NICEIC reminds those moving to a new home to put electrical safety on their moving checklist.
NICEIC Media Team | Communications
Summer is one of the most popular times to move home, with National Moving Day falling on 19 August. NICEIC, the UK's leading certification and training body for the electrical industry, is reminding movers to put electrical safety on their moving checklist.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a downsizer, there’s a lot to consider when moving into a new property. And one critical factor that’s often overlooked is the condition of the property’s electrics, which can significantly impact the move further down the line.
Paul Collins, Technical Director at NICEIC, commented: “Moving house is an exciting time, but it’s also a big investment. While it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the paperwork, we urge buyers to take a moment to think about the electrics. A home’s electrical system is essential to everyday comfort and, more importantly, safety. Having it professionally checked before you move in can help avoid costly repairs and protect your family from electrical dangers."
Before committing to a purchase, NICEIC recommends the following essential electrical checks:
There are currently over 40,000 NICEIC-registered businesses in the UK, all regularly assessed for competence and compliance in line with the latest standards and regulations.
To find a local NICEIC-registered electrician, visit niceic.com/find-a-tradesperson.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a downsizer, there’s a lot to consider when moving into a new property. And one critical factor that’s often overlooked is the condition of the property’s electrics, which can significantly impact the move further down the line.
Paul Collins, Technical Director at NICEIC, commented: “Moving house is an exciting time, but it’s also a big investment. While it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the paperwork, we urge buyers to take a moment to think about the electrics. A home’s electrical system is essential to everyday comfort and, more importantly, safety. Having it professionally checked before you move in can help avoid costly repairs and protect your family from electrical dangers."
Before committing to a purchase, NICEIC recommends the following essential electrical checks:
- Ask for an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) - an EICR is like a health check for your home’s electrics. It highlights any safety issues and lets homeowners know if the wiring and systems are up to modern standards. Unless the seller has carried out an EICR very recently, arrange for an NICEIC-registered electrician to do so before proceeding with the sale.
- Take a peek at the fuse box – a modern consumer unit (fuseboard) should include residual current device (RCD) protection – these are devices that can help prevent electric shocks and reduce the risk of fire. If it’s an older model with rewirable fuses or no clear labelling, it might be time for an upgrade. If you’re unsure, arrange for an NICEIC-registered electrician to take a look.
- Keep an eye out for warning signs - flickering lights, discoloured sockets, cracked switches or visibly damaged cables can all be red flags. If you do spot these, it’s worth getting a professional opinion before committing to a purchase.
- Don’t trust DIY - unusual layouts, mixed socket styles, or oddly placed switches may suggest unregulated DIY work. NICEIC always recommends using a NICEIC-registered electrician to check them out or carry out any remedial work.
- Use a registered professional - choosing an NICEIC-registered electrician provides peace of mind that the work is compliant, safe, and carried out to the highest standard. Prospective homebuyers can easily find a trusted tradesperson using NICEIC’s online Find a Trusted Tradesperson tool.Prospective homebuyers can easily find a trusted tradesperson using NICEIC’s online Find a Trusted Tradesperson tool.
There are currently over 40,000 NICEIC-registered businesses in the UK, all regularly assessed for competence and compliance in line with the latest standards and regulations.
To find a local NICEIC-registered electrician, visit niceic.com/find-a-tradesperson.
