Top 5 Electrical Safety Checks Every Derby Home Should Do
Practical, safety-first advice for Derby homeowners
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.
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.
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.