Sockets, Switches and Roses!

[flashrabbit]

Would you say it was acceptable to have switches, sockets and roses that are 18+ years old fitted in a rented property?

 

[NozSpark]

If they are in good condition then I can't see what the problem is TBH

 

[flashrabbit]

They are just old, tatty and need replacing for appearance sake more than anything plus sockets aren't switched which would be handy.

 

[Evans Electric]

The age means nothing TBH , Switched sockets would be preferable to unswitched.

Are you inspecting the installation?

Are you renting a flat?

If you don't like them whay not change them?

Are you a sparks?

 

[steptoe]

NO, hes not Deke, but some people have called me that (in anger I suspect?!), and I'll be round flashes house next week to rip him off with a quote for his storage heater.

 

[Theorysparky]

Would you say it was acceptable to have switches, sockets and roses that are 18+ years old fitted in a rented property?

so that makes it 1994 build

if they were bakerlite and mounted on wood then maybe..........

 

[Doc Hudson]

Would you say it was acceptable to have switches, sockets and roses that are 18+ years old fitted in a rented property?

Welcome to the forum. There are numerous properties with accessories that are 20+ years old. Providing they are secure, functional and electrically safe, then there are no issues to worry about, any more than the thousands of people traveling on tube trains under London that are 20+ years old need to worry. Age does not necessarily mean unsafe.

Doc H.

 

[Sharpend]

[quote name= Age does not necessarily mean unsafe.

Doc H.

Not what my legs are saying these days!

 

[flashrabbit]

Thank you all so much for your input, I really appreciate it.

Personally, I have been in this property for 18 years and have replaced all the switches and roses plus those sockets that are on view. The thing is I'm having trouble getting work done along with the residents of the 15 other flats in the block.

In my property alone I have 3 exposed mains cables i.e. not in trunking, I have a live to neutral fault, sockets spark when plugging and unplugging. One of the exposed cables is a spur from a heating circuit to the main bedroom socket and there has been no electrical saftey check done in the 18 years I've been here.

My point about the sockets etc. is that it potentially highlights some neglect? I just feel that as a social housing landlord, if you leave tatty, dirty and outdated sockets, switches and roses in a property then the tenant is likely to take action to relace these items due to them being unsightly when redecorating for example. This could potentially cause a situation where work is carried out by unskilled people. I just think it's in their interest to renew such items periodically to ensure the work is carried out safely. In my case the sockets, switches etc were already fitted when I moved in during 1994, so have been in the properties much longer.

Welcome to the forum. There are numerous properties with accessories that are 20+ years old. Providing they are secure, functional and electrically safe, then there are no issues to worry about, any more than the thousands of people traveling on tube trains under London that are 20+ years old need to worry. Age does not necessarily mean unsafe.Doc H.

 

[Doc Hudson]

Thank you all so much for your input, I really appreciate it.Personally, I have been in this property for 18 years and have replaced all the switches and roses plus those sockets that are on view. The thing is I'm having trouble getting work done along with the residents of the 15 other flats in the block.

In my property alone I have 3 exposed mains cables i.e. not in trunking, I have a live to neutral fault, sockets spark when plugging and unplugging. One of the exposed cables is a spur from a heating circuit to the main bedroom socket and there has been no electrical saftey check done in the 18 years I've been here.

My point about the sockets etc. is that it potentially highlights some neglect? I just feel that as a social housing landlord, if you leave tatty, dirty and outdated sockets, switches and roses in a property then the tenant is likely to take action to relace these items due to them being unsightly when redecorating for example. This could potentially cause a situation where work is carried out by unskilled people. I just think it's in their interest to renew such items periodically to ensure the work is carried out safely. In my case the sockets, switches etc were already fitted when I moved in during 1994, so have been in the properties much longer.

Whilst your concerns are understandable unskilled (DIY) persons are legally allowed to do all sorts of electrical work and landlords have no legal obligation to test or replace electrical accessories. However there is a lot of industry good practice which a reputable landlord should follow. The Electrical Safety Council ESC have a useful website with a lot of links and articles, some specifically regarding landlords & tenants. Good practice recommends that electrical installations in all domestic dwellings are inspected once every 10 years or change of occupancy. Rented properties typically required more frequent checks. Some general guidance for tenants is: Renting a property : Electrical Safety Council And these documents show what sort of responsibilities a landlord should have: Useful downloads : Electrical Safety Council

Doc H.

 

[flashrabbit]

Great, very useful. Thank you!

Whilst your concerns are understandable unskilled (DIY) persons are legally allowed to do all sorts of electrical work and landlords have no legal obligation to test or replace electrical accessories. However there is a lot of industry good practice which a reputable landlord should follow. The Electrical Safety Council ESC have a useful website with a lot of links and articles, some specifically regarding landlords & tenants. Good practice recommends that electrical installations in all domestic dwellings are inspected once every 10 years or change of occupancy. Rented properties typically required more frequent checks. Some general guidance for tenants is: Renting a property : Electrical Safety Council And these documents show what sort of responsibilities a landlord should have: Useful downloads : Electrical Safety CouncilDoc H.

 

[SLIPSHOD & SLAPDASH]

18 year old sockets and switches are probably of a better quality than anything bought today. Normally as a tenant you are not supposed to alter anything including decorating or changing

sockets without the landlords written consent. Have you tried cleaning the stuff, Ciff works wonders.