FAQs - Some Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I have my old fuse box upgraded?
Old fuse boxes can be unsafe and should be replaced with a modern 'consumer unit'. If I was to rewire your home, I would always fit a modern consumer unit, incorporating RCD protection.
What Is An RCD?
An RCD [Residual Current Device] monitors the balance of the live and neutral electric current flow. An imbalance occurs if electrical current leaks from a circuit because of faulty insulation, or because someone has touched a live part and received an electric shock. If the RCD detects an imbalance, it switches off the electricity supply immediately - fast enough to prevent an electric shock being fatal.
Is it expensive to have extra sockets fitted?
Not necessarily, although this can depend on access to the existing circuit [because of the type of floor coverings]. A typical example would be adding an extra socket to the opposite side of a room that only had one original socket - I recently did this for a customer in Chilwell. The room had a carpet on top of floorboards and I was able to complete the job for £100.
Should I call you out if my light switch flashes when I turn on the light?
Yes. Should any work be required, I can give a free quotation and very often I can fix this type of problem in a single visit to your home.
I've just bought a house and I've been advised by my mortgage company to get an electrical inspection and test. Can you help?
Yes, I can do a full inspection and test, then provide appropriate test certificates. Please see my pricing page or give me a call.
If I have an Inspection and Test done and it fails - what happens?
Do I have to pay for the retest when the remedial work is complete?
No, you do not have to pay twice. If I perform an Inspection and Test and there are non-compliant results, I will offer you a quotation to rectify the faults and include the cost [based on the extra time taken ONLY] to retest these items. However, if you decide to get the remedial work done by someone else then the whole test will have to be repeated and you may end up paying more.
SO - the most cost effective way to gain a 'passed' Inspection and Test is to have the test done, have any remedial work done [by the same person] and have the re-test elements included in the quotation - you then pay ONLY for work done rather than paying twice.