FAQs
FAQs
EICRs
How much does an EICR cost?
This depends on a number of factors such as the number and size of consumer units and the size of the property (and subsequent number of points in the building). Costs for an EICR range from £99+VAT up to £380+VAT for a large house.
How long does an EICR take?
An EICR of a 1 bedroom flat takes about 3 or 4 hours including certification while an EICR for a large house can take up to 8 hours including certification.
Once I have had an EICR completed am I obliged to use the same firm for remedials?
No, you can go to another firm to carry out EICR remedials. They will then issue you with a passed certificate once they have carried out the works to a required standard.
What is a C1 item?
This is a dangerous issue which should be fixed immediately.
What is a C2 item?
These are potentially dangerous items and need to be fixed to gain a passed certification.
What is a C3 item?
This is a recommendation only, and usually indicates that the work is not to standard but not potentially dangerous. C3 items do not need to be fixed to obtain a passed EICR.
What are Further Investigation items?
These are items which are time consuming to investigate and are not normally investigated in the initial EICR. They should be thoroughly investigated though, and if an issue is found it needs to be fixed as part of the remedials in order to gain a pass.
What is an insulation resistance fault?
This is a fault where the wire in a circuit has been nipped. These types of fault can be very tricky to find as they are often in the fabric of a building, and have been caused by something like a screw nipping the wire. In cases where we are unable to find or fix the fault a rewire of the circuit is required.
What is a CPC continuity fault?
This is where the earth connection in a ring main is broken somewhere and rather than being a ring it is a spur.
What do we check in an EICR?
We check the following:
All of your incoming electrics;
Take readings at the board for all circuits;
We sample 20% of your plugs, sockets and lights for workmanship;
We check all other electrics visually;
We prepare a full report of all issues if there are any.
Will the power be off during an EICR?
Yes the power will be off during the majority of the EICR.
FAQs
Devices
What is an MCB?
A miniature circuit breaker or MCB protects a circuit from overcurrent.
What is an RCD?
A residual current device or RCD is a protective device which switches off the power to a set of circuits if one of the circuits has a fault on it. They are there to protect against electric shock.
What is the difference between an MCB and RCD?
Essentially it is the level at which they stop the current. An RCD trips at 25 to 40 milliseconds, whereas an MCB trips only when the current in the circuit is excessive.
What is an RCBO?
A residual current breaker with over current or RCBO protects a circuit against faults and combines the functionality of an MCB and RCD, allowing only the circuit to trip which has the fault on it.
Do I need an RCD in a ground floor or garden flat?
Yes because it is quite likely that you will use electrical appliances outside or in the garden in a ground floor or garden flat
Do I need an RCD in a 1st floor flat?
Yes, the law stipulates that any flat where you may use electrical devices outside should have an RCD and this does stretch to flats on the 1st floor.
Do I need an RCD in a 2nd floor flat?
Its unlikely that you will need an RCD in a 2nd floor flat as it is unlikely that you will be using electrical appliances outdoors.
How often should you test an RCD?
You should test and RCD every 6 months by pressing the button on it.
Why do I need and RCD or RCBO?
This is a protection device which turns off the electrics if there is a fault on your circuit and prevents electrical shock.
FAQs
Experience
How many years of experience do your engineers have?
Our engineers have more than 60+ years combined experience.
Are all of your engineers 18th Edition qualified?
Yes, our senior engineers are all fully qualified with 18th Edition. We do have unqualified apprentices, but they never work on their own without supervision at a client's site.
FAQs
Certifiable Work
What electrical jobs are certifiable?
Any job where we have changed or added a new circuit is certifiable and we would provide you with an EIC for the work. Changes to lighting are generally not certifiable unless they involve a new circuit. In some cases if the job is small we may provide a Minor Works certificate rather than an EIC. All EICs and Minor Works are also notifiable to the local council and we would issue you with a Part P certificate for these works too.
After an EICR or a set of EICR remedials we are required to reissue you with an EICR certificate. This can be a passed or failed certificate after the EICR but after the remedials you should be reissued with a new passed certificate.
What is Part P?
Part P is a building standard. As part of all our Electrical Installation Certification (EIC) work we are required to notify a Part P to your local authority every time we issue an EIC or Minor Works Certificate. We will then provide you with both certificates.
What is the difference between an EIC and an EICR?
An EIC is a certificate for an electrical installation whereas and EICR is an inspection report for a dwelling or commercial building.
FAQs
Consumer Units
What is a consumer unit/fuse box/electrical board?
This is the main device distributing power to circuits around your house. It is usually found near the entrance to the house or under the stairwell.
How much does a new consumer unit cost?
Depending on the size of the consumer unit the cost is usually between £680+VAT and £1000+VAT.
How do you size a new board for a consumer unit upgrade?
We normally ensure that the new board has another 10% of spare ways allowing for expansion of circuits within the house.
How long does it take to install a new consumer unit?
It takes around a day to install an average consumer unit.
Do you recommend an EICR prior to a consumer unit/board change?
Yes we do. In fact we recommend it prior to any large pieces of electrical work because your property may have hidden faults in the circuits. It’s best to flush these out prior to having the board change or other work. If they are found on the day of the board change or during other work due to not having had an EICR then fault finding to fix these issues may delay installation of the board or other work.
How long does the power need to be off when putting in a new consumer unit?
The power will be off for most of the day.
Does it matter if my fuse box is plastic?
The answer is that it may. All new latest specification boards are now metal unless they are installed outside and then they can be plastic to shield them from inclement weather. The reason for metal boards is that they are less susceptible to fire. To be at the latest standard you should definitely consider upgrading to metal if you have a plastic board and it is required if your board is under an escape route such as stairs.
Do I need to upgrade my fusebox?
See our blog on this topic here: https://electric4u.org/do-you-need-a-new-consumer-unit/
FAQs
Solar PV
How long does it take to install solar panels?
This depends on the number of panels but usually takes about a week for an average installation of 12 panels plus a battery.
Do I need to arrange scaffold for installation of solar panels?
No, we can do this for you.
Do I need to arrange a roof inspection if I am having solar panels installed?
Yes, we would recommend that you have a roof inspection prior to installation of solar panels.
Do I need planning permission for solar panels?
Normally planning permission is not required unless you are in a conservation area, but you are advised to check with your local planning department.
What is an average size Solar installation?
Most installations are around 4.8kW.
What is an inverter?
An inverter takes direct current (DC) power from the roof and changes it to alternating current (AC) power, which is used around your house.
Do I need a survey before a PV solar installation?
Yes its essential to have a full survey so we can work out such things as cable routes and where key equipment is going, however, we can produce an estimate using our online tool which shows a satellite picture of your roof.
FAQs
Scope of Work Carried Out
Do you fix appliances?
No we do not. We can fix the electrical supply feeding an appliance and we can also advise if an appliance is faulty, but we do not fix the appliance itself.
How do you charge for PAT testing?
We charge for PAT testing on a time basis and do not charge on a per item basis.
Can you cut Corian to install a new hob?
Yes, we have access to a tradesman who we can call upon to do this.
Do you install air source heat pumps?
Yes we do, in conjunction with our sister company Plumb4U.
FAQs
Paperwork
Do you sign off other’s electrical work?
No, we would not sign off the work of another person or company.
FAQs
Insurance
What insurances do you hold?
We have insurance for both domestic and commercial electrical work, solar panel installation, PV and battery work. Our employers liability insurance cover is £10m. Our public liability insurance cover is £5m. Our professional indemnity insurance is £250k.
FAQs
Certifications
What certifications do you hold?
We are NICEIC Approved Installers and NICEIC Approved Domestic Installers and assessed by them annually and we are also members of RECC (The Renewable Energy Consumer Code) and QANW who offer deposit protection insurance for renewable work. We also hold MCS certification for solar panel and battery installation which is the National Standard for Solar and Battery installations. We have membership of Checkatrade and Which? Trusted Trader. We are also an OLEV approved installer so you can claim government grants for EV installations through us.
What is MCS accreditation?
MCS stands for the Microgeneration Certification Scheme and is a nationally recognised certification for the installation of PV, Solar and Batteries.
Do you hold MCS accreditation?
Yes we hold MCS accreditation for installation of PV Solar and Batteries.
FAQs
Qualifications
What EESS qualifications do your engineers have?
Our Qualified Supervisor has attended an NICEIC EESS course and passed it as part of our accreditation for MCS.
What PV/Solar qualifications do your engineers have?
Our Qualified Supervisor and one of our Directors has attended an NICEIC PV Solar course and passed it as part of our accreditation for MCS
FAQs
Socket Work
Are there any restrictions in carrying out socket work in my property?
Yes, if your fuse board does not have RCD protection then we cannot carry out socket work.
FAQs
Smart Devices
Do you do smart lighting?
Yes we tend to install Phillips Hue when customers want a smart lighting solution.
Do you install smart doorbells?
Yes we tend to install Ring doorbells when customers want a smart solution.
Do you do CCTV?
Yes we tend to install Nest or Ring CCTV when customers want a CCTV solution.
FAQs
Working Range
What areas do you work in?
We work throughout Surrey and South West London.
Do you work within and outside of ULEZ?
Yes we do.
FAQs
Discounts
Can you give a discount in conjunction with Plumb4U?
Yes for gas safety certificates or boiler services done in conjunction with an EICR.
FAQs
EV Chargers
I would like an EV charger. What are the next steps?
Please call us and advise roughly how far from your consumer unit the charger is going to be sited. Also if you have an idea of the type of charger you want this is also useful. In addition another question is whether you prefer a charger with or without a tether. This way we can estimate costs and send you an estimate either for the charger you want or a range of chargers. Once we’ve sent an estimate if you are happy to proceed the next step is a free site survey. We can book you in for this within a matter of days.
What happens during an EV site survey and why do I need one?
The engineer will check the main cut out of your property to make sure it is 100A as EV chargers require the cut out to be 100A. They will also check the cables bringing power from the main house fuse or cut out to the meter and also the cables taking power from the meter to the consumer unit known as “tails”. These cables need to be 25mm and anything smaller will need upgrading. The engineer will also check the general state of your electrical installation including the main protective bonding (earthing) and take readings to work out the maximum demand of your property with a charger to make sure you are not going to exceed the 100A supply coming into the property.
What happens if my fuse or tails are not the correct size to have an EV charger?
If your fuse is underrated it will need to be upgraded by the DNO to 100A and if the tails between the fuse and the meter are underrated these will need to be upgraded by the Power Company. You should get the fuse upgraded first then the tails. If the tails between your meter and your consumer unit are also underrated then you can then get those upgraded by an electrician.
How long does it take to install an EV Charger?
It takes between 4-8 hours to install most EV chargers depending on the circumstances regarding your site.
How long does the power need to be off when installing a new EV charger?
The power will need to be off for about an hour while we connect the charger.
FAQs
Batteries
Do I need a battery?
If you want to take advantage of cheap electricity overnight then it’s advisable to install batteries.
Where is the best place to put a battery?
The battery should be located close to the inverter.
How many batteries do I need?
A rule of thumb is to take your average annual consumption from your electricity bill and divide it by 365 to get your daily consumption. This will give you an idea of the size of your daily consumption and therefore the size of the battery needed.
Where do you store batteries?
Ideally a battery wall should be stored inside in a place which does not get too cold as lithium iron batteries become unstable below minus 10 degrees.
Can you store a battery outside?
You can do this but the battery should be in an insulated and waterproof cabinet.
What is an EESS?
This is essentially a battery system in your home and stands for Electrical Energy Storage System.
Where should I put batteries?
Ideally your batteries should be placed as close to the solar panels and inverter as possible. In most cases we install batteries in the loft. Batteries do not do well in the cold weather and should ideally be installed in a sheltered environment in the house. Batteries can be installed outside but then they need a weather proof and insulated cabinet.
Do I need an AC or DC battery?
Most battery installations are DC as these are more efficient, however, if you have microinverters on your solar panels you will need an AC battery and we can install these.
FAQs
Standards
Do smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarms need to be linked?
No they do not although some housing bodies and local authorities insist upon it for rental purposes. Please consult your local authority or the body you source tenants through for guidance.
FAQs
Quotes
Do you offer free quotes?
We do offer free quotes on all of our work.
What happens if my job overruns the original quoted times?
In most cases we will not charge you extra as a quote is a quote. An exception would be if the scope of the job becomes larger because you have asked us to do additional work or an assumption we made as part of our original quote turns out to be different. The only exception to this is for Further Investigations as part of EICR remedials and fault fixing for which we don’t quote – instead we allocate a specific set of time and will let you know when this time is expired and we are about to move into a new price range.
FAQs
PAT Testing
Why would I need a PAT test?
PAT tests are generally needed for buy to let properties, commercial properties and temporary installations where there are electrical appliances.
Do you do PAT testing?
Yes we do PAT Testing.
What needs PAT testing?
Any device or appliance with a plug should be PAT tested.
How often should I PAT test items?
Once a year you should PAT Test items.
FAQs
Waste
What do you do with all the waste when a job has been completed?
We take all large items away and tidy up after ourselves. If an appliance needs removal and is too large to carry we will normally quote for its removal by a specialist as part of the job.
FAQs
Lighting
What is the most efficient lighting?
LED lighting is the most efficient and our installers are well versed with this and able to quote for all types of LED lighting installations.
FAQs
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