Get your wiring checked if you notice circuits tripping regularly, scorch marks or discolouration around sockets or switches, a burning smell, buzzing or crackling, lights that flicker or dim, sockets or plugs that feel warm, or if you still have an old fuse box with rewireable fuses. These can all point to faults that need a qualified electrician.
Even without warning signs, homes should have an electrical inspection periodically. It’s often called an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report). Our electrical page explains the work we carry out.
Warning signs to take seriously
- Circuit breakers tripping repeatedly
- Scorch marks on sockets, switches or plugs
- A burning or fishy smell near sockets or the consumer unit
- Buzzing or crackling from sockets or switches
- Flickering or dimming lights
- Warm sockets, plugs or switches
- Mild shocks from switches or appliances
- Old wiring, such as rubber or fabric-covered cables
- An old fuse box with rewireable fuses and no RCD protection
If you notice burning smells, scorch marks or sparking, switch off the affected circuit at the consumer unit if it’s safe and call an electrician.
What is an EICR?
An EICR is an inspection and test of your electrical installation by a qualified electrician. It checks:
- The condition of wiring, sockets, switches and fittings
- Whether circuits are protected correctly
- Earthing and bonding
- RCD protection
- Signs of damage, overloading or wear
The report classifies any issues by urgency, so you know what needs fixing and when.
How often should wiring be checked?
| Property | General guidance |
| Owner-occupied home | Periodically, often every 10 years, or when buying a home |
| Rented home in England | At least every 5 years (legal requirement) |
| After major work or damage | As advised by an electrician |
Wiring and your heating system
Boilers, heat pumps, electric showers and immersion heaters all rely on sound electrics. If you’re replacing a boiler, adding a heat pump or fitting new controls, it’s a good moment to check the circuits supplying them. Our boiler installation team can coordinate heating and electrical work.
Older homes in Oxfordshire
Many older properties around Oxford, Witney and Thame have been extended or modernised over the decades, sometimes with wiring added to older circuits. Period homes may still have original wiring in places. An EICR shows what’s safe and what needs updating.
Frequently asked questions
How long does an EICR take?
It depends on the size of the property and the number of circuits. A typical home often takes a few hours.
Do landlords need an EICR?
Yes. In England, private landlords must have the electrical installation inspected and tested at least every five years and give tenants a copy of the report.
Does an old fuse box need replacing?
Not always, but older fuse boxes often lack RCD protection. An electrician can advise whether an upgrade to a modern consumer unit is recommended.
Book an electrical check
If you’ve spotted any of these warning signs, or your home hasn’t had an electrical inspection in years, call us on 01865 602 994 or get in touch online and we’ll arrange a check.
