When it comes to home safety, few things are as important as your electrical system. Faulty wiring, outdated circuits, and neglected repairs can put your property — and your family — at serious risk. At MSM Electrical, we’ve seen it all. In this article, we’ll cover the five most common electrical problems in UK homes, how to recognise them, and what you can do to stay safe.

1. Flickering or Dimming Lights

If your lights flicker or dim when you turn on appliances, this is often a sign of:

• Overloaded circuits

• Loose wiring connections

• A failing light switch or fitting

⚠️ While it may seem like a minor annoyance, flickering lights can point to more serious wiring issues. Always call a qualified electrician to inspect the cause.

2. Tripping Circuit Breakers

A circuit breaker that trips regularly is doing its job — protecting you from electrical overload. Common causes include:

• Too many appliances running on the same circuit

• Faulty wiring

• A damaged electrical device plugged in

👉 If your breaker trips often, it’s a clear sign your system is under strain. You may need an electrical upgrade or new consumer unit.

3. Faulty or Damaged Wiring

Older UK homes often have outdated wiring that wasn’t built to handle today’s energy demands. Warning signs include:

• Burning smells near sockets

• Discoloured or warm outlets

• Buzzing sounds from behind walls

💡 If you live in a property built before the 1980s and haven’t had it rewired, it may be time for a professional inspection.

4. Dead Outlets or Switches

If a plug socket or light switch stops working, it could be due to:

• Loose internal connections

• Tripped fuse

• Wiring damage inside the wall

This might seem like a small inconvenience, but faulty outlets can pose a fire risk if left unresolved. Always get them repaired by a certified electrician.

5. Electrical Surges

Power surges can be caused by lightning, faulty appliances, or poor wiring. Repeated surges can damage:

• TVs and computers

• Kitchen appliances

• Home security systems

⚡ Installing surge protection is a smart investment to keep your devices safe and extend their lifespan.

✅ Stay Safe with Professional Electrical Help

Electrical problems aren’t just inconvenient — they can be dangerous. If you’re experiencing any of the above issues, don’t ignore them. At MSM Electrical, we provide reliable electrical inspections, repairs, and installations to keep your home safe and running smoothly.

📍 Serving homeowners across Maidstone, Tonbridge, Hartley, Longfield, we’re just a call away for emergency support or scheduled maintenance.

When addressing electrical safety, one essential document frequently overlooked by both homeowners and landlords is the Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). Whether residing in a newly constructed property or a historic Victorian terrace, obtaining an EICR is a critical measure to safeguard your property, family, and tenants.

What is an EICR?

An Electrical Installation Condition Report is a comprehensive inspection of your property's wiring and fixed electrical systems. A certified electrician evaluates your circuits, consumer unit, earthing, bonding, and overall electrical safety to identify:

• Potential safety hazards
• Defects or deterioration in wiring
• Non-compliance with the current wiring regulations (BS 7671)

Upon completion, you receive a detailed report indicating whether your installation is satisfactory or requires remedial action.

Why Are EICRs Essential for New Builds?

It is often assumed that new homes are inherently safe due to recent construction. Although new builds undergo testing and certification during construction, electrical issues may still emerge, such as:

• Faulty or hurried installations
• DIY modifications post-occupancy
• Damage incurred during building works or renovations

Conducting an EICR ensures that the electrical system remains compliant with regulations and detects any concealed problems early, thereby preventing costly repairs and potential accidents.

Importance for Older Properties (50+ to 100+ Years Old)

In older properties, wiring may have been upgraded multiple times by various individuals with differing standards. Common issues in such homes include:

• Outdated rubber or fabric insulation on wiring
• Absence of modern circuit protection devices (RCDs)
• Inadequate earthing or bonding
• Overloaded circuits accumulated over decades

These conditions significantly increase the risk of electric shock or fire. An EICR provides assurance that your home complies with current safety standards and identifies any urgent improvements required.

Legal Requirements for Landlords

In England, landlords are legally obligated to commission an EICR every five years or at the commencement of a new tenancy, whichever occurs first. This legislation, effective since April 2021, applies to:

• Private landlords
• Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)
• Social housing, often in accordance with local council mandates

Non-compliance may result in fines up to £30,000 and endangers tenant safety. The EICR must be made available to tenants and local authorities upon request.

Recommended Inspection Intervals for Homeowners

While not legally required for homeowners, EICRs are strongly advised:

• Every 10 years for owner-occupied residences
• Every 5 years for properties with swimming pools or complex electrical installations
• Prior to buying or selling a property, providing valuable insight into the electrical condition before commitment

Safety, Compliance, and Peace of Mind

Electrical faults remain a leading cause of residential fires in the UK. An EICR serves as a vital safeguard against hidden electrical hazards. Whether you occupy a modern new build or a century-old character home, maintaining electrical safety compliance protects both lives and property.

Require an EICR in Kent?

At MSM Electrical, we offer certified EICRs for homeowners, landlords, and businesses throughout Kent. Our qualified electricians conduct thorough inspections and deliver clear, transparent reports—free of jargon—with straightforward guidance to ensure your property’s safety.

Contact us today at 07498 227515 or via email at [email protected] to schedule your EICR.