Common Winter Electrical Faults

In this blog, we’ll discuss the most common Winter electrical faults and what you, as a homeowner can do to prevent them.

Outdoor sockets & lighting

One part of our electrical systems that tends to be hit the hardest in Winter is our outdoor sockets and lights. Now, it might just be the socket or light is on the older side causing it to simply stop working. But, if you only had your outdoor socket fitted a few months ago, suspicion is warranted. It might be that the equipment used for the outdoor installation is not outdoor rated. Using outdoor rated equipment is extremely important for any type of outdoor electrical installation as it’ll be water and dust tight. Standard electrical equipment will very quickly start to take on water, and cables will begin to crack when exposed to cold temperatures. All of this will of course mean your installation will start to show signs of faults, and may even cause you harm such as an electric shock. If you notice any of the following, you should contact your local electrician as soon as possible:

• Physical damage such as cracks.
• Trapped moisture. 
• Burnt, scorched sockets. 
• Buzzing noises. 
• Slight shocks when touching.

Fuseboards & condensation

Condensation is the bane of many of our lives, especially so in the Winter. As you can probably guess, condensation and a fuseboard do not mix well together. Condensation in or near the fuseboard can cause:

Component corrosion: When moisture levels increase, oxidation of metal competents begins. Heat caused by this electrical resistance can pose a fire risk

Premature failure: A continuous damp environment can lead to certain components failing early.

Frequent tripping: A damp fuseboard will start to trip frequently.

If you start to notice your fuseboard is becoming damp or condensation is slowly appearing within the board, turn all power off and contact a local electrician. If you have a board in your garage or a shed, it may be more susceptible to damp air so keep a close eye on it, especially over the colder months.

To combat condensation in the fuseboard, our electricians will:

• Adequately seal entry points.
• Ensure ventilation. 
• Direct moisture away. 
• Install the board in a suitable place, checking for any signs of damp.

If you’re concerned about condensation in your fuseboard, an EICR is a good place to start. This will pick up any faults, including those caused by condensation or dampness. Your electrician then advise you what work is required to stop any further damage occurring. If components need to be replaced, or it’s a severe case and a full replacement is required, all will be explained to you in a way you can understand.

The importance of using a registered electrician

As long as all of your installations are fitted correctly by a fully qualified, registered electrician it’s unlikely you’ll run into any problems. Based in Kings Heath, Birmingham? A Bathe Electrics is your local, registered electrician providing fault finding services to homeowners. For more information, or your concerned Winter weather is affecting your electrical system negatively - get in touch with our friendly electricians today.