Electricity can cause shocks and burns and can start fires. All fixed electrical installations should be designed, installed, operated and maintained with the aim of preventing risk to the occupiers.
We carry out inspections and tests at regular intervals. This will be carried out by a competent person, an electrician registered with NICEIC (National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting) or the ECA (Electrical Contractors Association).
It is your responsibility to inspect portable equipment and appliances to ensure they are in good repair, sockets are correctly positioned and not overloaded, plugs are correctly attached and cables undamaged.
Your responsibility
- broken, cracked or damaged electrical fittings
- burnt, melted or distorted socket outlets or switches
- exposed or bare core wires serving sockets, light fittings or appliances
- the number of socket outlets available – is there enough to prevent overloading and the use of trailing extension cables?
- the presence of socket outlets and switches in bathrooms and shower rooms
- missing or damaged smoke detectors or regular faults indicated on a fire alarm system control panel (if fitted)
- regular false alarms from a fire alarm system (if fitted)
What action should I take?
You should immediately report any evident electrical problems such as those described above to the Customer Repairs team on customerrepairsteam@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or call 023 9284 1311. No attempt should be made to repair or alter the electrical installation as to do so could increase the risk of personal injury.
You can also request a copy of your electrical certificate from the Customer Repairs Team.