Good morning, everyone! I hope you’re all doing well. Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve had several calls regarding electrical issues that nearly resulted in fires.
The first case involved a shower with a loose connection. Fortunately, the client noticed the problem after using the shower and immediately isolated the power, preventing further damage.
The second case was a fuse board with a loose connection, which had caused the fuse carrier to melt. Given that the board was the original from the 1960s, it was definitely time for an upgrade.
In short, loose connections cause resistance, resistance generates heat, and heat can lead to fires. Just because something has been in place for years doesn’t mean it’s safe—something I had to explain to an elderly client with the melted fuse board.
This is why it’s crucial to have Electrical Condition Inspection Reports (ECIR) performed regularly to ensure your electrical system is safe and sound. It’s also vital that any electrical work is carried out by a qualified professional. For domestic properties, ensure the electrician is Part P registered, meaning they are authorized to perform electrical work and notify building control when necessary.
In these cases, the shower has been replaced, a Minor Works Certificate issued, and building control notified, as the work was done in a special location. The fuse board has been upgraded to a 17th Edition Amendment 3 consumer unit with dual RCD protection. All work was tested, inspected, and a building control notification issued for the consumer unit upgrade.
