Electrical systems are often out of sight and easily forgotten, but when maintenance is ignored, problems build silently. A small fault or loose connection today can turn into a dangerous failure tomorrow. Whether you own a home, let out a property or recently purchased a new house, routine electrical care is essential.

If you have not had an inspection in several years, your home may already be carrying hidden risks.

Why Electrical Maintenance Matters

Electrical installations do not last forever. Wiring, fuse boards, sockets and protective devices degrade over time because of:

  • Heat from regular use
  • Increased electrical demand
  • Age and wear
  • Moisture exposure
  • Overloaded circuits
  • Previous DIY work or poor installations

Routine electrical maintenance identifies faults early, prevents fires, protects appliances and keeps your home compliant with regulations.

You can book an Electrical Health Check with First Call Electrical Services to understand the condition of your system.

Real Risks of Ignoring Electrical Maintenance

Here are the most common and most serious problems that arise when electrical care is overlooked.

1. Increased Risk of Electrical Fires

Old wiring, loose connections and outdated fuse boards significantly increase the likelihood of electrical fires. Common causes include:

  • Overheated cables
  • Faulty sockets
  • Damaged insulation
  • Overloaded consumer units
  • Appliances drawing more current than circuits can handle

Many older homes still have pre 1990s wiring that is no longer safe. Without maintenance or testing, these small faults can ignite behind walls or in ceilings.

2. Electric Shock Hazards

When protective devices like RCDs are missing or faulty, the risk of electrocution increases. Shock hazards commonly arise from:

  • Faulty appliances
  • Worn cables
  • Water exposure
  • Incorrect earthing
  • Damaged sockets or switches

Modern electrical systems rely heavily on RCD protection. If your system has no RCDs, it is not compliant and is significantly less safe.

3. Appliance Damage from Surges and Faults

When electrical systems are not maintained, faults cause voltage spikes. These can destroy:

  • TVs
  • Fridges
  • Computers
  • Chargers
  • Heating systems
  • LED lighting

Replacing these appliances often costs far more than a routine inspection or upgrade. Modern consumer units include surge protection to prevent this.

4. Costly Emergency Repairs

Small issues that go unnoticed eventually become urgent failures. Emergency call outs often result from:

  • Tripped fuse boards that refuse to reset
  • Complete loss of power
  • Burning smells from sockets
  • Flickering or losing lighting circuits
  • Melted wiring

Emergency repairs are always more expensive than routine maintenance. Many of these emergencies could have been avoided with a scheduled inspection.

If you ever need urgent help, the team at First Call Electrical Services also provide Emergency Electrician Services.

5. Failed EICR Inspections for Landlords

Landlords are legally required to maintain safe electrical installations and provide valid EICRs. Ignoring maintenance almost guarantees:

  • C2 faults that require urgent repairs
  • C1 faults that pose immediate danger
  • Failed inspections
  • Legal penalties for non compliance
  • Difficulty renting the property

If you are a landlord, staying proactive avoids last minute repairs and ensures compliance.

6. Home Insurance Claim Rejections

If an electrical fault causes a fire or damage, insurers often investigate the cause. Claims may be rejected if the system:

  • Was outdated
  • Had known faults
  • Had not been maintained
  • Lacked proper certification

Routine maintenance and documentation protect you in the event of a claim.

7. Decreased Property Value and Survey Issues

When selling a property, surveyors look closely at electrical installations. Common issues they flag include:

  • Old fuse boards
  • No RCDs
  • Mixed wiring types
  • Exposed connections
  • Outdated lighting circuits

These issues delay sales and reduce buyer confidence. Many sellers end up paying for urgent upgrades to prevent buyers withdrawing or negotiating lower prices.

8. Frequent Power Trips and Loss of Supply

A poorly maintained system often struggles with modern electrical loads. As a result, homeowners experience:

  • Frequent tripping circuits
  • Dim or flickering lights
  • Overheated sockets
  • Inconsistent power supply
  • Buzzing noises from fuse boards

All of these are warning signs of deeper problems.

Financial Costs of Ignoring Electrical Maintenance

Avoiding electrical care does not save money. It only delays and multiplies costs. The real financial consequences include:

Higher Repair Costs

Emergency repairs, rewiring or consumer unit replacements become urgent and expensive when faults are left to worsen.

Damaged Appliances

Replacing TVs, boilers or fridges costs far more than routine inspection fees.

Insurance Premium Increases

A history of electrical incidents raises risk scores.

Lower Resale Value

Non compliant electrics reduce the price of your property.

Legal Costs for Landlords

Fines and enforcement actions apply when EICR requirements are ignored.

Signs You Need Electrical Maintenance Now

If you notice any of the following, you should book a professional inspection immediately:

  • Burning or fishy smells from sockets
  • Frequent fuse trips
  • Sparking when plugging in appliances
  • Hot sockets or switches
  • Flickering lights
  • Outlets that stop working randomly
  • Old style fuse board with rewireable fuses
  • Wiring that is more than 25 years old
  • No RCD protection
  • Scorch marks or buzzing noises

Many problems are hidden behind walls and ceilings, so even if nothing appears wrong, older systems should be checked periodically.

Recommended Maintenance for Every Home

To keep your home or rental property safe, a qualified electrician should perform:

  • Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) – Full inspection and testing of your system.
  • Consumer Unit Upgrades – Modern fuse boards with RCDs, RCBOs and surge protection.
  • Rewiring or Partial Rewiring – If your wiring is unsafe or outdated.
  • Socket and Switch Replacement – For worn, cracked or outdated accessories.
  • Load Testing – To ensure your system can support modern appliances.
  • Routine Electrical Health Checks – Ideal for homeowners who want peace of mind.

All of these services are available through First Call Electrical Services, who specialise in domestic and landlord electrical safety.

How First Call Electrical Services Helps Prevent These Risks

Homeowners across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire trust First Call Electrical Services because they offer:

  • Fully qualified and DBS checked electricians
  • Modern fault finding equipment
  • Transparent pricing
  • Full certification after work
  • Compliance with BS 7671 Wiring Regulations
  • Reliable emergency response
  • Professional support for landlords and homeowners

Whether you need an inspection, a consumer unit upgrade or a complete rewire, their team provides safe, compliant and long-lasting solutions.

Protect Your Home with Professional Electrical Maintenance

Electrical problems do not go away on their own. If your home has not been checked recently or you are worried about faults, now is the right time to act. 

Book an Electrical Health Check or EICR with First Call Electrical Services today. You can also contact the team via the enquiry form or by phone for quick, friendly assistance.