Five details for your fault enquiry
Where you noticed the problem
Name the room, area or item involved. Explain whether your concern relates to one fitting or observations from several locations. You can describe the location in ordinary language without identifying a circuit or tracing any wiring.
What you observed
Use your own words. If the enquiry concerns flickering lights, a circuit that tripped or a mark on a fitting, record that observation without adding a cause you haven’t established. Include visible damage already noticed, but don’t handle equipment to obtain a closer description.
When it happened
Give the approximate date or explain when you first became aware of the problem. Mention previous occurrences you remember. Existing notes are enough, and it’s fine to say that the timing or pattern is uncertain.
Relevant work or changes
Mention recent electrical work or property alterations you know about. Describe what was changed and when, without claiming the change caused the problem. If someone has already recommended work, identify that recommendation as information from their assessment.
Existing records and outstanding questions
State whether you hold a previous inspection report or repair record. Summarise the relevant finding and list the questions you want to discuss. Keep confidential documents out of the general form and leave unknown information open.
Electrical observations and competent work
The Health and Safety Executive, the workplace safety regulator, states that electrical work needs appropriate competence. Its electrical work FAQs (hse.gov.uk) support leaving diagnosis and repair to people suited to the work.
Send the information you already know
Explain what you want to discuss, whether that is an unresolved problem, recorded findings or work previously recommended. You don’t need to expose wiring or investigate electrical parts to write the message.
For work in Manchester, our fault investigation page sets out the details to include when reporting the problem.