Electrical safety

Why is electrical safety important? 

Faulty electrics can be extremely dangerous. If electrics are not installed properly or have faulty wiring, they can put you and your loved ones at risk. Faulty electrics can cause fires. Research shows that more than 20,000 accidental fires in UK homes are started by electrical products every year and causes 26 deaths per year. Electrical safety checks minimise the risk of fires and help keep you and your family safe.

Reporting a concern

If you are concerned about electrical safety in your home or building, please contact us
Contact us 

Responsibilities 

Derby Homes responsibilities 
 As your landlord, Derby City Council has a legal duty to make sure the electrical installation in your property is safe. We carry out this work on behalf of the Council.  
During these checks, we’ll check the condition of your meter, the point where the electrical supply enters the property, the fuse box, the wiring throughout your home and electrical accessories such as lights, sockets, cookers and showers. If you live in a flat, we will also test the electrical equipment in communal areas.
If you have a furnished tenancy, we will hold accurate records about any electrical appliances in your home, as well as details of when any Portable Appliance Tests (PATs) were undertaken.
Not all faults are easy to spot which is why it's so important for us to carry out safety checks, for the safety of you and your family.
Tenant responsibilities 
You’re responsible for:
•    Reporting any repair or safety issues to us.
•    Make sure you allow access to your property for the electrical installation test.
•    Making sure any repairs or work to the electrical installations in your home is carried out by a Derby Homes electrician, or a fully qualified electrician, after applying for a permit from us.  
You must get our written permission before you carry out improvements or alterations in your home. 
Leaseholder responsibilities 
Leaseholders who sub-let their flats
Leaseholders who sub-let their flats, have the same safety responsibilities as landlords. You are responsible for:
•    carrying out electrical safety tests on the property 
Leaseholders who live in their flat
It’s highly recommended for you and your neighbour’s safety, that you follow the same responsibilities as leaseholders who sub-let their flats. 

Electrical installation condition report

Every five years we will carry out a ‘fixed wire’ electrical installation report. One of our trained electricians will visit your home and check the condition of the wiring, sockets, light fittings as well as the meter to check they are safe and in good condition.  We will also repair any faults we find. 
These checks are part of our legal obligations. Failure to allow access could put you in breach of your tenancy agreement and we may take legal action against you. 

What can you do to stay safe?

You can stay safe by following this advice:
•    Don’t overload sockets and extension leads.
•    Make sure plugs, sockets and wires are in good condition. 
•    Beware of fake and unsafe electrical goods sold online. 
•    Don’t take mains-powered electrical items into the bathroom
•    Keep electrical heaters away from anything that could catch fire. 

Don’t tamper with electricity meters

Tampering with electricity is extremely dangerous and puts your household's and neighbours’ lives at risk.
Energy theft happens when someone tampers with the energy supply to bypass the meter. Tampering with gas or electricity can lead to serious injuries, destruction of property and even death. Energy theft is illegal and can land you with a large fine or even a prison sentence. It also increases energy prices for everyone else as suppliers charge more to make up for their losses. 

If you suspect someone is committing energy theft you can report it anonymously online to Stay Energy Safe at www.stayenergysafe.co.uk or by calling 0800 023 2777.

Win £250 in vouchers

If you keep your first Electrical Safety appointment, or rearrange it to a more suitable time,  you can enter a draw to win £250 in vouchers.

How to enter

Step 1 – Make sure you are registered for MyAccount. 
Step 2 – Keep your first gas safety appointment.
Step 3 – Click on the activation link we send to the email you have registered with MyAccount.

When is the draw?

Draws take place at the beginning of each month and will include all eligible entries from the previous month. Winners will be notified by email once the draw has taken place. You are only able to enter one draw per year.

How many prizes are available?

There is one prize of £250 worth of vouchers per month. 

Conditions

• You must be in for your first scheduled appointment. If you need to reschedule your first appointment, this needs to be done within 24 hours of your appointed date. If you miss your appointment, you will not be entered into the draw.
• You must be at least 18 years old.
• You must be registered on MyAccount.
• You must have a valid email address linked with MyAccount.
• You must click on the activation link sent to your email.
• You will only be able to enter one draw per year.
• Vouchers cannot be exchanged for cash.
• Winners may be asked to participate in promotional photographs, video, or articles.
• You must be a current Derby City Council or Derby Homes tenant on the day of the draw.
• The voucher issued will not be reissued if it expires.