Electrical safety
Keeping you safe in your home
Some council homes and communal buildings managed by Winchester City Council contain electrical systems, including wiring, sockets, lighting, alarms, and consumer units (fuse boards).
Electricity is safe when installed, maintained, and used correctly. Faulty or poorly maintained electrical systems can cause shocks, fires, or damage to your home.
We are responsible for making sure all electrical systems in our homes and buildings are safe, compliant with legal requirements, and properly maintained.
On this page
— How to contact us about an electrical fault or concern
— What we do to keep electrical systems safe
— How we respond to electrical issues
— How you can help keep yourself and others safe
— What to expect during inspections, testing, and repairs
— What to do if you are not satisfied with our response
— Working together to stay safe
How to contact us about an electrical fault or concern
If you are worried about electrical systems in your home, please tell us straight away. Even minor concerns can indicate developing risks, and we take all reports seriously.
Repairs and general enquiries: 01962 840 222
Use this number for issues such as:
- Broken or loose sockets
- Flickering or dimming lights
- Buzzing switches
- Repeated tripping of the fuse board
Emergency repairs (24 hours): 01962 865 405
Use this number for urgent issues including:
- Sparks, burning smells, or exposed wiring
- Electric shocks
- Complete loss of power
- Smoke or alarms repeatedly sounding
Email (non-urgent concerns): hhub@winchester.gov.uk
For routine enquiries, general concerns, or to report minor faults.
Accessible information
If you need information in another language, large print, audio, or Easy Read, please let us know.
What we do to keep electrical systems safe
To ensure electrical systems remain safe and compliant, we carry out:
- Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) at least every 5 years or sooner if needed
- Inspections of wiring, consumer units, sockets, circuits, lighting, and earthing
- Testing of circuits to detect faults
- Repairs required by law, prioritising urgent work where a danger is present
- Maintenance and testing of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
- Clear record-keeping of inspections, certificates, and repairs for each property
- Pre-occupation electrical checks for new tenants, mutual exchanges, or transfers
- Using only qualified, accredited electricians for all work.
If a safety check identifies a hazard, we will take action, which may include disconnecting unsafe circuits or appliances.
How we respond to electrical issues
Routine repairs: completed within standard repair times.
Urgent faults: responded to immediately to remove risk.
Emergencies: attended 24/7.
Before completing any repairs or alterations, we:
- Review previous inspection and maintenance records
- Carry out additional testing if required
- Ensure all contractors follow strict safety procedures
- Keep residents informed if work takes longer than expected.
How you can help keep yourself and others safe
You can help keep electrical systems safe by:
- Reporting any unusual smells, flickering lights, or faults immediately
- Allowing access for inspections, testing, and repairs
- Never attempting DIY electrical work or tampering with wiring or appliances
- Avoid overloading sockets or using damaged chargers, plugs, or extension leads
- Telling us before installing electrical appliances such as cookers or showers.
Repeated refusal of access may pose safety risks. We will always work with you to arrange suitable appointments, particularly for vulnerable residents, but legal action may be required where access is repeatedly refused.
What to expect during inspections, testing, and repairs
Understanding Electrical Safety Codes (C1, C2 and C3)
When we carry out an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), the engineer will give each issue a safety code.
These codes help us understand how urgent the problem is and what action is required.
C1 – Danger present (requires immediate action)
A C1 means the electrician has found something that is actively dangerous right now.
This could cause electric shock, burns or fire if not made safe immediately.
Examples: exposed live wires, badly damaged sockets, overheating equipment.
What happens:
- The engineer will make the area safe straight away
- Follow-up repairs may be arranged immediately or within a very short timescale.
C2 – Potentially dangerous (urgent action required)
A C2 means an issue is not dangerous at the moment, but it could quickly become unsafe if not fixed soon.
Examples: missing earthing, damaged electrical fittings, deterioration that could lead to failure.
What happens:
Repairs will be scheduled urgently. We will contact you to arrange a suitable appointment.
C3 – Improvement recommended
A C3 means the installation is safe, but could be improved to meet current standards or best practice.
Examples: older wiring that still works safely, outdated fittings that do not meet modern guidance.
What happens:
- No immediate repair is required
- We may include the improvement in future planned works or upgrades.
Training and competence
Our Building Safety Team is trained in electrical safety management, compliance monitoring, and contractor oversight. All electricians and contractors:
- Are fully qualified and accredited
- Receive regular refresher training
- Are checked annually for competence, insurance, and safety performance.
Keeping you informed
We communicate clearly about electrical safety by:
- Providing notices of scheduled inspections or testing
- Updating residents when work may affect power or access
- Explaining inspection findings when issues arise
- Offering accessible information for residents who need support.
Monitoring and reporting electrical safety
We regularly monitor:
- Inspection and testing schedules
- Outstanding and completed follow-up actions
- Urgent incidents, defects, and RIDDOR reports
- Contractor performance and response times.
Performance is reported to:
- Directorate Management Team (monthly)
- Strategic Director (quarterly)
- TACT Board (quarterly)
- Regulator of Social Housing (annually).
This ensures compliance and continuous improvement in electrical safety management.
What to do if you are not satisfied with our response
If you have an electrical safety concern, please tell us as soon as possible. We will:
- Listen to your concern
- Assess the risk
- Take action to make the system safe
- Keep you updated on what we are doing.
If you feel we have not handled your concern properly:
- Make a formal complaint using our Complaints Process
- If still unresolved, contact the Housing Ombudsman Service for an independent review.
We follow the Housing Ombudsman’s Complaint Handling Code.
Working together to stay safe
Electrical safety works best when:
- Residents report hazards early
- Access is allowed for inspections and repairs
- Safety guidance is followed.
By working together, we can keep you, your home, and your community safe.