Take a look over our answers of various questions first and if you don’t find what you are looking for, contact us.
Portable appliance testing (PAT) is the term used for the examination of electrical appliances and equipment to make sure they are safe to use.
A distribution board or distribution panel (DP) is an important part of an electricity supply system. Its job is to split an incoming electrical power feed into multiple secondary or subsidiary circuits. Most of the time, each of these secondary circuits will be protected with a fuse or breaker.
Volts measure the electric potential of a circuit, while watts measure the rate at which energy is transferred or used. Volts are usually higher than watts, since watts measure the amount of power being used.
Amperage is the one-word term for “electrical current,” which is measured in amperes (amps). It describes the amount of electrical charge that is flowing through a system or alternately the maximum amount of electrical current that a system is capable of handling safely.
It’s important to keep the cord away from sources of water, such as gutters, downspouts, and storm drain. If the cord does come into contact with water, it can easily short out and cause a fire. When using an extension cord in wet weather, be sure to: Keep the cord away from sources of water.
Electrical fires caused by faulty wiring usually result from damage to insulation that allows wires to come into contact with each other or another material that conducts electricity, this can happen because of fraying, chafing, corrosion or simply old age.
Electrical fires caused by faulty appliances are due to either internal breakdowns in the appliance’s heating element or electrical components which become overloaded and overheat causing a fire hazard.
An electrical installation in a home should be checked out by an electrician every three – 5 years.
This is not only for safety purposes but to make sure that there are no power surges due to worn wires, faulty insulation, and other problems which could cause fires. In homes with small children & pets, it is important to check the wiring often as they are more likely to come into contact with the electrical system.
The meter tails between the meter position and the consumer unit should not be longer than 3 meters. In case the length is more than 3 meters, you have to install an additional protective device at the nearest point to the supply.
Consumer unit upgrades can be done in 3 to 6 hours on average. But depending on the main complexities of this installation, it may take much longer or it may require an additional electrician to come in and assist the electrician installing the consumer unit.
In order to replace the distribution board, we must isolate the power supply to it, so all circuits supplied by the DB have to be disconnected while we carry out the replacement.
It is important for appliances that have been in use for a long time and are starting to break down, stop working or cause problems such as sparking & overheating within the home.
If an appliance has not been serviced properly and has been repaired on a number of occasions, it is likely that the appliance will need to be replaced.
There are many ways in which saving electrical energy at home such as turning off appliances and lights when not in use.
Appliances should also be used efficiently by ensuring they have sufficient space around them to ventilate and are not obstructing the path of other appliances.
When there is a power surge or increase in voltage, electrical current will quickly rise to dangerous levels which can potentially damage devices plugged into it.
Electrical surge protectors can absorb this energy through dissipating heat so your electronic equipment doesn’t.
Electrical surges can happen as a result of severe weather such as lightning strikes or when power grids overload from high electrical demand periods, usually in the late afternoons and evenings.
Electricians use many different methods to identify problems within your home’s wiring system that cause appliances not to work properly.
Electrical problems can be identified through the use of electrical testing devices. Electrical testing devices can help to identify any issues with wiring, grounding, and breakers.
A common sign of an overloaded electrical circuit would be flickering lights or appliances that are not working as normal.
An electrical fuse is basically a safety device that stops the flow of electricity when there are problems.
Electrical fuses have two main functions, protecting the wiring and components from damage caused by too much current passing through them, and limiting short circuits within an appliance or circuit to prevent overheating which can cause fires.
Electrical fuses come in different sizes depending on the current (i.e., amps) they can handle without blowing out, and are marked with this information as well as their amperage rating.
Electrical fuses come in different types including cartridge fuses, plug-in fuses, mini fuse blocks or adapter plugs; each type has its own way of installing them into an electrical circuit.
Yes, you can live in your house during a rewire, however, the process is quicker and more cost effective when the premises is empty.
We recommend you to have the electrical works carried out before decorating and or before any plastering is carried out. The electrical services should be one of the first trades to consider.
It is highly recommended to use a residual current device (RCD) whenever possible but particularly in wet or damp locations (such as outdoors). An RCD rated at no more than 30 mA limits the energy in a particular type of electric shock and can actually save your life. However, an RCD cannot protect you from every single type of electrical shock, so you should still ensure that the circuits are securely isolated before you work on them.
RCDs should be regularly tested by pressing the ‘test’ button and making sure the RCD trips. Faulty or inoperative RCDs should be removed from use.
When the electrical current that passes through a fuse exceeds the limit, it burns a hole in the thin strip of metal. This stops the flow of current and it means you have a blown a fuse. Fuses need to be replaced (not reset).
First, make sure there are not too many appliances plugged into one circuit, as this can overload it. If it’s just one appliance, unplug it and either replace it or call us to repair it.
If you pull on the pull cord, but the shower does not come on, check the circuit box and see if the circuit breaker is switched on. Reset it if needed. If resetting the breaker does not resolve the issue, the switch rather than the pull cord, could be defective.
Yes, this switch is designed for the isolation of electric showers. It is rated up to 45 Amps making is perfectly suitable and recommended for showers up to 9.5kW.
If you pull on the pull cord, but the shower does not come on, check the circuit box and see if the circuit breaker is switched on. Reset it if needed. If resetting the breaker does not resolve the issue, the switch rather than the pull cord, could be defective.
The installation of your new electric cooker should take a couple of hours only. This may vary from job to job depending if you need to un-install your old cooker, if you need to replace the hardwire cable with a new one, if the socket needs to be repositioned etc.
The Installation cost is between £70 to £270. This may vary from job to job depending if you need to un-install your old cooker, if you need to replace the hardwire cable with a new one, if the socket needs to be repositioned etc.
Yes, you are required to pay for each installation.
Yes. We will disconnect your old cooker, please choose the option for this.
Yes, we do recommend you to put outside lights on a separate circuit. The main reason for recommending this is because in the event of outdoor lighting tripping, the indoor circuit will not be affected. However, if for some reason you don’t have space in your consumer unit or fuse board for a new RCDBO, the outdoor lighting could be wired joined to another circuit.
This type of wiring has to be very well insulated, and the terminals have to be enclosed with a cable gland securely to hold the cable and to prevent water seepage.
The installation of new lighting circuits and outdoor lights must be done by an electrician. The price mainly varies depending on the job’s requirements. It depends if you need drilling through brickwork or running meters of cable, also the number of lights is very important, etc. The Outdoor lighting comes under part P and must be notifiable, however a wall-mounted on the outside light is not notifiable.
The most common way to install a new power socket is to run a spur cable from an existing socket to connect it to the ring circuit. Unfortunately, this is not always possible. The IEE Wiring Regulations insist that a spur should not be run from a socket already on a spur, or already supplying a spur.
Typically, it takes around 2-4 hours to install and properly test an outdoor plug socket.
The most apparent indication that a single socket or a double socket is broken/faulty is a complete lack of power when attempting to use them. It is suggested to check all other outlets as it may be a problem with the main consumer unit or fuse box, rather than an independent issue.
How long will rewiring my kitchen take? Most kitchen rewiring jobs will take around one to two days to complete depending on the complexity of your kitchen.
The exact pricing will depend on many factors. The factors are as follows: the number of sockets that you need, where you live, and the specification of the electrical fittings that you choose. To receive a free quotation please complete the form below with your requirements.
Old electrical wiring can be extremely dangerous, so it is vital that your wiring is safe and reliable. There are many factors an electrician will bear in mind when quoting for a kitchen rewire:
A small galley kitchen will be much cheaper to rewire than an extensive kitchen/dining area and multiple appliances. The bigger the space, the more sockets and fixtures you will need, and the longer the work will take.
The electrician will need to know whether you are replacing existing wiring, lighting and plug outlets or installing new electrics in addition. The number of outlets is also important when determining the general cost.
If you want chrome or stainless steel, for example, the material costs will be higher.
It is important to have plans for how the kitchen will look once finished.
Once you have a plan of the kitchen units and how they will fit in your space you can begin to plan the electrical installation.
The locations of sockets, switches and other parts of the electrical installation can be personal preference and this is why it is important to decide this.
The kitchen rewire work is split into two main sections, called the first and the second fix. The first fix includes the basics of installing circuits, wiring, back boxes, lighting, and any other hardwired electrics. The second fix is when the components are all connected with fixtures and faceplates added and tested.
Depending on the type of LED light fitting you want, you should expect to pay between £125-£300 to install LED lights.
No, LED lights will not increase your electric bill if you are replacing halogen bulbs or other traditional bulbs. They are much more energy efficient, so you should notice your electric bill decrease.
LED strips are great for outdoor lighting. You can use them as signage, facade lighting, architectural lighting, outdoor event lighting, pool lighting, street lighting, etc. But for outdoor lighting, you must consider the dustproof and water-resistant capability of the strips. So, it would be best to look for LED strips with higher IP ratings, as outdoor lighting faces adverse weather conditions like- dust, rain, and storms.
Conduit pipes are always used by electricians. In order to protect your home or business from an electric fire, as well as for aesthetic reasons. Also, conduits can also be used to route all electrical wiring in places such as in commercial and residential buildings.
Yes, we do recommend you to run conduit in your home. Conduit does provide extremely good protection and safety for wires.
Running conduits through the exterior walls is a truly effective method for powering outdoor spaces. Using conduit, which safely covers wires outdoors, is an easy way to get power where you need it.
When installed correctly conduit is absolutely safe outside of your home. However, leaving exposed wires on the outside is never ever a safe idea. In order to protect these wires from water, you can choose to run them through an exterior wall with a conduit for an added layer of protection and much more simple installation.
No. You may be able to moving/ install/ replace a dimmer switch/ light switch yourself if you have worked with electricity before, but if you’re uncomfortable with the process, you should hire a licensed electrician.
If you are replacing a broken light switch it is a fairly simple task that only requires you to know how to safely isolate the circuit and some basic tools.
A dimmer switch can provide you with a range of illumination. However, these switches need more time to install than the standard switches.
If you pay an electrician to replace a broken light switch, you can expect to pay around £35-£150. However, if the job is faulty wiring or rewiring is involved, you could be looking at double or triple that amount.
If you are simply replacing a broken light switch like for like, it shouldn’t take longer than 1h.
No, it is extremely dangerous if you work on any electrical lighting, wiring, sockets or any appliances without first isolating the circuit you are working on.
No, sorry. The TV Bracket needs to be supplied by the customer. It is really important that you ensure that the bracket is compatible with your new TV.
The price for installing a TV Mounts depends on the labor cost. This cost does not include the price for the TV mount bracket.
The process of mounting a TV normally takes between 1 and 3 hours, depending on the size and type of mount that you use.
Having a good idea of where you would like to place the outdoor lights will help you choose the type of outdoor lighting you need.
Whichever type of downlights you have purchased, the first step in replacing/ changing downlight bulbs is always to make sure that you’ve turned off the power to the lights. To be extra safe, instead of just turning the light switch off it’s sensible to shut off electricity for that area through your circuit breaker or fuse box.
One of the best ways to create a different ambiance in a room is by using accent lighting, task lighting, and general lighting. These three types of lights are used in different ways and they can be found in retail shops, art galleries, theatres, showrooms, malls and more. Accent lights are typically installed to the ceiling and they shine vertically downward. They can be used to highlight an architectural detail or provide a comfortable place for customers to read. Task lights are best suited for reading because they illuminate a small area like the spotlight and make it easier to concentrate on a task being performed.
If you have LED downlights in your home, it is important to know how to remove them so that you can easily replace bulbs when needed.
The average cost on the market for supplying and installing downlights can be fairly costly, depending on the quantity of downlights that you need and the complexity of the installation itself.
You can definitely decide to replace/ change your old sockets because if you need USB ports for charging devices like phones and/ or tablets. Not all sockets have the same fitting requirements, so it is essential to read the instructions. We consider it is wise to get help from a professional if you have any doubts about what is required whatsoever.
The most apparent indication that a single socket or a double socket is broken/faulty is a complete lack of power when attempting to use them. It is suggested to check all other outlets as it may be a problem with the main consumer unit or fuse box, rather than an independent issue.
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.
TV sockets are being used to provide the connection between a television or signal receiver and the cable that runs to the aerial.
The voltage that is coming from a coax cable from your TV aerial is very low. If you touch the live current coming from most aerials, you likely won’t feel it, and it won’t cause you any harm.
If your light switch does not turn on or off as normal or you may notice that the toggle or switch head moves or does not stay in its place, the switch is faulty and requires to be replaced.
There are 3 basic types of switches that are used for domestic purposes:
Yes! You can use an intermediate switch (or a two-way switch) for a one-way switch. This can be however a very complex work.
Three-way switches are used in pairs and usually found at both ends of a staircase, in garages or basements that have two entries.
Yes, you can definitely extend this to four or more switches. With these two products, you can have the absolute flexibility to install intermediate and 2-way switches that look like dimmers. Please note that only one of these switches can be a dimmer.
A dimmer switch is just like any other standard 1 Gang Light Switch, it only gives you the opportunity to adjust the brightness of your lighting body.
You should never use normal light bulbs with dimmer switches because if you do so, the light will not perform well, it may appear fine in the beginning, but with time you will start noticing the difference in the intensity of the light. However, if the voltage is too strong, then these bulbs may burn out.
A dimmer switch can provide you with a range of illumination. However, these switches need more time to install than the standard switches.
If you pay an electrician to replace a broken 1 Gang Light Switch, you can expect to pay around £35-£55. However, if the job is faulty wiring or rewiring is involved, you could be looking at double or triple that amount.
Yes, you can install both appliances on to the dual outlet plate, this is the reason why they manufacture dual outlet plates.
No, you do not need two plates. It is possible to buy a single cooker outlet plate that allows both the oven and hob to be connected to the same circuit. Simply replace the existing single outlet plate with Dual 45 Amp Flex Outlet. A standard cooker outlet at the rear of an appliance generally below work top height supplied by a standard 6mm cable protected by a standard 30A fuse/32A MCB.
Yes, they need their own suitably rated circuit breaker, cable, and a local isolator.
Socket-outlets should be installed at a minimum of 450mm from the floor. Accessories should be installed at a minimum of 300mm from the edge of kitchen sinks and draining boards.
Yes, we consider it is acceptable to mount a cooker switch in a cupboard if the switch is easily accessible.
Though many ovens are available in small enough ratings to be connected to a regular wall socket, many others require their own circuit. In these cases, it is usually best to install an isolation switch.
The circuit breakers for these are generally close to the main switch, or close to the RCD.
If the circuit breaker is in the down position or in the middle position, push the switch down and then push it back up. This can reset the power to your cooker and the switches for it.
It is safe enough to cut the power if the oven is cool/cold. If it is still hot, it is generally a bad idea.
If your new cooker is over 3kw, then you’ll need a 16Amp or 32Amp fuse – that is a red switch.
If a switch is damaged, or you just want to update your fittings, then you can attempt to replace it yourself. However, we recommend you to hire an experienced electrician for this job.
A Cooker Switch is also called a Cooker Isolation Switch
Pull cord switches are an essential part of your home, as well as any other area where there could be humidity. They have the same function as a typical light switch, but the pull light switches are situated high up on the ceiling, and they are operated using a cord that hangs downwards.
Yes, you can convert a light to a pull chain in just a few minutes.
Ensure the alarm is properly attached to the base plate before attempting to test it.
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.
In case your Ethernet port in the wall is not working, it is very likely that this happened due to a problem with the wiring. First, check the cables to ensure that they are firmly plugged into the socket.
If your fused spur is switched on but the shaver is still not working, there is one more option you need to change/ replace the fuse. Just like a common socket, a fused spur has a fuse incorporated. If it blows, none of the sockets it controls will continue to work until this is replaced.
In all cases, a circuit protective conductor has to be run to and terminated at the shaver socket-outlet, just as is required for any other point or accessory. A shaver socket-outlet with a transformer is named a shaver supply unit.
Usually, outlets read as “Shavers Only”.
Fused spurs are the electrical switches that contain an individual fuse such as an electrical component that protects against shocks and electrical fires. This is done by breaking the connection in the event of excessive current. Fuses fall within the broader category of electrical components and are called circuit breakers, which all have a very similar function.
Fused spurs should not be confused with the residual current device (RCD) sockets. The RCD Sockets are built to automatically switch off the live current.
Non-switched or unswitched fused spurs do not have any manual button. Fused non-switched spurs are normally used with devices such as freezers or security lights that need to operate continuously, with no need for users to be able to turn off the current in most circumstances.
You can put either a 3,5 or 13 amp fuse in the fuse holder depending on the power consumption of the appliance that you want to protect.
Fused spurs are used as a replacement of conventional plug sockets with higher power, higher voltage electrical devices. In a domestic setting, typical uses include ovens, dishwashers, washing machines, boilers, thermostats, and refrigerators. Electrical systems for use in bathrooms, such as heaters, can also feature fused spurs.
No, they are not permitted in any zone of a bathroom.
A Fused Spur Switch is commonly used for powerful electrical appliances, such as washing machines and dish washers that need to be installed without a plug.
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