Electrical safety

Post occupancy electrical safety checks are completed for all new tenancies, to make sure new tenants are aware of possible electrical hazards and risks within their home.

This helps tenants reduce the risk of accidental damage or alterations that may cause:

• an electric shock or fire risk
• loss of electrical supply
• extensive electrical repairs

If you have a query, or want to request an appointment for an inspection, contact us at electricalsafetyinspections@southtyneside.gov.uk.

Below is a list of some of the information that is provided.

Consumer unit access

The consumer unit is the electrical device with all the safety protective devices that control the home's circuits.

Access must always be available so the electrical supply can be safely turned back on after the issue. This is even more important in emergency situations, such as finding water coming out of the electrical fixtures, where isolation must be quick.

Keeping the area clear also helps limit the risk of an electric fire or shock from damaging the equipment accidentally.

Loft space storage

It is recommended not to store any belongings within the loft space. Loft spaces can be a dangerous confined space of a home due to roof joists being hidden behind the loft insulation.

Access should only be attempted by a skilled person, with the correct access equipment and Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) for the task.

If you store belongings in the loft space you must place them carefully so they do not fall between the roof joints. Do not place them on top of electrical wiring, gas, water, or heating pipework that might be below the loft insulation.

The weight of the belongings must also be suitable.

Overloading of sockets and extension lead use

Adding too many appliances with a large electrical load into sockets or accessories could cause an electric fire risk. The use of extension leads should be limited and never plugged into other extension leads to reach hard to access areas. 

It is recommended they are checked for damage and are fitted with a surge device.

For more information see, Electrical Safety First: Overloading sockets.

White Goods Recall Register

Approximately 43 fires start from faulty or incorrectly maintained kitchen white goods in the UK each week. It is important that tenants follow the manufacturer's instructions for using all white goods, such as regularly cleaning lint from tumble dryer filters, or making sure items with wear and tear are not used.

Any white goods that have a fault or are not used correctly may lead to an electric fire or shock risk. Manufacturers regularly update any recall notices of affected items on the Product Recall Register.

Weekly fire detection testing

Fire detection has proved to save lives by providing early warnings to occupants and allowing the best chance of escape.

It is recommended that all tenants test the fire detector in their property on a weekly basis.

Any issues or concerns are to be reported to the Customer Contact Centre on 0300 123 6633. A skilled electrician will then be arranged.

Read more about fire safety.

Residual Current Devices (RCD) testing

RCDs are safety devices fitted within a home's electrical fuse board. They make electric trips to avoid electric shocks during a fault, such as:

• faulty accessories (kettles, irons)
• fixed equipment (fridges, cookers)
• a wiring fault

Tenants should check the test button on their RCDs every 6 months to make sure they are working correctly. You can do this when the clocks go back and forward as an easy way to remember.

Any issues or concerns are to be reported to the call centre on 0300 123 6633. A skilled electrician will then be arranged.

For more information see, Electrical Safety First: RCDs explained.

Tenants electrical alterations

Any electrical alterations must be completed following the tenant's alteration procedure.

Simple tasks such as changing light switches or light fittings require permission, as well as large tasks such as installing relectric cookers, showers, or external works.

All electrical work needs to be completed by a skilled registered electrician, to make sure it is completed correctly. A list of registered electricians can be found at Electrical Safety First: Find an electrician.

Portable electrical heaters

There are various types of portable electric heaters available (convection, halogen, fan or oil filled) that have different benefits and risks.

Most portable electric fires start due to misuse, such as knocking over the heater or using them to dry laundry.

To avoid an electric fire:

1. Place the heater on a flat level surface
2. Keep the heater away from flammable materials
3. Don't leave them on overnight or unattended
4. Don't plug heaters into extension leads

For more information see, Electrical Safety First: Portable heaters.

Electric vehicles and charge points

Electric vehicles are becoming more affordable and common method of transport.

Any tenant that wishes to charge their electric vehicle at their home must follow the tenant's alteration procedure. This is to make sure the charger is electrically fit for purpose, safe, and installed by a registered electrician.

Energy saving devices and fake accessories

Various plug-in energy saving devices are available that claim to be able to save you 35% on electrical bills. Electrical Safety First received a number of reports saying that they may not provide any savings and might actually be electrically unsafe. 

In the UK, online stores such as Amazon, eBay and Wish are not bound to the same laws as traditional retailers. Only purchase and use electrical accessories from a trusted provider, see Electrical Safety First: Spot the fake.

If you are struggling to pay or read your energy bills, or require additional advice, there's some helpful guidance on our struggling to pay your energy bill web page.

Ventilation and black spot mould

We use extractor fans and positive input ventilation units to help with excessive moistureand humidity in the home. Too much moisture could lead to condensation and black spot mould.

It is recommended that units are clean from dirt and used following the manufacturer's instructions.

Any issues with the operation or a request for cleaning of a ventilation device should be reported to the Contact Centre on 0300 123 66 33. A skilled electrician will then be arranged.

For other ways to reduce condensation see our guide to damp, mould and condensation.

Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels

Some properties have solar PV panels fitted to the roof to help provide electricity during the day. These panels will be fully tested and inspected during the electrical safety check of the property.

A PV inverter is located in the loft space and must be kept clear for essential access for repairs and maintenance.

Any concerns of the PV operation can be reported to the Contact Centre on 0300 123 66 33. The systems will be checked remotely before a site visit is arranged with the responsive repairs team.

Electric vandalism and theft

Northern Power Grid (NPG) are responsible for the property's electrical supply and incoming wiring. Your chosen electrical supplier is responsible for your property's electrical meter.

Any damage or vandalism to either of these items must be reported to us immediately, due to the possible danger of an electric shock and fire.

Bypassing electrical meters for electricity theft is not only a dangerous risk for the property and tenants, but also a criminal act that may result in arrest and prosecution.