Why is my electrical fire risk assessment showing high risk – Advice from Electriman, North London Electricians

## What Does a High-Risk Electrical Fire Assessment Mean for You?

Receiving a **high-risk rating** on an electrical fire risk assessment can be alarming, but understanding what triggered it will help you act quickly and safely.

### What It Usually Means

A high-risk result indicates that one or more serious issues have been identified in your home's electrical installation. This doesn't necessarily mean a fire is imminent, but it does mean the risk is significantly elevated and **must be addressed urgently**.

### Common Reasons for a High-Risk Rating

- **Ageing wiring** — older rubber-insulated or lead-sheathed cables that have become brittle and prone to cracking

- **No RCD protection** — residual current devices dramatically reduce fire and electrocution risk; older consumer units may lack them

- **Overloaded circuits** — too many appliances on one circuit, causing cables to overheat

- **Damaged or badly installed accessories** — cracked sockets, loose connections, or DIY wiring that doesn't meet current standards

- **No earthing or poor earthing** — prevents fault currents from being safely discharged

- **Outdated consumer unit (fuse board)** — old rewirable fuse boxes offer far less protection than modern RCD-protected consumer units

- **Unprotected wiring routes** — cables routed through walls without conduit or at unsafe depths

### What You Can Safely Check Yourself

- Look for **scorch marks, discolouration, or bur

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Electriman covers Mill Hill, Barnet, Finchley, Edgware, Enfield, Watford and surrounding areas. All work is Part P certified and fully insured.