How often should I have my electrics inspected? +
The IET Wiring Regulations recommend an electrical inspection (EICR) every 10 years for owner-occupied homes, every 5 years for rented properties (this is a legal requirement for landlords), and every 5 years for commercial premises. If your home was built before 1980 or has never been inspected, it is worth booking an EICR sooner. The inspection will identify any deteriorated wiring, missing earthing, or outdated components.
What should I do if I smell burning from a socket or switch? +
Switch off the circuit at the consumer unit immediately and unplug everything from the affected socket. Do not use the socket again until it has been inspected by a qualified electrician. A burning smell from electrical fittings usually indicates overheating caused by loose connections, overloaded circuits, or deteriorated wiring — all of which are fire hazards. Call an emergency electrician in Accrington straight away.
How long does a consumer unit replacement take? +
A consumer unit replacement in Accrington usually takes 4 to 8 hours, depending on the number of circuits and the condition of the existing wiring. Your electricity supply will be off for most of this time, so plan accordingly — charge phones, fill flasks, and move any frozen food to a cool bag. The electrician will test every circuit before restoring power.
What should I do if I have a complete power cut in Accrington? +
First, check whether your neighbours also have no power — if so, it is likely a supply fault and you should call your local distribution network operator (DNO), not an electrician. If it is only your property, check your consumer unit for tripped switches. If the main switch will not stay on, or keeps tripping immediately, do not keep resetting it — call an emergency electrician in Accrington as there may be a serious fault on one of your circuits.
What is Part P and why does it matter? +
Part P of the Building Regulations covers electrical safety in dwellings. Certain types of electrical work — including new circuits, consumer unit replacements, and work in bathrooms or kitchens — are classed as notifiable and must either be carried out by a Part P registered electrician or inspected by building control. Using a registered electrician saves you the building control fee (typically £200–£300) and ensures the work is properly certified.
Why do my lights flicker in Accrington? +
Occasional flickering is usually caused by a loose bulb or a poor connection at the light fitting. Persistent flickering across multiple lights can indicate a loose neutral connection at the consumer unit, a faulty main switch, or an issue with the incoming supply. If all lights in your home flicker simultaneously, this could be a supply-side issue — contact your DNO first. Otherwise, have an electrician in Accrington check the connections at your consumer unit.