Replacement

Do you need or want to replace an electrical item in your home or office, The Renovate Today Electricians are the people you need. Our Team is highly experienced and is able to replace any electrical item, they can replace switches, replace plug sockets, replace dimmer switches, replace ceiling lights, replace light cables, replace old trunking and many other electrical gears.

Our Team is able to undertake the following electrical replacements: replace a plug socket, replace an extractor fan, replace a kitchen extractor fan, replace bathroom extractor fans, replace a three-way switch, replace a copper light switch, replace a lighting circuit. Renovate Today Team can also replace wires and cable, change difficult to reach light bulbs, install new plug sockets and much more.

Can I fit a new consumer unit myself?

Installing a new consumer unit is a very serious job. We do not recommend you to do it yourself under any circumstance unless you are a qualified/ experienced electrician. You should not try to replace your own consumer unit.

It is important to know that it is a legal requirement that this type of electrical work is carried out by a certified and experienced professional.

Do consumer units need to be replaced?

If your consumer unit is fully functional then you do not have to replace it. However, the older units generally do not have an RCD protection. The RCD is an essential component of the fuse box and breaks the electrical current in the case of an overload. Without it, there is a very high risk of an electrical fire and possible shock.

What materials do I need when fitting and outside light? lights will be hard wired direct

The main item that you need is the light itself. It is very common for LED Security lights to have a pre-wired cable to connect on to it. Fixings are also required and this also includes screws and wall plugs. Possibly cables clips will also be required. The job may also need cable.

How long does it take to have an outside light fitted?

At Renovate Today we price all our jobs at a fixed price. This means we can easy estimate in advance how long a certain job will take.

How long does it take to replace an existing light fitting?

If the job requires us to replace an existing light fitting, then the time will be shorter and it should not take longer than an hour. In case there will be more complications, the it may take longer than an hour.

How do you replace/ change LED recessed light bulbs?

• Shut off power
• Remove the LED recessed light
• Insert new downlight bulb
• Replace downlight fitting in ceiling
• Turn power back on

How to fit Chandelier / Pendant Light?

Installing a Chandelier/Pendant Light can be the best way to refresh your space. Many fixtures normally come with the assembly instructions, but the actual installation can be the most difficult part of all.

If you wish to install a new Chandelier/Pendant Light, we would definitely recommend you to hire a licensed electrician. However, replacing an existing fixture is a project you can do yourself with a few tools.

How to replace a switch?

• Turn off the power
• Disconnect your smoke/ heat alarm from the wiring harness
• Loosen the screws that hold the mounting bracket in place
• Remove the mounting bracket
• Disconnect the old wiring harness from the existing wires
• Connect the new wiring harness
• Tuck the wires into place
• Install the new mounting bracket
• Connect the new smoke/ heat alarm
• Give the new smoke/ heat alarm a twist to secure it
• Turn the power back on
• Test the smoke/ heat alarm

How long does it take for an electrician to replace or change a socket?

In my experience as an electrician, replacing a socket outlet usually takes around one hour. This is divided into 30 minutes for carrying out the replacement and then another 30 minutes for completing the testing.

There are also some others factors that are very important when adding extra sockets to an existing circuit. You mainly need to consider the size of the physical area covered by the circuit itself, as well as the size of the cable, the electrical load and the quality of the protective device.

What is involved in a new plug socket replacement?

• You need to prepare the old socket, the area and the wiring in the place you wish to install your new socket. If in that place there is an existing socket, this will have to be removed and the wires will need to be disconnected. If it is a new socket, then the wall will be hollowed for the socket to be placed.
• You will need to inspect the breaker box to ensure everything is in order.
• For a completely new plug socket, wiring must be lay from the breaker box to the space where you need the socket.
• The wiring will be connected to the new socket and attached to the wall with screws.
• The new socket will be tested with a meter to ensure there is the correct amount of electricity moving through.

How do I know if my TV aerial socket is working?

The simplest and most convenient way to check whether it is the aerial socket or TV that is causing problems is to check if everything is working with another TV.

How to check if the TV antenna or aerial is not working?

If you know you have an old antenna, then you should seriously consider getting a new one. In case it is broken or damaged, the only option you have is to replace it.

What is coaxial socket?

TV sockets are being used to provide the connection between a television or signal receiver and the cable that runs to the aerial.

How To Replace or Change a Cooker/ Appliance Outlet Plate?

Please see below how to replace a damaged or old electrical Cooker and Appliance Outlet Plate. We will explain the standard way to replace an outlet with two ports.

You need to be cautious when you are replacing an outlet cover. The electric currents are still running through them and this can potentially cause you harm if it is not done correctly.

Before you begin this kind of work it is highly recommend to turn off the electricity in your household to avoid nay risk.

• You need to have a workspace set up around the damaged/old electrical Cooker/ Appliance Outlet Plate that you are replacing
• Use a screwdriver to remove the screws from the Cooker or Appliance Outlet Plate
• Remove the faceplate off of the wall
• Clean up the interior and surrounding area of the Oven/Cooker/Hob Outlet Plate
• Make sure the metal box is an appropriate size for the Cooker/ Appliance Outlet Plate
• Run the cable through the best entry point of the mounting box
• Strip the ends of the individual conductors so that an adequate length enters the terminals
• Carefully arrange the wiring to lie along the edges of the product or box, keeping the central area clear.
• Tighten the terminal screws securely
• Position the accessory into the wall box, ensuring that no wires are trapped between the Cooker/ Appliance Outlet Plate and the wall
• Turn on the power and test

What is a 45 amp shower pull cord switch?

A pull cord switch is typically mounted to the ceiling, with the pull cord hanging down and is most often used in a bathroom or toilet where a standard tumble switch cannot be used.

They are generally available in two types and ratings: a 6amp version to control lights or extractor fans and a 45amp version that is used as an isolator for an electric shower

How to repair a pull cord switch?

• Isolate the power to the circuit you are working on in your consumer unit by turning off the MCB for that circuit or if a fuse box, pull out the fuse. If you are unsure which is which, turn off all the power using the main isolator switch.
• Undo the two screws securing the switch to the back plate and gently pull it down. There should be enough slack on the wires to allow you to do so.
• Using some maintenance spray such as WD40, apply the lubricant to the inside of the switch, where the wires are connected, especially in around the pull cord section
• Supporting the switch with one hand, try to operate the pull cord with the other hand to see if the maintenance spray has freed up the spring and therefore the switch should work properly again
• If this does not work, then the switch must be replaced.

How to replace a 45 amp shower pull cord switch?

If you just want to replace your broken pull cord switch then work through the steps below.

• Isolate the 45 amp Pull Cord Switch and Circuit
• Remove 45 amp Pull Cord Switch and Access Wires
• Connect New 45 amp Pull Cord Switch
• Refit 45 amp Pull Cord Switch to Back Plate

How to replace a hardwired smoke/ heat alarm?

To be safe, turn the power off first, of course.

The steps are pretty simple:

• Turn off the power
• Disconnect your smoke/ heat alarm from the wiring harness
• Loosen the screws that hold the mounting bracket in place
• Remove the mounting bracket
• Disconnect the old wiring harness from the existing wires
• Connect the new wiring harness
• Tuck the wires into place
• Install the new mounting bracket
• Connect the new smoke/ heat alarm
• Give the new smoke/ heat alarm a twist to secure it
• Turn the power back on
• Test the smoke/ heat alarm

Can I replace smoke/ heat detector myself?

You can replace hard-wired detectors yourself, if you can reach them and if you have sufficient skills and are able to replace a light fixture. We do recommend you to hire an experienced Electrician to be able to do this.

How to replace/ change RJ45 ethernet wall sockets?

To wire up your own network sockets at each end of a long run of ethernet cable, you will need the following: An RJ45 keystone jack and wall plate, a punch down tool, a drum of Ethernet cable – probably either Cat5e, Cat6 or possibly even Cat6a, it will depend on your use case but we will not get into the differences in this video, a pair of snips, wire strippers, cable tester and two patch leads.

• Remove the faceplate from the wall
• Inspect the wiring and make note of the order of the wire locations
• Trim the tips of the wires at the point where they were originally connected to help assure a good connection to the new jack
• Arrange all 8 wires into their corresponding grooves based on the color coding on the label.
• Use the punch down tool to punch all 8 wires down which will splice the wires into the metal grooves,
• Test the connections at both ends of your cable run using a network cable tester to ensure everything is wired up correctly before you use it.
• Carefully insert the wiring back into the wall and screw the face plate onto the wall.

How to replace/ change a damaged shaver socket?

A damaged shaver socket is often caused by overloading or a loose connection in the plug. Do not plug any appliances back in without solving this problem first or it will happen again.

You should never take risks with the electrical safety. Before you start any type of electrical work, follow these safety precautions:

• Switch off the main power at the consumer unit / fuse box. Isolate the circuit you plan to work on by removing the circuit fuse.
• Or switch off the breaker and lock it if you can – put a note on the unit to advise you’re working on the circuit.
• Check the circuit is dead with a shaver socket tester or voltage tester / meter for lighting circuits.
• Unscrew the shaver socket faceplate and pull the faceplate forward
• Loosen the screws at the terminals and free the wires
• Cut back the cores and strip the ends
• Cover the earth core wiring with an extra length of green and yellow wire sleeving if it’s exposed
• Earth the metal back boxes
• Fit the new faceplate
• Test it

What is it important to consider when change/ replace/ upgrade an outdoor socket?

When choosing an outdoor socket, you must consider the following: 

• The plug socket and the related cables have to be waterproof and most importantly graded for outdoor use.
• All electrical devices left plugged in outside must also be waterproof and graded for outdoor use.
• All cables must be waterproof and frost proof.
• Periodically you need to ensure that you check all the cables and all the devices that are left outside to make sure their functionality is proper.
• You have to cover all the cables to ensure these are not tripping hazards.
• We recommend you to choose a socket with an RCD and that prevents accidental tugging.

How much does change/ replace/ upgrade an outside socket cost?

The main factors that influence the cost of the outdoor plug sockets are the following:

• The number of sockets you wish to install
• Accessibility of the socket
• Socket type
• Socket’s position