Frequently Asked Question
Check their credentials: Qualified electricians in the UK are required to be registered with a government-approved scheme such as NICEIC, ELECSA, or NAPIT. Check the electrician’s website or ask to see their credentials to see if they are a member of a recognized scheme.
Verify their qualifications: You can check the electrician’s qualifications by contacting the relevant scheme or checking their website. You can also check their credentials on the ElectricSafe Register, which lists all of the qualified electricians in the UK.
Ask for references: Ask the electrician for references from previous clients, and contact them to ask about the quality of their work and their level of professionalism.
Check their insurance: A qualified electrician in the UK should have public liability insurance to cover any damages or injuries that may occur during their work.
By taking these steps, you can help ensure that the emergency electrician you hire is qualified, competent, and capable of providing safe and effective electrical services.
Search online: You can use search engines such as Google or Bing to find emergency electricians in your local area. Look for businesses that have high ratings and positive reviews from past customers.
Ask for referrals: Ask your friends, family members, or neighbors if they have any recommendations for reliable emergency electricians in your area.
Check professional directories: Look for electricians who are registered with government-approved schemes such as NICEIC, ELECSA, or NAPIT. You can find registered electricians on their websites or directories such as TrustMark or Checkatrade.
Verify their credentials: Ensure the emergency electrician you choose is qualified and licensed to work in your area. Check their qualifications, insurance, and other credentials to ensure that they are legitimate.
Contact them for quotes: Contact several emergency electricians in your area and request quotes for their services. This will allow you to compare prices and choose the best option for your needs.
By taking these steps, you can find a reliable and qualified emergency electrician in your local area who can provide safe and effective electrical services when you need them.
Our team of electricians in Coventry is listed on all authorized websites and directories.
The cost to call an emergency electrician varies depending on the electrician’s rates, the time of day, and the type of work required. Some emergency electricians may charge a call-out fee, which is a flat fee to cover the cost of traveling to your location, even if they do not perform any work.
The hourly rate for emergency electrical work can range from £50 to £150 per hour. If the work is required outside of normal business hours, such as on weekends, holidays, or during the night, the rate may be higher.
In addition to the electrician’s fees, there may be additional costs for materials or replacement parts required to complete the work. These costs can vary depending on the type of work required and the specific materials needed.
It is a good idea to ask for a quote before hiring an emergency electrician to ensure you understand the cost and can budget accordingly. It is also important to choose a reputable and qualified electrician to ensure the work is done safely and effectively.
If your floor needs to be lifted in places to access the underfloor heating system, you may need to hire a professional electrician who specializes in underfloor heating repairs. Attempting to lift the floor yourself can be dangerous and can cause further damage to the system. A professional electrician will have the tools and expertise to safely and effectively lift the floor and access the heating system. They can also make any necessary repairs or replacements to the system and ensure that it is working safely and efficiently. It’s important to choose a qualified and experienced electrician for underfloor heating repairs to avoid causing further damage or putting yourself at risk.
The recommended number of lumens for an outside light depends on the purpose of the light and the area to be illuminated. However, as a general guideline, outdoor security lights should have a brightness of at least 700 lumens.
Lumen (lm) is the unit of measurement for the brightness of a light source. It measures the total amount of visible light emitted by a source in all directions. In general, the higher the lumen rating, the brighter the light.
The UK has several regulations governing electrical sockets in homes and buildings. Here are some of the key regulations:
BS 1363: This is the British Standard for 13A fused plugs, switched and unswitched socket outlets. All socket outlets in the UK must meet this standard.
Part P of the Building Regulations: Part P requires that all electrical installations in dwellings, including socket outlets, are designed, installed, inspected and tested to ensure they meet the relevant safety standards.
Minimum number of sockets: The UK Building Regulations require that there are an adequate number of sockets in each room, taking into account the size and intended use of the room.
Bathroom sockets: Sockets in bathrooms must be installed at least 3 meters from the bath or shower and should be operated by a pull cord or a switch outside the bathroom.
Kitchen sockets: All sockets in a kitchen must be protected by a residual current device (RCD) to prevent electrical shocks.
Socket heights: Socket outlets should be positioned at a height of between 450mm and 1200mm above floor level.
It’s important to follow these regulations when installing or replacing sockets in the UK to ensure the safety of the electrical installation.
The number of sockets required in a room depends on the room size and its intended use. In general, a typical room in a house should have at least two or three double sockets, while larger rooms or those with more appliances may require more.
For example, a living room might need at least four to six double sockets, depending on the layout and number of appliances, while a kitchen may require six to eight double sockets to accommodate various appliances like fridges, ovens, and microwaves.
It is recommended to consult with a qualified electrician to determine the specific socket requirements for each room, as they can assess the load requirements of each appliance and ensure that the electrical installation meets safety regulations.
The cost to install a new socket in the UK can vary depending on factors such as the location of the socket and the complexity of the installation. On average, homeowners can expect to pay between £100 and £200, which includes the cost of labour and materials. The price for single, double, and USB sockets is typically the same, but if the installation requires additional wiring or modifications to the electrical system, the cost may be higher. It’s always best to get a quote from a qualified electrician to get an accurate estimate for your specific situation.
Learn what it takes to install an electric cooker safely and correctly. From checking the electrical supply to testing the cooker, a qualified electrician can help guide you through the process. Discover the steps required for electric cooker installation in this comprehensive guide.
Yes, in the UK, it is required by law that electric cookers must be installed by a qualified electrician. This is because the installation of an electric cooker involves working with electricity, which can be dangerous if not done correctly. The electrical work involved in installing an electric cooker can be complex, and only a qualified electrician has the training and knowledge to ensure that the installation is done safely and correctly.
Moreover, if an electric cooker is not installed by a qualified electrician, it may void the manufacturer’s warranty or home insurance policy, which can be costly if something goes wrong.
It’s important to hire a qualified electrician who is registered with a reputable regulatory body, such as NICEIC or NAPIT, to ensure that the installation is done safely and correctly. The electrician will issue a certificate of installation to confirm that the installation complies with the relevant electrical safety regulations.
Ensure that your existing electrical connection, be it a plug socket or a big red switch, is compatible with the power requirements of your new cooker. If your new cooker has a power rating above 3kw, it will necessitate a 16Amp or 32Amp fuse, which is typically represented by a big red switch. Conversely, if your new cooker has a power rating below 3kw, a standard 12Amp fuse, represented by a typical plug socket, will suffice.
While it is possible to connect an electric cooker to a standard 13 amp socket, it is important to ensure that the appliance consumes no more than 3kW of power. Typically, the oven component of the cooker consumes the bulk of the power. Therefore, it is advisable to consult the user manual to determine the power consumption of the oven before connecting the appliance to the socket.
To prevent any undesirable consequences when using a cooker or hob, it is advisable to maintain a horizontal distance of at least 100mm between an electrical accessory and the edge of a freestanding cooker or standalone hob. This guideline is deemed appropriate for ensuring safe operation.
In order to comply with the wiring regulations, a local isolator switch must be installed in close proximity to the oven, thereby allowing for the safe isolation of the oven during maintenance or in the event of an emergency. As it stands, the current installation of the oven does not conform to the standards outlined in BS7671:2018 with out isolation switch.
Assuming you have employed a skilled professional to handle the task, the installation of your new electric oven should generally take approximately an hour. However, if there are complications with the wiring or the appliance, it could take closer to two hours to complete the installation process.
In such cases, it is recommended to relocate the electrical accessories to a safe location. It is advisable to carry out this task prior to fitting the new kitchen. Electrical components such as sockets, switched fused spurs, light switches, cooker switches, and hob isolators should not be positioned behind or directly above a hob or oven.
Activate the fan in the ventilation hood and open a few nearby windows, if feasible. Set the oven to a high heat setting, ranging from 400 to 550 degrees Fahrenheit (204 to 288 degrees Celsius). Allow the oven to operate at this temperature for approximately 30 minutes to an hour.
Cleaning an extractor fan is important to ensure that it works efficiently and effectively. Here are the steps to clean an extractor fan:
- Turn off the electricity supply to the fan before you begin cleaning.
- Remove the cover or grill from the fan.
- Use a soft brush or a cloth to remove any dirt, dust, or grease from the blades of the fan.
- Soak the cover or grill in warm, soapy water to remove any built-up grime.
- Use a soft brush or cloth to scrub the cover or grill, and then rinse it with clean water.
- Allow the cover or grill to dry completely before putting it back in place.
- Reconnect the electricity supply to the fan and switch it on to check that it is working correctly.
- It’s important to clean your extractor fan on a regular basis, especially if you use it frequently, to prevent any blockages that can cause damage to the motor or reduce its efficiency.
To clean an extractor fan filter, follow these steps:
- Turn off the power supply to the extractor fan to prevent any accidents.
- Remove the front cover or grille from the fan to access the filter.
- Gently remove the filter from the fan.
Use a soft-bristled brush or a vacuum cleaner to remove any loose dust or debris from the filter. - Soak the filter in warm, soapy water for about 10-15 minutes.
- Scrub the filter with a soft brush or sponge to remove any remaining grease or dirt.
- Rinse the filter thoroughly with clean water and let it dry completely.
- Once the filter is completely dry, replace it in the extractor fan and secure the front cover or grille.
- It is recommended to clean the extractor fan filter at least once every six months to ensure optimal performance and prevent any potential fire hazards.
According to building regulations in the UK, kitchen extractor fans are a legal requirement for kitchens built since 2006 that do not have enough natural ventilation sources. If you are planning a kitchen extension or renovation, you must not worsen the existing ventilation and must retain or replace it with a system that has a higher extraction rate. Homeowners are required to notify a building control body before starting a renovation or home improvement project. Installing an extractor fan is the most effective way to meet the building regulations, as it can be fitted above a hob. However, recirculation hoods are not sufficient as they filter and release air back into the kitchen rather than releasing it outside. The kitchen extractor fan must release air to an outside vent and meet the extraction airflow rate of 60 L/s or more, as outlined in the Approved Documents.
It is possible to replace a bathroom extractor fan yourself, but it is important to have the necessary knowledge and experience to carry out the job safely and correctly. Electrical work can be dangerous, and it is essential to follow safety procedures and have the appropriate tools and equipment. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is recommended to hire a qualified electrician to replace the fan for you.
The time it takes to replace a consumer unit can vary depending on the complexity of the installation, as well as any unforeseen issues that may arise during the process. In general, it can take anywhere from 3 to 6 hours on average, but this can vary based on the specific circumstances of the job.
A consumer unit can trip out for a variety of reasons, including:
- Overloading – too many electrical devices being used at the same time can overload the circuit and cause the consumer unit to trip.
- Short circuit – a short circuit occurs when a live wire comes into contact with a neutral wire, causing a sudden surge of electricity that trips the circuit.
- Faulty appliances – a faulty appliance can cause a short circuit or an overload, leading to the consumer unit tripping.
- Earth fault – an earth fault can occur when a live wire touches a metal component in an appliance or in the wiring, causing a current to flow to earth and tripping the consumer unit.
- Wiring problems – faulty or damaged wiring can cause the consumer unit to trip.
If a consumer unit is tripping frequently, it is recommended to seek the assistance of a qualified electrician to diagnose and rectify the issue.
When replacing a consumer unit in a dwelling in England and Wales, it is required to obtain a certificate for compliance with Part P of the Building Regulations. This is because it is considered notifiable work. Additionally, some contractors have encountered issues where they are unable to re-energize a particular circuit after the replacement due to pre-existing defects.
To identify which socket is tripping the RCD, follow these steps:
- Unplug all electrical devices from the sockets on the circuit.
- Reset the RCD by pushing the switch back up.
- Plug one device back in and turn it on.
- If the RCD trips again, unplug the device and try the next one.
- Repeat the process until the RCD does not trip.
- Once you have identified the device that is causing the issue, have it checked by a qualified electrician or replace it if necessary.
If the RCD trips again even after all the devices have been unplugged, the issue could be with the wiring or the RCD itself, and it’s best to contact a qualified electrician for further inspection and repairs.
Factors to Keep in Mind When Rewiring a House:
- Careful Planning: The placement of lights, switches, and sockets should be planned in advance to ensure a successful rewiring job.
- Timings: Rewiring a house is a two-stage process that involves first fixing the wires and then fitting the accessories.
- Future-Proofing: It is important to consider any future electrical needs when rewiring a house to avoid the need for additional work in the future.
- Smart Home Wiring: With the increasing popularity of smart home technology, it may be worth considering installing wiring for these systems during a rewiring job.
- Certification: Once the rewiring job is complete, it is important to obtain the necessary certification from a qualified electrician to ensure that the work complies with building regulations.
The duration of a full house rewire depends on various factors such as the size of the property, complexity of the wiring, and the number of rooms. Typically, a full house rewire can take anywhere from 3 to 10 days, but in some cases, it can take longer. It’s best to consult a qualified electrician who can provide you with an estimate based on your specific requirements.
In some cases, it may be possible to rewire a house without removing the plaster, but it depends on the age of the property, the type of wiring that needs to be replaced, and the condition of the existing plaster. If the wiring is relatively new and in good condition, it may be possible to use the existing wiring routes and thread new wiring through the existing conduits. This method is called “chasing in” or “surface wiring”. However, if the existing wiring is old or in poor condition, it may be necessary to remove the plaster to replace the wiring, which can be a more time-consuming and expensive process. Ultimately, it’s best to consult a qualified electrician to assess the condition of the existing wiring and determine the best course of action for your specific situation.
After a rewire, it’s common to need a plasterer to repair the walls and ceilings where channels have been chased out to run the new wiring. In some cases, it may be possible to use surface-mounted wiring or conduit to avoid the need for chasing out channels, which would eliminate the need for plastering. However, this is not always feasible or desirable, as it can be more expensive and aesthetically unappealing.
It’s important to note that the extent of the plastering work required will depend on the scope of the rewire and the condition of the existing walls and ceilings. It’s best to consult with your electrician and/or a qualified plasterer to determine the extent of the plastering work required and the associated costs.
While some electricians may offer plastering services after a rewire, it is not typically part of their core services. It is more common for electricians to work in conjunction with a plasterer or building contractor to coordinate the rewiring and the subsequent plastering work.
If you are hiring an electrician to carry out a full rewire, it’s a good idea to ask them about their approach to plastering and whether they work with a plasterer or building contractor. This will help you to plan and budget accordingly for the full scope of the work required.
