Electricity is essential for our daily lives, but if electrical appliances and wiring are not properly maintained or used correctly, they can cause serious injury, fires or even death:

• More than half of accidental fires start from an electrical source.
• Each year, over 1,000 injuries and fatalities are caused by electrical fires.
• An electrical shock can stop the heart from beating properly and make it difficult to breathe.
• An electrical burn can cause permanent damage to the body’s tissue.

Lancaster City Council has a legal duty to ensure that the electrical wiring within its properties and buildings is maintained and safe for use:

• An electrical installation test is carried out in all properties and buildings at least once every 5 years. This test checks the electric meter, fuse box, and all the wires that supply electricity to your sockets and lights.
• An electrical installation test is also done in every property before a new tenant moves in.
• Lancaster City Council has the legal right to access properties to carry out an electrical installation condition report to make sure that neighbouring properties and residents are not at risk.
• Only qualified electricians carry out electrical installation condition reports and repairs.
• Electronic copies of electrical installation condition report certificates are kept as evidence.
• Lancaster City Council provides a 24/7 repairs service to quickly address any urgent electrical repairs or safety issues.

• Allow Lancaster City Council access to your property for the electrical installation test.
• Call the Lancaster City Council Customer Services Team TODAY if you think the test at your property may be due or if you don't know when it was last done – 01524 582929
• Report any electrical wiring faults (including sockets) to Lancaster City Council immediately on 01524 582929
• DO NOT carry out electrical alterations to your home without permission from Lancaster City Council.
• Here are some other tips to keep you safe at home:
• Limit electrical appliances in your plug sockets to reduce the risk of overheating.
• Check that visible cables and leads are in good condition.
• Check that your light fittings are not visibly damaged.
• Do not store combustible materials (clothes, papers, cleaning materials, etc.) near your fuse box, electricity meter, electrical intake, portable heaters, or fires.
• Do not place items on top of your microwave, as this can block ventilation.
• Never trail cables under carpets or rugs.
• Never take mains-powered electrical items into the bathroom.
• Always switch off your electrical items when they’re not in use.
• Do not try to clean or repair an appliance when it is still plugged in.
• Never use electrical equipment in wet conditions.

For more advice, visit the Electrical Safety-First website [https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/guidance/safety-around-the-home/] or call the Lancaster City Council Customer Services Team on 01524 582929

At least once every 5 years, we need access to your property to carry out an electrical inspection & condition report (EICR) - this is for your safety and the safety of your household.

The test will check for issues like damaged plug sockets, switches, light fittings, and wiring, which, if left unchecked, could lead to electric shocks, fires, or worse.

Arranging Access To Your Home

You will be sent an appointment letter when we are due to test at your property. To re-arrange a more convenient visit time you can contact us directly on 01524 582929.

It is vital that if you are not going to be available for the appointment that you do contact us, as failure to provide access could lead to legal action being taken.

Preparing For The Test

To help the test be carried out quickly and with minimal disruption, please make sure the following conditions are fulfilled:

• You have credit on your electric meter.
• There is someone over the age of 18 in the property.
• Clear access to the electric meter and consumer unit (fuse board).
• Clear access to sockets, switches, and light fittings.
• Pets are secured in a room or outside.
• You have enough time for the test to be carried out (it will take between 1-2 hours).

What Should I Expect To Occur During An Electrical Installation Condition?

• On arrival, the electrician will carry out a visual inspection of the sockets, switches, light fittings, and smoke, heat, and CO detectors.
• A test will then be conducted at the consumer unit (also known as the fuse board) to check for faults with any electrical circuits in the property. This test helps the electrician identify any potential issues with wiring that may not be visible.
• The electrician will test at least 20% of the sockets, switches, and light fittings in the property. If faults are found, they will test more areas to ensure everything is checked.
• If any wiring fails the test, either visually or through further testing, additional work will be needed. You will be informed about this during the visit.

The electrician may need access to every room in your home. If you have any concerns about the test, or if you have any special requests, please contact Council Housing on 01524 582929. For your peace of mind, all electricians will carry a photographic identity card.