Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) are a vital part of property maintenance, especially for landlords in Edinburgh and indeed across Scotland as a whole. An EICR ensures that a property’s electrical system is safe and compliant with current regulations. As Edinburgh’s electrical certification specialists, we have carried out countless EICR inspections across the city and certain issues frequently appear, particularly in older properties. We sat down with our team of friendly Edinburgh electricians to discuss the most common electrical problems found during electrical inspections and how to prevent major issues occurring.
Edinburgh is home to many beautiful period and historic properties however older buildings often come with outdated electrical systems. During our electrical inspections, we frequently come across the following issues:
Outdated Wiring (Lead or Rubber-Insulated Cables)
Many older properties still have lead, rubber or even fabric-insulated wiring which degrades over time and poses a serious fire risk. Modern PVC-insulated cables are far safer and longer-lasting therefore future proofing your Edinburgh property for years to come.
Lack of RCD Protection
Residual Current Devices (RCDs) protect against electric shocks and are a legal requirement in Scottish rental properties. Many older fuse boxes lack RCDs, leaving tenants at risk in case of electrical faults which can in turn have serious consequences.
Overloaded Circuits
With modern households using far more electrical appliances than in the past, older wiring systems often struggle to cope with the demands that modern technology can put onto their electrical systems. Overloaded circuits can lead to overheating and potential fire hazards so it is essential that this is avoided wherever possible.
Faulty or Damaged Sockets and Switches
Cracked or loose sockets and light switches are commonly found in older properties. These faults can result in electric shocks or short circuits if left unaddressed.
Poor Earthing and Bonding
Earthing and bonding are essential for safely directing electrical faults away from the property. Many older homes have inadequate or outdated earthing, which can be dangerous and should always be addressed by your local Edinburgh electrician firm, such as the team here at DC Electrical Edinburgh.
While older properties are more prone to electrical problems, landlords and property owners can take proactive measures to prevent serious issues and having an expert Edinburgh electrician on hand is the first thing we recommend.
Scheduling regular EICR checks is a sure fire way to ensure both safety and compliance. Scottish landlords are legally required to obtain an EICR every five years or with each change of tenancy (whichever comes first) but periodic checks can help detect and address issues early. If your Edinburgh property has outdated wiring or a fuse box without RCD protection, upgrading these systems ensures compliance and safety and also gives that added peace of mind guarantee.
Our team of expert electricians here at DC Electrical Edinburgh have seen first-hand how electrical issues can pose serious risks. Here are two real cases from our recent EICR inspections in Edinburgh:
Case Study 1: A Leith Tenement with 50-Year-Old Wiring
A landlord requested an EICR for a tenement flat in Leith. The inspection revealed that the property still had rubber-insulated wiring from the 1970s, which had become brittle and posed a fire risk. We recommended a full rewiring, ensuring the property met modern safety standards.
Case Study 2: Overloaded Circuits in a HMO (House in Multiple Occupation)
During an EICR for an HMO in the city centre, we found multiple extension leads plugged into a single socket, causing dangerous overheating. We installed additional sockets and upgraded the consumer unit to prevent future overload issues.
Electrical safety should never be overlooked and is an especially important issue for Edinburgh’s older properties. Regular EICR inspections, timely upgrades and proper electrical maintenance can prevent serious issues and ensure compliance.
For all things electrical, from inspections and certification to full home rewires and more – we are Edinburgh’s number one choice time and time again. Contact us today for your free, no obligation quote and let us help you to ensure that your landlord obligations are met and that all your Edinburgh properties are as safe as houses!
