Emergency electrician in Kingston upon Thames

A small blue flash when you plug in something that is switched on can happen. A loud crack, a large spark, a smell or a black mark on the socket is not normal. It usually means a loose terminal, worn contacts inside the socket or a damaged plug. In interwar semis where sockets have been in place for decades, the springs that grip the plug pins wear out, and a loose grip causes arcing. Stop using the socket, switch off the circuit and get it replaced. Our advice on a plug socket that sparked explains when to worry.

Plug tops matter too. A plug with a cracked case, loose pins or a fuse that rattles can arc inside the socket. If the spark came from one appliance, stop using that appliance until the plug has been checked or replaced.

Homes close to the Thames and Hogsmill should plan for water. Electrical Safety First suggests asking whether new sockets and the consumer unit can be raised above any expected flood level when electrics are replaced. If water does get in, switch off at the consumer unit only if it is safe, and do not use anything until it has been tested. London's July 2021 flash floods showed how fast surface water can reach ground floors and basements. Our post on electrics after a flash flood covers what to do.

Large Victorian houses in Surbiton have often been split into flats, each with its own meter and board, plus a landlord supply for the hall. Landlords need an EICR at least every 5 years. Kingston is served by UK Power Networks.

For a power cut affecting the street, call 105 or check the UK Power Networks map. For a fault inside your home, an electrician. Notifiable work, including a new consumer unit, is self certified by a registered competent person or notified to the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames building control. Interwar semis in New Malden and Tolworth often still have the fuse board from their last rewire, and an EICR is a good way to find out where the installation stands before any bigger job.