Clocks Go Back Tonight: Check Your Smoke Alarms and EV Charger, Battery and Heating Timers (Essex 2026)

The clocks go back one hour at 2am on Sunday 25 October 2026, when British Summer Time ends. Most of us remember the extra hour in bed, but the clock change is also a good moment for two quick checks at home: your smoke alarms, and the timers on anything that charges or heats on a schedule, such as an EV charger, home battery or immersion heater. This guide is accurate as of 24 October 2026. For advice on your own property in Thurrock, Stanford-le-Hope, Corringham, Upminster or elsewhere in Essex, call CPW Electrical Solutions on 07545 571230.

When exactly do the clocks go back in 2026?

According to GOV.UK, the clocks go back 1 hour at 2am on Sunday 25 October 2026, so 2am becomes 1am. Phones and most internet-connected devices update automatically. Anything with a standalone clock or timer may not, and that is where problems can creep in.

Why should I test my smoke alarms when the clocks change?

Fire and rescue services across the UK use the clock change as a reminder to test smoke alarms, because it is easy to remember twice a year. In practice, alarms should be tested more often than that, ideally weekly or at least monthly. The darker evenings also mean more time indoors with heating, cooking and electrical appliances in use, which is when a working alarm matters most.

A simple check:

• Press the test button on every alarm and make sure everyone in the house knows what it sounds like.

• Look for fault lights or low-battery chirps, and replace batteries where the alarm uses them.

• Check the date on the back of each alarm. Manufacturers generally recommend replacing smoke alarms after about 10 years, including sealed-battery models.

• Keep alarms clear of dust, paint and obstructions.

If you have a carbon monoxide alarm, test that at the same time.

What are the smoke alarm rules for landlords?

In England, the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022 require private and social landlords to fit at least one smoke alarm on every storey used as living accommodation, and a carbon monoxide alarm in any room with a fixed combustion appliance (excluding gas cookers). Landlords must also repair or replace alarms once told they are faulty. Check the GOV.UK guidance for the full details.

Alarms are only one part of keeping a let property safe. Landlords in England also need an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) at least every five years. See our EICR page for more.

Should I have mains-powered, interlinked smoke alarms?

Mains-powered alarms with a battery backup do not rely on you remembering to change batteries, and interlinked alarms all sound together, so a fire downstairs wakes people upstairs. New builds and some building work already require mains-powered alarms under Building Regulations. Fitting mains-powered alarms means working on your fixed wiring, so use a qualified, registered electrician. Ask us about it when you request a quote.

Do I need to change the time on my EV charger or home battery?

Probably not, but it is worth checking. Many smart EV chargers, solar inverters and home batteries take their time from the internet and update automatically. Older units, or ones that have lost their Wi-Fi connection, may not. If a device is an hour out, it could start charging or discharging at the wrong time.

That matters if you are on a time-of-use tariff with cheaper overnight electricity. Under the Ofgem price cap for 1 October to 31 December 2026, the average Direct Debit electricity unit rate is 26.32p per kWh, so charging an hour into the peak rate instead of the cheap window can cost you more than it should.

After Sunday, check:

• The time shown in your EV charger app or on the unit itself.

• Your battery or inverter schedule, especially if it is set to charge from the grid overnight.

• Immersion heater, storage heater and heating timers with mechanical or standalone clocks.

• Outdoor lighting and security light timers.

Why do my Economy 7 hours seem to change?

Some Economy 7 and similar off-peak meters keep to GMT all year and do not change with the clocks. That means your cheap hours can appear to move by an hour between summer and winter. Your supplier can confirm the exact off-peak times for your meter, and it is worth setting timers to match.

What if something isn't working properly?

If an alarm keeps sounding a fault, a charger or battery won't follow its schedule, or you notice signs such as burning smells, scorch marks, tripping circuits or warm sockets, get it checked. Don't open up fixed wiring yourself. As NICEIC Approved Contractors (607863000), MCS certified (NIC602214) and certified Tesla Powerwall and Wall Connector installers, we can inspect and test your installation and look at your EV charger or solar and battery system. See our electrical testing and compliance page for more.

FAQ

What time do the clocks go back in 2026?

At 2am on Sunday 25 October 2026 they go back to 1am, according to GOV.UK.

How often should I test my smoke alarm?

Fire services generally advise testing at least monthly, as well as when the clocks change.

How long do smoke alarms last?

Manufacturers generally recommend replacing them after about 10 years. Check the date on the back of yours.

Will my EV charger update automatically?

Many smart chargers do if they are connected to the internet. Check the app after Sunday to be sure.

Need an electrician in Essex?

CPW Electrical Solutions LTD is a Thurrock-based electrical contractor covering Thurrock, Stanford-le-Hope, Corringham, Upminster and the wider Essex area. We carry £2m public liability and £300k professional indemnity insurance. Call 07545 571230 (phone answered 7am to 7pm, with 24-hour emergency call-outs available) or request a quote.