Electrical safety checks

Electrical safety checks are carried out every five years to test the wiring, sockets, switches and light fittings in your home.

These checks are also known as fixed wire testing. They help us identify any defects and make sure the electrics in your home are safe and working correctly.

As part of your tenancy agreement, you must allow access into your home so we can carry out these checks. These checks are a legal requirement and must be completed before the expiry date.

What happens during an electrical safety check?

A qualified electrician from Barlows Electrical will visit your home to complete the check.

They will need access to your electric meter, fuse board, sockets and light fittings. They will also need to go into every room in your home to check electrical fittings, such as sockets, switches, light fittings and extractor fans.

During the visit, the electrician will complete safety checks on the wiring and let you know if any follow-up work is needed.

The electrician may need to switch off your electricity for short periods while testing is completed.

How often are the checks carried out?

We must carry out your electrical safety check every five years.

How long will it take?

Electrical safety checks usually take around two to three hours, depending on the size of your home and the number of fittings that need to be checked.

How to get ready for your appointment

Before we arrive, please make sure:

• Someone aged 18 or over is at home
• The electrician can access your electric meter and fuse board
• There is credit on your electric meter, if you have a prepayment meter
• Sockets, switches, light fittings and extractor fans are easy to reach, where possible
• Your home is safe for the electrician to visit and clear of any hazards
• Pets are kept safely away while the check is being completed

I have received a letter saying my electrical safety check is due

If you have received a letter saying your home is due for an electrical safety check, please follow the instructions in the letter to confirm or rearrange your appointment.

Electrical safety checks only take place every five years, so you may not have had one for a while. They are a legal requirement and must be completed before the expiry date.

If your appointment is not convenient, please contact Barlows Electrical on 01948 822132. This line is available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

If you leave a message, please remember to leave your phone number and address so they can contact you.

What if I don’t allow access for the check?

It is part of your tenancy agreement; you must allow us access to carry out your electrical safety check.

If you do not allow access, you could be putting yourself, your household, visitors to your home and your neighbours at risk.

We will always try to work with you to arrange a suitable appointment. However, if we are unable to access your home, we may need to take legal action to complete the check.

After your electrical safety check

If everything is safe, no further action is needed.

If any issues are found, the electrician will explain what happens next, and we will arrange any follow-up work that is needed.