Every year, as temperatures drop, electrical faults increase. It’s not a coincidence.
Winter places significantly more strain on your electrical system — and if your installation already has weaknesses, this is when they show.
At Pailey Electrical Services, we see a noticeable rise in call-outs across Birmingham during colder months. Tripping circuits, overloaded extension leads, outdoor socket faults and failed consumer units are all far more common between November and February.
The reason is simple: higher demand and harsher conditions.
Why winter pushes your electrics harder
During winter, most homes use more electricity due to:
- Electric heaters
- Tumble dryers
- Electric showers
- Extra lighting
- Christmas decorations
- Increased cooking appliance use
- Home office equipment during darker evenings
If your wiring or consumer unit is outdated, this increased load can expose problems that may have gone unnoticed during summer.
Older Birmingham properties are particularly vulnerable, especially those that have not had electrical upgrades in the last 15–20 years.
Common Electrical Problems:
Across Birmingham, we regularly see:
- RCDs tripping repeatedly
- Overloaded extension leads overheating
- Outdoor sockets failing due to moisture
- Garden lighting faults
- Consumer units overheating
- Loose connections expanding and contracting in cold weather
Electrical faults are one of the leading causes of house fires in the UK — and winter is peak season. Many homeowners only discover problems when the power goes off at the worst possible time.
How to reduce winter electrical risks
You can significantly reduce risk by:
- Avoiding daisy-chained extension leads
- Not running heaters from adaptors
- Ensuring outdoor sockets are weather-rated
- Having festive lighting installed safely
- Booking an electrical inspection before peak winter usage
If your fuse board is over 15 years old, it may not offer the level of protection expected under current wiring standards.
Why preventative inspections save money
Emergency call-outs are always more disruptive — and more expensive — than preventative checks.
Pailey Electrical Services provide electrical safety inspections and EICRs across Birmingham, Great Barr, Sutton Coldfield and surrounding areas to identify issues before they cause breakdowns.
Winter is when your electrics work hardest. Making sure they are safe before temperatures drop protects your property and your family.
Don’t wait until the power cuts out.
If you have concerns or would like to speak to the team about the electrics in your home, give us a call today.
