Are my sockets safe?

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1) Are My Sockets Safe?

The photograph shows an electrical socket that was feeding an electric oven and the ignition for the gas hob. The gas hob had an electrical fault which meant that the hob had to be disconnected. The only way to achieve this was to unscrew the oven and pull the oven out. We then found that the socket had not been secured to anything, had been subject to heat, grease and excessive mechanical strain. The cable had been pulled out from the back of the socket exposing the insulation around the copper conductors of the cable. In this instance, NO the socket was not safe.

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2) Can you tell from a photograph if my sockets are safe?

We can often tell if they are dangerous from a photograph but not if they are safe. If you are concerned about the condition of your electrical sockets then you will need to contact us to discuss your concerns. There are hidden dangers within electrical installations that cannot be seen without performing tests using specialised test equipment and to state something is safe without carrying out proper testing would be foolhardy.

If you are asking the question ARE MY SOCKETS SAFE? Then there is normally a reason why.

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3) If any of the following apply to your sockets:

• Sockets are mounted on the skirting board
• Sockets are beige coloured and look old
• Sockets are cracked / damaged
• All sockets have no switches on them

Then it may be an idea to have your electrical system checked out.

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4) What does all of this mean?

Sockets that are mounted on the skirting boards usually indicates that the wiring is very old. Sockets used to be mounted very low like this many years ago and usually they are subject to mechanical damage from hoovering, water ingress from mopping and then there is the likely age of the wiring feeding them to consider.

Sockets that are beige coloured and look old. Sockets from many decades ago look beige in colour and have a funny shape compared to today's modern sockets. This again is an indicator of their age and an electrical inspeciton on the wiring system is recommended.

Sockets that are cracked and damaged can cause live parts to be exposed giving rise to danger of electric shock. If sockets are damaged there can be issues with overheating and arcing and these should be checked out.

Unswitched sockets were common many years ago and this again can indicate that the wiring system may be old.

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5) What do I need to do?

If you are worried about your sockets and asking the questions ARE MY SOCKETS SAFE? Then consider having an electrical inspection carried out. The value of a full and thorough electrical inspetion is not to be underestimated. The large number of clients that contact us having lived in a property for several years worrying about their electrics is considerable. A lot of our clients did not know that an electrician could come and carry out a full inspection to let them know if there were issues. We are specialists in Inspection and Testing and are happy to give you a quote for carrying out a comprehensive inspection.

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6) I have had more sockets added and not sure if they are safe…

The first thing that I ask customers when they tell me they have had work carried out is “Did you receive and electrical certificate” and the answer is often no. This means that a lot of work out there is being carried out without any proof of required testing, no proof of compliance with safety regulations and asbolutely no peace of mind for the paying customer who then has to live in that property!

Nearly every electrical job carried out in your home will warrant some kind of certificate. There are many different types of jobs that can be carried out and different certificates that are produced depending on the nature of the work. If you have had work carried out and are unsure of the quality of the work, the installation methods used or just the safety of the finished product be sure to talk to your electrician and ask them for the installation certificate. Ask them if the testing has been carried out to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

We are always happy to try and assist our customers in any way we can. We will look at any photographs you send us in the first instance, listen to your concerns and offer any advice that we can.

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7) My socket crackles is this normal?

No its not. You know this. You would not be asking the question if you thought it was okay 😊 If your socket or sockets are crackling there could be a few different causes and whatever the issue is it HAS to be investigated by and Electrician with the correct equipment, training and tools for the job. Electrical crackling noises indicate a potentially dangerous situation. A situation which should only be entered into by a professional. I would strongly recommend that you call an electrician immediately if any of the following are happening in your home:

• Electrical crackling noises
• Popping or banging noises that are originating from the electrical installation
• Funny fishy smells / plastic smells
• Flickering lights
• Plug sockets that work occasionally but not all the time
• Any electrical item that appears excessively warm or hot

This list is not exclusive and if you have other concerns about safety then please contact us.

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8) Are sockets without a switch safe?

This is a common question that we are asked and the answer is yes. Sockets without a switch are quite safe. They are often used these days for under counter appliances in a kitchen where the switch is mounted separately above. Switches on sockets are preferred in most instances in modern installations.

ARE MY SOCKETS SAFE is a question that has many answers and can often require a visit to your home to perform a visual inspection or if necessary a full inspection. Do not ever sit and worry about it though, we are able to carry out inspection and repair works to ensure that your homes electrics are as safe as they can be. We can offer a free no obligation quote and advice to improve your electrical system where necessary. Contact us today!

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