Leaving switches or outlets loosely connected is the most common electrical mistake seen by Edinburgh electricians
Edinburgh electricians have revealed the 10 most common electrical DIY mistakes they see in people’s homes, with some possibly leading to serious injuries or worse.
Almost half (49%) of Brits have meddled with their home’s electrics, so ElectricalDirect, the specialist retailer of electrical products, asked hundreds of electricians to reveal the most common errors people make, and then rank them in terms of severity.
These are the 10 most common electrical mistakes seen by Edinburgh electricians:
1. Leaving switches or outlets loosely connected
2. Installing electrical outlets close to water
3. Leaving plastic-sheathed cable unprotected
4. Installing cable without a clamp
5. Reversing hot and neutral wires
6. Installing lightbulbs near flammable materials
7. Over-stacking extension cords or electrical outlets
8. Recessing boxes behind the wall surface
9. Cutting wires too short
10. Handling electrical appliances or outlets with wet hands
The most dangerous mistake is not protecting plastic-sheathed cable. John McCallister, electrical expert at MyJobQuote.co.uk, explains why this is problematic: “Leaving plastic-sheathed cables unprotected exposes them to snagging and cuts, which could lead to fires or lethal shocks. Running them through a conduit minimises this risk.”
The 10 most dangerous electrical mistakes we make at home are:
Second on the list is leaving switches or outlets loosely connected.
John says: “Loose connections cause movement that can potentially disrupt the power supply or allow live wires to wiggle loose, exposing them to your fingers. This means that there’s a potential risk of electrocution or fire.”
Dominick Sandford, Managing Director at ElectricalDirect, said: “Interest in DIY has massively increased over the last few years and while this is great to see, it’s important that people stay away from certain electrical jobs that can lead to injuries.
“That’s why we consulted electricians from across the country to reveal the tasks which are best left to the professionals.”
BAN THE BRAVADO:SCOTTISH HOMEOWNERS’ ‘HAVE A GO’ MENTALITY COULD BE PUTTING HOMES IN DANGER
More than a third of Scottish homeowners are more likely to attempt DIY in the home since lockdown
That is in spite of almost two thirds (65%) ranking their DIY skills as ‘average’ or below
Almost three quarters of households in Scotland do their own DIY as opposed to calling in a professional – yet well over half (58%) admit to calling in a professional tradesperson to sort out a botched electrical job; potentially costing thousands
In response, leading electrical certification body, NICEIC, is encouraging homeowners across the nation to ‘ban the bravado’ and go pro when it comes to electrical DIY in the home
Whilst Scots may be known for their ‘have a go’ mentality, when it comes to safety in the home a can-do attitude may be putting UK homes and families in danger.
According to new research by NICEIC, the UK’s leading electrical certification body, more than more than a third (36%) of Scottish homeowners are more likely to attempt their own DIY in the home since the Coronavirus lockdowns – in spite of 65% of respondents ranking their DIY skills as ‘average’ at best.
Lockdowns aside, almost three quarters (74%) of households in the country will attempt to do their own DIY in the home as opposed to using a professional; yet 58% admit to having to call in a tradesperson to sort out a botched electrical job. Where a professional has been called in to rectify a DIY project which has gone wrong, over a third (35%) has ended up with a bill in excess of £500. A fifth (19%) wish they’d got a professional in to start with.
Ironically, a desire to save money is the main reason for those in Scotland carrying out DIY themselves (62%) – but well over a quarter (28%) still prefers to avoid having people in their home due to COVID-19.
The research, which surveyed 2,000 UK homeowners, also found that 53% of homeowners across the UK would be happy to ‘have a go’ at DIY in the home without any prior experience or formal qualifications – and it’s not just painting and decorating. Almost a quarter (24%) would dabble in general electricals, 51% in landscaping and 25% in plumbing.
Paul Collins, Head of Technical Services at NICEIC, said: “With so many Brits forced to stay home during the national lockdowns of 2020 and 2021, its unsurprising to see that so many UK homeowners are willing to get stuck in and ‘have a go’ when it comes to DIY.
“It is worrying, however, that so many are willing to do this in spite of having a clear lack of experience, qualifications or even ability – especially when it comes to home electrics.
“A botched electrical job can easily lead to hefty costs and further underlying issues that may not become noticeable until it’s too late, putting UK homes and families in danger.
“With well over half of Scottish homeowners admitting to calling out a professional when things go wrong, the message is clear – when it comes to electrics in the home, leave it to the professionals and use a certified electrical contractor such as those with the NICEIC; it could mean the difference between life and death.”
And it would seem a reluctance to ask for help or a belief that ‘I can do it myself’ (55%) has led to over a quarter (27%) of the region’s homeowners waiting until the absolute worst-case scenario before calling a professional tradesperson to fix a botched DIY job in the home.
In fact, 11% of those surveyed admit to ‘Googling it’ and giving it a go when it comes to a DIY job they haven’t done before.
Martyn Allen, Technical Director for Electrical Safety First, comments: “There is only so much that online videos can tell you. Even watching the better ones will not give you the knowledge or experience to carry out more complicated tasks.
“Ask yourself: ‘If I have to Google this, should I really be doing it?’ If in any doubt, get a professional in – it could not only save you a lot of time and money in the long run, but could also avoid a serious electrical accident impacting you and your loved ones.”
To find your nearest NICEIC Certified Contractor, please visit NICEIC.
A campaign encouraging householders in Scotland to minimise the risk of a fire has been launched by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
Latest figures show firefighters attended more than 450 accidental house fires in around one month last winter.
Sadly, during the same period, accidental house fires claimed the lives of seven people and resulted in 58 casualties.
The incidents happened between 7 December, 2020 and 11 January, 2021.
Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Ali Perry is Head of Prevention and Protection at SFRS. He said: “Fire is a risk for everyone, but some people are more at risk than others.
“If you know someone who is over 50 and smokes, and who has either mobility issues or uses medical oxygen or lives alone, please arrange a Home Fire Safety Visit on their behalf.
“One death because of a fire in the home is one too many. Reaching out to those who are vulnerable can help save lives in our communities.”
A free online self-assessment on the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s website is available to everyone in Scotland to find out how fire safe their property is.
On completion, participants can download a unique report about their home, which gives advice on how to rectify risks and problems. Since its launch last year, more than 2,000 reports have been downloaded.
There are nine steps to a safer home – as participants are asked to consider their use of smoke detectors, cooking in the kitchen, smoking and candles, electrics and heating, emollient creams, medical oxygen, air pressure mattress, night time routine and fire action plan.
DACO Perry said: “By walking through the nine steps you can massively reduce the risk of a fire in your house.
“Taking a few minutes to do the self-assessment and identify the hazards in your own home can help keep you and those around you safe.
“Colder months ahead this winter mean an increased use of heating and electricity combined with festive lights, trees, decorations, and candles – all of these can heighten the risk of fire potentially taking hold within the home.
“If you can’t get online, then get in touch with us through your local station who will be more than happy to offer help and guidance.
“We want everyone to remember this winter, and the festive period, for all the right reasons.”
The Winter Safety section of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service website has lots of information on how to heat your home safely during the colder months.
Community Safety Minister Ash Regan said: “Fire prevention is always much better than emergency response when it comes to safety in the home. As we reach the coldest and darkest part of the year, I would encourage everyone to follow the easy, but important steps laid out by SFRS that will help prevent fires.
“The free online safety assessment offered by SFRS is an important way to identify the hazards in your own home and please contact them direct if you think you, or any family and friends, might be at higher risk of fire.”
Please ‘Make the Call’ to SFRS to support those who are most at risk of fire. If you know of someone who needs a Home Fire Safety Visit get in touch by calling 0800 0731 999. Or text FIRE to 80800.
During a Home Fire Safety Visit SFRS staff will identify fire hazards and risks in the home, help plan escape routes and provide information about smoke, heat, and carbon monoxide alarms.
Campaign for regulation of electrical industryhighlights dangers of sub-standard work
The President of Scotland’s largest trade association says regulation of the electrical industry is essential to prevent the “incompetent and downright dangerous” workmanship that its members encounter on a regular basis.
SELECT President Donald W Orr insists protection of title is the only answer to the faulty electrical work that costs Scotland around £120 million every year.
And he was supported by two professional electricians, who said they signed up to SELECT’s high-profile campaign for regulation after being regularly called upon to fix dangerous work carried out by rogue and unqualified tradespeople.
Mr Orr said: “The level of sub-standard electrical installations that we’re still seeing out there demonstrates that there is an overwhelmingly urgent need to protect the public from the activities of unscrupulous traders.
“We see incompetent and downright dangerous work on a regular basis and it could have tragic results if we don’t act now. Miscreants put the public at risk and tarnish the name of proper electricians and we must weed them out through regulation of the industry.”
Mr Orr’s warning was echoed by two new signatories to SELECT’s Wall of Support, which shows the growing groundswell of support for protection of title, and continues to attract new backing from organisations and politicians.
Jim Kerr of JK Electrical in Glasgow said: “Hardly a week goes where I don’t come across electrical work of extremely poor standard. I’ve seen some truly shocking installations and feel that the problem of unskilled personnel carrying out electrical work is worsening.
“It’s therefore absolutely essential that electricians be given protection of title.”
Another qualified electrical contractor, Brian McKenna, Director of Glasgow-based Enerlek, said: “Too often I have to fix electrical work that’s been installed dangerously and doesn’t conform to the regulations, putting people and premises at risk.
“The title of electrician must therefore be protected and regulated to ensure people are safe.”
Mr Orr also highlighted a recent case where a tradesperson in Wales was fined for signing off reports stating that the electrics in a domestic property were satisfactory. Subsequent investigation revealed that the wiring was 40 years old and unfit for purpose.
He added: “This case shows the very real danger that exists out there, and how unwitting consumers can be put in danger by unscrupulous tradespeople.
“People who falsely trade on the good name of electrical professionals are a serious danger to themselves, the public and the qualified personnel who are so often called upon to rectify their mistakes, and it’s high time they were stopped.”
The Scottish Government has set up an Electricians Working Group to explore the issue and two high-profile consultations on regulation have also taken place, both of which have overwhelmingly supported statutory regulation.
In Scotland, the need for qualified electricians has become more immediate as the deadline nears for the introduction of new legislation on alarms by the Scottish Government.
Mr Orr added: “Our campaign has attracted a massive groundswell of support but we cannot afford to take our foot off the gas.
“Electrotechnical work is extremely complex and it is of primary importance that the professionals who carry it out are fully trained, qualified and up to speed with the most recent developments and regulations which apply to the sector.”
Research carried out on behalf of SELECT in 2018 showed that faulty electrical installations account for 7.1% of all fires in Scotland, and damage caused to property by these fires costs around £9.6 million.
Not including the occasional major cost of catastrophic incidents, it calculated that the overall cost of faulty electrical work in Scotland is around £120 million every year.
The City of Edinburgh Council is reminding all city landlords and homeowners that every home in the Scotland must comply with new fire safety legislation which will come into force early next year.
As Edinburgh’s biggest social landlord, the Council is currently working with its contractors to fit new interlinked smoke and heat alarms, so that every one of its 20,000 Council-owned homes meets the new legislation and is made even more fire safe.
When this work’s done in each property, the electrical contractors will also undertake an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) if one has not been carried out recently.
Older residents in particular are being asked to be aware of the new fire safety legislation.
The Council’sOlder People’s Champion, Councillor Catherine Fullerton, is calling on everyone who manages properties for older tenants in Edinburgh to make sure all new standards are met so everyone has the best chance of getting to safety in the event of a fire.
Cllr Fullerton said: “It’s absolutely vital that landlords and property management companies, particularly those that have a responsibility for older people within our communities, understand the new fire safety rules coming into force and act on them as quickly as possible. All properties, without exception, must be fitted with the new interlinking alarms, heat alarms and, where required, carbon monoxide detectors too.
“I’d also urge older people or people with older relatives who own their own homes to check out the Scottish Government’s dedicated ‘Fire safety for homeowners’ webpages for more details and, if necessary, to help them to get their homes fitted with the right kind of alarms. There is also clear guidance for private and social tenants as well as new build homes.
“I’d encourage everyone to be sure they are using a Trusted Tradesperson to change their fire alarms to meet the new law – please don’t run the risk of having faulty or non-compliant ones fitted.”
A ‘Trusted Trader’ in Edinburgh can be found by using this website:
If an older person is receiving Universal Credit, Edinburgh Care and Repair Service has been awarded funding from the Scottish Government to provide this service for free. If not, there will be a reasonable charge.
You can telephone for further advice on 0131 337 111 or email reception@cre.scot.
Influential electrical trade body SELECT has launched a new public safety campaign to help raise awareness of the new heat and smoke alarm regulations being introduced across Scotland next February.
Scotland’s largest construction trade association has produced an engaging and informative animation to clarify what householders and landlords need to do to comply with the standard, in line with Scottish Government guidance.
It has also created a dedicated page on its new website for the public and electrical contractors that delivers FAQs, downloadable resources and details of training and available certification.
The organisation is now encouraging its 1,250+ member businesses to use and share the range of resources to familiarise themselves with the new rules and help educate the public.
Bob Cairney, Director of Technical Services at SELECT,said: “Our main aim is to help the public understand what they need to do, clearly and concisely, and where to go for help if they need it. This includes stressing the importance of using a qualified electrician to carry out the work.
“We also want to develop SELECT Members’ understanding of what is required by giving them the tools they need to help their customers.”
As well as the animation, SELECT has produced three downloadable guides, social media templates, training opportunities and details of available certification. All are hosted on a dedicated section of the revamped SELECT website, which was launched on 27 September.
The animation was developed by Iain Mason, Director of Membership & Communication at SELECT, who said: “Serving the public interest is at the heart of every professional organisation’s mission and SELECT is proud to lead the way.
“We hope the impact of this animation and other material will be to help as many people as possible get ready and comply with the new regulations before the implementation date.”
The new standard, which is applicable from 1 February 2022, requires that all homes in Scotland must have a smoke alarm on every storey including hallways and landings, a smoke alarm in the most frequented part of the house, such as the lounge, a heat alarm in the kitchen and a carbon monoxide alarm wherever there is a fuel burning appliance.
In addition, all the heat and smoke alarms must be interlinked, either mains-powered with battery back-up or be battery powered by a tamper-proof long-life battery to ensure there is an effective warning system to keep everyone and their property safe.
For mains-powered alarms or where householders cannot fit the battery-powered alarms themselves, they are being urged to use a qualified electrician.
The information campaign is the latest initiative from SELECT, which has a long track record of promoting safety messages around the industry and safeguarding the welfare of customers as well as the 15,000 people and 3,500 apprentices who work in it.
SELECT has also been leading a long-running campaign with other leading industry bodies to ensure that those who work in the industry do so in a safe and competent manner. It currently is engaged with the Scottish Government over the regulation of the industry.
40% of Brits skipped their annual boiler check-up in the last 12 months
54% cited ‘cost’ as the main reason they don’t book a service
18–29-year-olds were the biggest offenders, with more than half failing to book their boiler service
Despite this, 91% would get their boiler looked at within a week if it stopped working
With gas leaks, house fires or carbon monoxide poisoning all potential risks of a faulty boiler, many homes could be a ticking timebomb, as more than 40% of Brits admit they have failed to have their annual boiler check-up in the last 12 months.
In a poll of UK households ahead of Gas Safety Week (13th – 19th September), Millennials were the biggest offenders, with 54% choosing to skip their boiler service this year, compared with just 25% of people aged 60 and over.
More than half of those who said they don’t get their boiler serviced on a regular basis – including a minority who have never had their boiler serviced – admitted it is because it simply costs too much (the average cost of a boiler service is £80*, the equivalent of a new pair of trainers or a family day out).
Furthermore, only 32% of respondents said they would spend any surplus home improvement budget on ensuring they get their boiler serviced, preferring instead to give a room a fresh lick of paint, the carpets cleaned or the gutters cleared.
This compares with an overwhelming 91% of us who would get our boiler looked at within a week or sooner if it stopped working, suggesting home safety has dropped to the bottom of our priority lists.
Indeed, when it comes to carrying out our own safety checks around the home, as a nation we’ve become pretty lax. Only 35% said they carry out a visual inspection of their boiler, while 53% of respondents fail to check and replace the batteries in their smoke alarm, and a worrying 63% do not check and replace batteries in their home carbon monoxide detector.
Darran Smith, Technical Manager for home heating expert, Alpha Heating Innovation, comments: “Our research shows a worrying number of homeowners in the UK are turning a blind eye when it comes to the safety of appliances in their home.
“Of particular concern to us is the number of people missing their annual boiler service. While we all enjoy the comfort and convenience that boilers bring in our homes, we should also appreciate the importance of ensuring their proper maintenance and be aware of the risks of unsafe appliances.
“Daily use of your household’s heating system can take its toll on the various components that make up your boiler. As such, making sure it is serviced annually is important so it can continue to function as intended. One of the most important reasons that you should have your boiler regularly checked is to ensure the safety of your household. When you’re watching TV together on the sofa or the kids are tucked up in bed, you want to know that your family is safe.
“A faulty or incorrectly fitted boiler can cause severe health problems such as carbon monoxide poisoning which, due to its odourless properties, can be a silent killer. Alternatively, you could also experience a gas leak without realising it, which in the most severe cases, can potentially cause a house fire.
“One of the most important steps you can take to ensure gas safety in your property is to have your appliance regularly checked by a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer. Although modern boilers are highly reliable; the better they are looked after, the better they will perform in the long term.”
Warning signs your gas boiler isn’t working properly:
· Lazy yellow flame rather than crisp blue one
· Pilot light that frequently blows out
· Excessive condensation on windows
· Unusual dark marks or staining around or on gas appliances
Signs that may indicate carbon monoxide poisoning:
· Headaches
· Dizziness
· Nausea and vomiting
· Tiredness and confusion
· Stomach pain
· Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing
· A fast and irregular heartbeat
· Seizures
Downloadable ‘Home Safety Checklist’:
To help homeowners make the necessary home safety checks this autumn/winter, Alpha Heating Innovation has created a comprehensive Home Safety Checklist which is free to download from their website now.
Gas emergencies:
If you smell gas or suspect a problem with any gas fired appliance, don’t wait. Call the National Gas Emergency helpline free on 0800 111 999.
For further information, about Alpha Heating Innovation, visit:
Campaign urges homeowners to install interlinked alarms to protect lives
Homeowners are being urged to install interlinked heat and smoke alarms in a nationwide media campaign launched before new fire safety laws come into effect next year.
From February all homeowners will be required to have interlinked alarms under legislation brought forward after the Grenfell Tower tragedy in 2017. These alarms significantly reduce casualties by alerting everybody in a property to a fire. Most homes will also require a carbon monoxide alarm.
Private rented and new-build homes must already meet these standards, but from February they will apply to every home in Scotland, regardless of age or tenure.
The cost for an average three bedroom house which requires three smoke alarms, one heat alarm and one carbon monoxide detector is estimated to be about £220. This is based on using the type of alarms that can be installed by the homeowner, without the need for an electrician. The Scottish Government is providing £500,000 to help eligible older and disabled homeowners with installation, in partnership with Care and Repair Scotland.
Housing Secretary Shona Robison said: “One death from a house fire is one too many, and improving fire safety remains our utmost priority.
“In February Scotland will become the first UK nation to require every home to have interlinked fire alarms, which significantly reduce the risk of injury or death. If there is a fire in one room it will set off alarms throughout the property, giving residents more time to escape.
“Homeowners are generally responsible for paying for works to protect their property, but we know some may not be able to meet the cost of fitting these alarms. That is why we are providing £500,000 to help disabled and older people, on top of the £1 million we have already provided to the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service to install alarms in owner-occupied homes identified as being at highest risk.”
Alasdair Perry, Head of Prevention and Protection at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Having the earliest possible warning of a fire in the home can and has saved lives and property. Having interlinked alarms installed will allow everyone, anywhere in the house to take action as quickly as possible.
“The Scottish Government has provided financial support to our Home Fire Safety Visit programme, which will allow us to fit to the new standard in the homes of those identified through our robust criteria as being at higher risk. However, if we go to any property that has no detection, we will still provide a battery-operated stand-alone smoke detector and advise the occupant about the new standard for the fire and smoke alarms required by the legislation in all Scottish homes.”
Robert Thomson, National Director of Care and Repair Scotland, said: “Care and Repair Scotland has assisted older and disabled homeowners in repairing and adapting their homes since 1988.
“Therefore, we are pleased to be administering the fire alarms assistance package for lower-income older and disabled homeowners. This funding will support our overall aim to help homeowners live independently and safely at home for as long as possible.”
Christmas is a time for celebration and festive fun, but it is also a peak time for tree and decorations related ladder accidents.
Every year, hospital A and E departments across the country report a rise in the number of people brought in during December after falling from heights, many of whom have toppled off ladders whilst putting up lights and decorations on trees both outside and in their homes.
ROSPA reports that in recent years, as many as 2.6million people have fallen off a stool or ladder while hanging up Christmas decorations.
British safety ladder expert Henchman has five golden rules for safe ladder use:
Assess the risks in scope and scale then consider and research most suitable equipment for the job in hand
Where possible always have another person with you when using a ladder
Uneven, sloping, soft terrain requires equipment fit for purpose
Check the condition of the ladder, and do not use damaged equipment
Always follow the instructions – they are there for your safety and vary by product and by application.
Henchman tripod ladders and High Step safety platforms are specially designed for safe working at height providing a stable footing on uneven ground for jobs ranging from domestic hedge trimming to a four-metre topiary sculpture. NOTE: Other ladders and platforms are widely available
Henchman managing director Tom Kitching said: “Nobody ever thinks it will happen to them. How often have we heard people saying, ‘it’s OK I’ve done this loads of times – I know what I am doing’ as they balance precariously up a ladder putting up outside Christmas lights?
“The sad fact is that it can, and does happen. Stretch out that little bit too far on an indoor step ladder to put a decoration on a top branch or lean the ladder against a tree or bush in the garden that suddenly gives way and you will fall, risking serious injury or even death.
Following basic rules and investing in the right ladder for the job could save your life.”
The UK designed and distributed Henchman lightweight aluminium ladders and High Step platforms are available in a wide range of sizes with prices starting at £225. NOTE: Other ladders and platforms are widely available
To see a video of Henchman safety ladders in action visit www.henchman.co.uk
