Top 5 Electrical Safety Checks Every Derby Home Should Do

Practical, safety-first advice for Derby homeowners

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Electrical Safety Checks

Electrical SAFETY CHECKS in Derby

Electrical safety is something many homeowners don’t think about until something goes wrong — a tripped fuse, flickering lights, a buzzing socket, or worse. But simple, regular checks can prevent accidents, reduce fire risk, and keep your electrical system running safely.

At Derbyshire Electrical Specialists, we help homeowners across Derby protect their homes with safe, modern electrical systems. Below we have outlined what we view are the five essential checks every household should make part of their routine.

  • Derbyshire Electrical Specialists inspecting a kitchen socket in Derby

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ELECTRICAL INSPECTION SERVICES

For peace of mind book in an electrical inspection anywhere across Derby, simply get in touch to arrange a quote!

Check Your Smoke Alarms Monthly

Smoke alarms save lives — but only if they work properly.

You should:

  • Test alarms every month
  • Replace batteries yearly (if applicable)
  • Replace the whole unit every 10 years
  • Ensure alarms are located on each floor and outside bedrooms

If your alarms chirp repeatedly or fail tests, they need replacing immediately.

ELECTRICAL SAFTY CHECKS FOR LANDLORDS

Landlords, ensure your properties remain compliant - book in an electrical safety check with us today

Inspect Sockets and Light Switches for Heat or Discolouration

Warm sockets or discoloured switch plates are early warning signs of:

  • Loose wiring
  • Overloaded circuits
  • Failing components
  • Internal arcing (a serious fire risk)

If a socket feels warm, buzzes, or smells burnt, turn off power to that circuit and call an electrician promptly.

Make Sure Your Fuse Box (Consumer Unit) Is Modern and Has RCD Protection

Your fuse box is the heart of your electrical system. A modern consumer unit should have:

  • RCDs (Residual Current Devices)
  • MCBs (Mini Circuit Breakers)
  • Surge protection
  • Clearly labelled circuits

Older fuse boxes (with rewireable wires or mismatched breakers) may not trip fast enough in a fault and should be upgraded to keep your home safe.

If you’re unsure whether yours is up-to-date, we can assess it for you.

Check for Regularly Tripping Circuits

If breakers trip repeatedly, it usually points to:

  • Overloaded sockets
  • Faulty appliances
  • Damaged wiring
  • Water ingress
  • Poor DIY electrical work

Tripping is the system trying to protect you — so it shouldn’t be ignored.

If you’ve had repeated trips, especially in kitchens, garages, or old extensions, book a fault-finding check.

Look for Warning Signs of Ageing or Faulty Wiring

Your home may need an electrical upgrade if you notice:

  • Flickering lights
  • Buzzing switches
  • Loose sockets
  • Frequent power loss
  • Burning smells
  • Old fabric-style or rubber wiring
  • Green residue around terminals

Older Derby homes (especially pre-1980s builds) often need wiring updates to stay compliant and safe.

Frequently Asked Questions About ELECTRICAL CHECKS in Derby

  • How often do I need an electrical inspection in Derby?

    For rental properties, electrical inspections (EICRs) are legally required every 5 years or at the start of a new tenancy. For homeowners, we generally recommend an inspection every 10 years, or sooner if you notice faults such as tripping circuits, burning smells, or flickering lights. Many Derby insurers may request a more recent report depending on the policy.

  • How long does an electrical inspection take?

    Most homes in Derby take 1–3 hours, depending on size, age and how accessible the electrical components are. Older properties in areas like Normanton, Allestree or Chaddesden may take longer due to original wiring or hard-to-reach circuits. We always give you a time estimate before starting.

  • What happens if my property fails the electrical inspection?

    If the inspection highlights issues, we’ll explain the faults clearly, outline what needs correcting, and provide a fixed quotation for remedial work. As part of the Derbyshire Specialists Group, we can also make good any damage caused during repairs — such as plastering, flooring or boxing-in — so you don’t need to hire multiple trades.

  • Do landlords in Derby legally need an EICR?

    Yes. All privately rented homes in Derby and the wider UK must have a valid EICR at least every 5 years. HMOs require even more stringent checks. We support landlords across Derby — including student rentals near the University of Derby — to stay compliant without hassle.

  • Can you provide electrical inspections for home insurance?

    Absolutely. Many insurers require proof that a property is electrically safe before offering or renewing cover. We regularly complete insurance inspections across Derby in areas such as Littleover, Mickleover and Chellaston, and we ensure the report meets their criteria.

  • How soon can you book me in for an electrical inspection?

    We usually offer same-week appointments, and sometimes sooner depending on availability. If the inspection is for a time-sensitive situation, such as an insurance claim or tenancy changeover, let us know and we’ll prioritise your booking where possible.

  • Do you offer inspections for businesses and commercial properties in Derby?

    Yes, we inspect commercial units, small businesses, offices and retail spaces across Derby. From Pride Park offices to shopfronts in the city centre, we provide compliant reports suitable for insurance, safety audits and lease agreements.

When Should You Call an Electrician?

You should contact a qualified electrician when:

  • A socket feels hot
  • Breakers trip repeatedly
  • Lights flicker across multiple rooms
  • You smell burning plastic
  • Appliances shock you or feel unsafe
  • Your fuse box looks outdated
  • It’s been more than 10 years since your last inspection

Electrical faults rarely fix themselves — they typically get worse.


We Can Help Keep Your Derby Home Safe

At Derbyshire Electrical Specialists, we offer:

  • Electrical Inspections (EICR)
  • Fuse Box Upgrades
  • Rewiring
  • Fault Finding
  • Safety Repairs
  • General Electrical Work


Book a Safety Inspection Today

If you’d like peace of mind, we can check your system and make sure your home is safe and compliant. Contact Derbyshire Electrical Specialists today for friendly advice or to arrange an inspection.

Service locations across Derbyshire include

Derby City Centre • Littleover • Mickleover • Allestree • Darley Abbey • Chaddesden • Spondon • Oakwood • Chellaston • Alvaston • Normanton • Sunnyhill • Mackworth • Breadsall • Quarndon • Allenton • and all surrounding Derbyshire villages.

If you're unsure whether we cover your area, just give us a call – we're happy to help customers throughout the wider Derbyshire region.