SIR - Your recent article on the tragic fire at Kington has prompted me to remind your readers of the importance of ensuring that any electrical installation they have carried out on their home is done correctly.

Although I am unaware of the full details of this fire, any mention of an electrical fault always concerns me.

Allowing substandard electrical work to be carried out in your home is not only dangerous, it is also illegal.

Under the building regulations, even seemingly minor home improvements works such as new installations of sportlights, extractor fans, pond pumps or cooker hoods should all be notified to your local authority building control. They will then arrange for the work to be tested and certified.

Alternatively, employ a tradesman who is a member of a scheme such as the National Association of Professional Inspectors and Testers as these tradesmen have already been assessed as qualified to undertake such works, without it having to be inspected by building control. The tradesman will supply notification once the work has been completed.

It's also worthwhile adding that when the home information packs come into affect in June, it will be even more important for homeowners to prove that any electrical work has been carried out properly, or they might have problems selling.

JOHN ANDREWS, Chief executive, NAPIT.