Electrical Fire In Oakhampton: Why You Need an EICR

Severe Electrical Fire in Oakhampton

Recently, I was called to an electrical emergency in Devon, Oakhampton involving a severe electrical fire in a residential property. The fire had damaged significant portions of the home’s electrical system, requiring not only immediate repairs but also attention from the National Grid to restore power safely. This blog walks through the situation, what led to the fire, and what steps could have been taken to prevent it. Regular Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) are crucial for avoiding incidents like this, and we’ll explain why.

What Caused the Electrical Fire?

Loose connections were the primary cause of the fire. These connections had likely been loose for years—potentially decades—without anyone noticing. Over time, loose electrical connections generate heat, and if left unchecked, they can lead to a fire. This is exactly what happened here. The RCD, despite doing its job initially, failed, which allowed the situation to worsen. The fire completely burned out the main incoming supply cables and affected several circuits.

Upon further inspection, it was clear that the house had not been tested or maintained in over 30 years. Not only was the consumer unit old and failing, but the installation was overcrowded and poorly managed. Multiple circuits were stuffed into single breakers, and there were visible signs of subpar work over the years, with old wiring still in place and no record of any regular electrical safety checks.

Could This Have Been Prevented?

Yes, absolutely. The homeowner had not conducted any Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR) in at least three decades. An EICR is an essential check that assesses the condition of your electrical systems and ensures they meet current safety standards. If regular EICRs had been conducted, the loose connections would have been detected long before they caused a fire. The outdated consumer unit would have been flagged for an upgrade, and any unsafe wiring practices would have been corrected.

In addition to EICRs, updating the consumer unit to a modern metal one (now required by regulation in escape routes) could have made a significant difference. In this case, the fire started outside the consumer unit, but if it had begun inside a modern, metal enclosure, it would have been contained. Instead, the fire spread dangerously fast, forcing the homeowner to flee the house while the electrical system sparked and flared.

Helpful EICR Resources

What is an EICR? (Guidance)

Electrical Installation Condition Report Unsatisfactory? A Complete Guide.

Book Your EICR Condition Report here.

The Fix: How We Fixed the Electrical Fault and Made it Safe

Once the immediate danger was addressed, my task was to replace the damaged consumer unit and ensure the wiring was up to modern standards. This involved:

1. Removing the Old Unit: The old fuse board was completely dismantled. I had to strip back and inspect all the wiring to ensure that no further fire damage had been missed.
2. Fireproofing: Given the state of the wall and damage, I installed fireproof backboards to protect the new installation.
3. Rewiring and Relocation: The National Grid re-routed the incoming supply cable because the previous setup, which ran through the loft, no longer complied with regulations. We drilled new access points for the supply and relocated the cables to ensure compliance with current standards.
4. Modern Consumer Unit: We installed a new metal consumer unit, complete with RCDs and RCBOs (Residual Current Breaker with Overcurrent), providing more granular protection to the circuits. This means if a fault occurs, it’s isolated to a single circuit rather than shutting down the entire house.
5. Testing and Certification: After the work was completed, I carried out a full EICR. Unsurprisingly, the old system did not pass due to the extent of the damage and the lack of maintenance over the years. However, with the new consumer unit and repairs, the electrical installation is now safe and compliant.

What Homeowners Can Do To Prevent Fires

This situation could have been avoided. In our guide to preventing electrical fires we’ve detailed some tell-tale signs to look out for, how to prevent electrical fires and what action you should take in an emergency. However, one of the best ways to avoid potential fires is by getting an EICR, which should be conducted every 5 years for a home or when a property changes ownership. These reports identify potential hazards, such as loose connections, outdated wiring, and overloaded circuits—all of which can lead to fires if not addressed.

The homeowner in this case was lucky to escape unharmed. However, electrical fires pose a serious risk to life and property, and preventative measures like an EICR can save both. Don’t wait until it’s too late.