02/06/2026
Came across this during scheduled works and prior EICR.
Some of the “creative” wiring we come across is genuinely concerning.
During a recent Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), we discovered the previous homeowner had supplied the outdoor sockets, garage power, and garage lighting from a single outdoor light fitting circuit.
This is extremely poor practice and raises several safety concerns:
❌ Outdoor lighting circuits are not designed to carry the load of sockets and garage supplies�❌ Increased risk of overloaded cables and overheating�❌ Potential nuisance tripping and hidden faults�❌ Higher fire risk due to incorrect circuit protection and cable sizing�❌ Outdoor circuits require proper RCD protection and correct installation methods
We also found non-fire-rated downlights installed internally… with plant pots used as a substitute for fire hoods/fire-rated fittings.
Yep - actual plant pots.
Fire-rated downlights are designed to maintain the fire integrity of ceilings. Using unsuitable materials can:
🚨 Allow fire to spread more rapidly between floors�🚨 Compromise the ceiling’s fire resistance�🚨 Increase overheating risks around fittings�🚨 Void compliance with current electrical and building regulations.
An EICR is not just a “certificate” — it identifies potentially dangerous installations that may not be visible to homeowners.
If you’ve recently moved into a property or are unsure about the condition of your electrics, it’s always worth having them professionally inspected.
