheap and easy to install these pieces of equipment, so making them mandatory makes sense, and should weed out those who are currently putting their tenants at risk. While the majority of landlords adhere to best practice and ensure that fire and smoke detectors are installed in every rented property they own, we feel that landlords and tenants can only benefit from this additional safeguard,' said Ian Fletcher, director of policy at the British Property Federation.

electricians westend glasgow

www.weselectrical.co.uk 01418405236

MAIN BOARD - CONSUMER UNIT REPLACEMENT GLASGOW

Electrical main boards Glasgow

Contact us - www.weselectrical.co.uk - 01418405236


When it comes time to upgrade your consumer unit / older fusebox in your home, you need to take into account several things that will effect how much you are going to spend.

Firstly you should always consult a qualified electrician before any electrical work is undertaken on you consumer unit.

secondly you would need to know how many circuits you have in your home, for example you will have one circuit for your lighting downstairs and one circuit for your upstairs lighting. also you will have a socket circuit in the form of a ring circuit , you would have a shower circuit and cooker circuit also.

The more circuits you have the bigger the main board you will need to power you home.


you will also need to take into consideration if you would choose to install a board with rcd protection.

Most new boards come with an rcd protected circuit board but you can buy ones that don't.
The issue can arise that if the is earthing issues on you circuits or you have some other wiring faults your rcd will trip and not go back up until this is fixed. you would then need to take on testing of your electrical installation through the means of a EIC test to find out where the fault lies.

If in doubt contact a qualified electrician west end Glasgow about your Fuseboard.


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ELECTRICAL APPRENTICESHIP UK

I’ve just enrolled on a three-year course to become an electrician. It’s a complete career change, but after being made redundant four times from the engineering sector, I want a job that is “recession-proof”. However, because I now attend college during the week, I’m only available to work part-time. I’m worried this could put recruiters off from hiring me. Am I doing the right thing? Steven, 58, via email

You’ve certainly taken a bold step, Steven. Throwing your own money and time into a three-year course is not easy and demonstrates your commitment to changing careers. To some extent, your reasons for wanting to become an electrician are sound: businesses and home owners will always need electricians.

A word of caution though. The industry is far from “recession proof”. As construction and manufacturing projects have been scaled back over the last few years, so too has the need for all the trades associated with them – and electricians have suffered. David Marshall, of Electrical Recruitment Specialists, says he receives up to 150 applications for jobs. And all of them are from qualified electricians, with endless contact books and experience. When you qualify, you’ll be competing against them.

Which is why, if you’re serious about a career as an electrician, you must spend the next three years learning the trade, working in the trade, and building contacts in the trade. There is absolutely no point getting your course while working in a totally unrelated job – even if it’s something technical like engineering, Marshall says. Employers will want to see you’ve learned the ropes during your three years. That means rolling your sleeves up and getting out on site, just as much as it does turning up to class.

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First things first though, Steven. Make sure your course is industry-recognised. I’ve done a bit of digging around for you, and to be taken seriously you must be on a City & Guilds course. If you’re not, change this now. If you are, you should be aiming – eventually – for an Electrotechnical Certification Scheme competence card, a “pass” which allows you to work at any industrial or domestic site. Check the sector’s skills council, Summit Skills, to make sure you’re on the right course at www.summitskills.org.uk.

Your next step is to try and secure work in the field. But as Matt Darville, an engineer at electrical contractors’ body the NICEIC, says: “Offering to do jobs for virtually nothing is a good start.” Electricians start as “labourers”, or “mates”, for about £10 an hour. The next level is called an “improver”, at about £11. They work with electricians, handing him or her cables, knocking down walls, talking to clients – everything except the actual wiring. Without these skills, employers are unlikely to consider you when you become qualified. You have to prove you can get stuck in, stomach long periods outside in the rain, or up a pole if need be. The contacts and job opportunities you’ll get from doing this are potentially huge. The Electrical Contractors’ Association website, www.eca.co.uk, lists the employers with these types of jobs available. Iain Macdonald, of the ECA, urges you to get your pitch right before approaching them, though. If you’re willing, state that you can work at a beginners’ rates, or firms may assume someone like you is too expensive.

WES Electrical Westend Glasgow

Westend Glasgow Electricians employ three full-time electricians.

Between them they have over 50 years experience in all aspects of electrical works including Domestic Housing, Commercial and Industrial.

Each of our electricians are:

Fully qualified to 17^th edition Regulations

Fully qualified to City and Guilds 2391 Inspection, Testing and Certification

 At Westend Glasgow Electricians we have a well deserved reputation for being dependable, professional, reliable, and for carrying out all works to a high standard of quality at a very reasonable price.

DOMESTIC HOUSING

In order to give a top quality service we make sure to carry a stock of the most commonly requested items on our vans. This ensures that if the work we are asked to carry out is one of the most common things, for example changing a light fitting, or a light switch or socket, or adding additional sockets, we do not have to spend time going away to an electrical supplier to collect these items. This keeps the cost of the work down and enables us to provide an excellent service at a very reasonable price.For smaller works we are usually able to attend your home at a time of your choosing and advise on the best way of carrying out the work in the most cost effective manner. We will be able to give you a price there and then, and if you are happy with the price we can carry out the work straight away. This saves having to make a second visit and helps to keep the cost to a minimum.

Our electricians always make sure to keep disruption to a minimum while carrying out the works, and on completion carry out a thorough clean-up.

Westend Glasgow Electricians carry out all aspects of electrical works to Domestic Housing ranging from a Full Rewire to changing Plug Sockets and Lights.

  

At Wes electrical all quotes are given free of charge and at no obligation.

DIY DANGERS

There are so many programmes and articles on how to D.I.Y and sometimes, it is easier to watch a YouTube video and have a go yourself. Some jobs however are better left to the professionals. Especially with electrics where you can be seriously harmed if something goes wrong.

One of the biggest dangers of doing DIY electrical work is the electricity itself. We are so used to pressing buttons or flipping a switch we forget how powerful it can be. The slightest mistake like using the wrong tools, brushing a wire against another or forgetting to turn of the power, can lead to anything from electric burns to death. While you may be fine Googling how to change a fuse, it is always better to contact reliable and cost effective professionals like Westend Glasgow Electricians, to ensure no avoidable accidents occur.

Professionals at Westend Glasgow Electricians know exactly how to test circuits and find out where problems are coming from. This can be more difficult in older houses with dodgy wiring and the labelling on the fuse box has faded. Not only are you creating hazards when you carry out electric work yourself, you may not be meeting regulations. This could lead to a lot more problems like invalidating any home insurance if the problem was caused by work not following standards. By using a qualified and registered electrician, you can rest assured they are covered by their insurance and will carry out the job professionally and can be held accountable.

If you’re in doubt, it is always better to use a professional so call west end glasgow Electricians today to get free advice.

PERIODIC INPECTION REPORTS WESTEND GLASGOW LANDLORD CERT

Periodic Inspection Explained

All electrical installations deteriorate with age and use. They should therefore be inspected and tested at appropriate intervals to check whether they are in a satisfactory condition for continued service. Such safety checks are commonly referred to as 'periodic inspection and testing'.

A periodic inspection will:

• Reveal if any of your electrical circuits or equipment are overloaded.
• Find any potential electric shock risks and fire hazards.
• Identify any defective electrical work.
• Highlight any lack of earthing or bonding.

Tests are also carried out on wiring and fixed electrical equipment to check that they are safe. A schedule of circuits is also provided, which is invaluable for a property.

How often is a periodic inspection required? Your electrics should be inspected and tested every:

• 10 years for an owner-occupied home.
• 5 years for a rented home.
• 3 years for a caravan
• 1 year for a swimming pool.

Other times when a periodic inspection should be carried out are:

• When a property is being prepared for letting.
• Before selling a property or buying a previously-occupied property.

Who should carry out the periodic inspection and what happens? 
Periodic inspection and testing should be carried out only by electrically competent persons, such as registered electricians. They will check the condition of the electrics against the UK standard for the safety of electrical installations, BS 7671 – Requirements for Electrical Installations (IEE Wiring Regulations).

The inspection takes into account all the relevant circumstances and checks on:

• The adequacy of earthing and bonding.
• The suitability of the switchgear and controlgear. For example, an old fusebox with a wooden back, cast-iron switches, or a mixture of both will need replacing.
• The serviceability of switches, sockets and lighting fittings. Items that  may need replacing include: older round-pin sockets, round light switches, cables with fabric coating hanging from ceiling roses to light fittings, black switches and sockets mounted in skirting boards.
• The type of wiring system and its condition. For example, cables coated in black rubber were phased out in the 1960s. Likewise cables coated in lead or fabric are even older and may well need replacing (modern cables use longer-lasting pvc insulation).
• Sockets that may be used to supply portable electrical equipment for use outdoors, making sure they are protected by a suitable residual current device (RCD).
• The presence of adequate identification and notices.
• The extent of any wear and tear, damage or other deterioration.
• Any changes in the use of the premises that have led to, or may lead to, unsafe conditions.

The competent person will then issue an Electrical Installation Condition Report detailing any observed damage, deterioration, defects, dangerous conditions and any non-compliances with the present-day safety standard that might give rise to danger.

If any dangerous or potentially dangerous condition or conditions are found, the overall condition of the electrical installation will be declared to be 'unsatisfactory', meaning that remedial action is required without delay to remove the risks to those in the premises.

If you would like to arrange for a Periodic Inspection to be carried out, the following leaflets may be helpful:

electricians glasgow

WESTEND GLASGOW ELECTRICIANS

RCDs Explained By   a Professional Electrician

An RCD, or residual current device, is a life-saving device which is designed to prevent you from getting a fatal electric shock if you touch something live, such as a bare wire. It can also provide some protection against electrical fires. RCDs offer a level of personal protection that ordinary fuses and circuit-breakers cannot provide.

Below are the questions most commonly asked about RCDs (click to expand answers).

What does an RCD do?

An RCD is a sensitive safety device that switches off electricity automatically if there is a fault.

An RCD is designed to protect against the risks of electrocution and fire caused by earth faults.  For example, if you cut through the cable when mowing the lawn and accidentally touched the exposed live wires or a faulty appliance overheats causing electric current to flow to earth.

How does it work?

An RCD constantly monitors the electric current flowing through one or more circuits it is used to protect. If it detects electricity flowing down an unintended path, such as through a person who has touched a live part, the RCD will switch the circuit off very quickly, significantly reducing the risk of death or serious injury.

What are the main types of RCD?

Fixed RCDs

These are installed in the consumer unit (fusebox) and can provide protection to individual or groups of circuits. A fixed RCD provides the highest level of protection as it protects all the wiring and the sockets on a circuit, and any connected appliances.

---

Socket-Outlet RCDs

These are special socket-outlets with an RCD built into them which can be used in place of a standard socket-outlet. This type of RCD provides protection only to the person in contact with equipment, including its lead, plugged into the special socket-outlet.

---

Portable RCDs

These plug into any standard socket-outlet. An appliance can then be plugged into the RCD. They are useful when neither fixed nor socket-outlet RCDs are available but, as with socket-outlet RCDs, they provide protection only to the person in contact with the equipment, including its lead, plugged into the portable RCD.

• What are the main types of RCD?
• Why is RCD protection important?
  RCD protection can save lives by protecting you and your family from fatal electric shock, and can provide some protection against fire.

  Every year in the UK around 70 people die and 350,000 are injured as a result of electrical accidents at home.  A Government report also indicated that, each year, about 4,000 fires caused by electricity in homes might have been prevented if RCD protection had been fitted in the consumer unit.  Despite this, more than half of UK homes – that’s 13 million - don’t yet have any, or an adequate level of, such additional protection.

  RCD protection is particularly important whilst using mains-powered electrical equipment outdoors, where there is an increased risk of electric shock.

  (To provide additional protection against electric shock, an RCD must have a rated tripping current of no more than 30 mA. The rating will be marked on the RCD.)

How much will RCD protection cost?

A plug-in RCD can cost as little as £10. A fixed RCD will cost more, but will provide a greater degree of protection to help keep your family safe. Installation costs will vary, so we recommend getting several quotes before proceeding.

How do I check whether I already have fixed RCD protection?

To check if you have fixed RCD protection, go to your consumer unit and have a look to see if there is a device with a pushbutton marked ‘T’ or ‘Test’. This ‘test’ button is part of an RCD. If an RCD is fitted, there should also be a label on or near the consumer unit stating ‘test quarterly’.

If you have an RCD, you should check that it is functioning properly by pushing the test button every three months. When tested, the RCD should switch off the power to the areas of the home it protects. 

The RCD (or RCDs) in your consumer unit may not cover everything in your home, such as the lighting circuits, so it’s a good idea to check - while the RCD is off - which sockets and lights are no longer working, showing that they are protected by that RCD.

Switch the RCD back on to restore the supply.

If your RCD does not switch off the electricity supply to the protected circuits when the test button is pressed, or if it does not reset, get advice from a registered electrician.

If you don’t have RCD protection fitted in your consumer unit, the best way to protect yourself in the short term is by using a portable RCD, which you can find in most DIY or gardening stores.  All you have to do is plug it into a socket and plug the appliance into the RCD.  The appliance will then be safer to use.

However if, for example, you damage a hidden cable when fixing something to a wall, you won’t be protected against electric shock unless you have an RCD in your consumer unit protecting that circuit.

Is it a requirement to install RCDs?

In 2008 a new edition of the UK standard for the safety of electrical installations, BS 7671, came into effect. This standard calls for virtually all electrical circuits installed in homes since then to be provided with additional protection by means of an RCD.

The Electrical Safety Council has electrical safety advice on a range of issues regarding home electrics and other areas.

if in doubt contact an electrician westend glasgow