A “FRIGHTENING” number of South East residents are putting cash before competence by seriously considering hiring an unregistered electrician for dangerous electrical work, to save money.

Charity Electrical Safety First carried out a survey in the region, asking people to choose between hiring a registered electrician and an unregistered electrician to fit new wiring or install a new fuse box in their homes.

This type of work can lead to catastrophic consequences if done incorrectly, including lethal electric shock or fire. Almost one in three (29 per cent) admitted they would choose an unregistered electrician for a cash saving.

The charity asked local residents how significant the saving would have to be for them to choose an unregistered professional. A similar number (30 per cent) said they’d be happy with a saving of anything under £100.

More alarmingly, national findings reveal some people would be prepared to risk the electrical safety of their homes for a saving of £5 or less.

These are relatively small savings compared to the hundreds often spent fixing hazardous work. The average UK repair bill to correct shoddy electrical work sits at £750.

Martyn Allen, technical director at Electrical Safety First, said: “Electrical is amongst the most dangerous work to undertake in the home, and by hiring someone who isn’t up to the job, the results can be catastrophic.

“People can easily find a registered electrician in their local area by visiting electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/findanelectrician.”A third of homes at risk of fire