FAQ's

When do I need an electrical inspection?

For rental properties an inspection is recommended every 5 years or at each change of tenancy, which ever comes first.

For a residential property that you live in yourself it is recommended every 10 years

For a business premises an inspection is required every 5 years

The landlords and Tenant act 1985 states that a landlord must keep a property with a short lease in good electrical condition, regular inspection help to achieve this

Properties with a swimming pool are recommended to have inspections every year

A caravan should be tested every 3 years

Do you do emergency 24 Hour call outs?

We try to respond to emergency calls during business hours 8am - 5pm

We do not respond to emergency calls outside of these hours without previously agreeing this service to regular customers

Are you Part P registered?

Part P is simply a section of the building regulations, completing a part P course requires very basic knowledge of domestic installations and the process of registering work completed with building control. NICEIC registered electricians are City and Guild Qualified and hold additional qualifications for testing and inspecting, they learn the mathematical theory behind electricity, they learn the factors that can effect resistance and current carrying capacity of conductors, study the regulations and the tables for selecting cables and equipment in different environments, this knowledge is then used when designing an installation and ensures you get an installation suitable for your needs that will stand the test of time. NICEIC electricians register all installations through the NICEIC website when they create a certificate, this covers the Part P regulation, to summarise; you should be asking if your electrician is NICEIC registered not whether they are Part P

Is Portable appliance testing (PAT) a legal requirement?

The testing is not a legal requirement, it is a requirement of various licensing bodies and insurers, Pubs, Schools and public places all have portable appliance testing as it is a requirement to meet safety standards. Many domestic landlords are now having appliances they provide (washing machines, dishwashers, fridges etc) tested.

A landlord is not required to do this by law, but insurance providers or managing agents may insist. The testing is a way of covering everyone if the worst should happen, If the landlord can show they have made every effort to provide a safe environment they are less likely to be found liable for any injury.

What is included in an emergency lighting test?

Emergency lighting should have an appropriate test facility, the lighting should light exits and any safety equipment that may be required in an emergency, additional lighting may be required if inadequate lighting is provided for exit routes when all other lighting is out. The lighting should be tested quarterly, 3 functional checks and 1 duration check a year is the usual frequency, a functional check simply checks they are on if the power fails, a duration check takes up to 3 hours and tests that the internal battery of the fittings lasts as intended by the manufacturer, batteries may require changing if they fail to last. a certificate should be provided following each test.

Are you Part P registered?

Is Portable appliance testing (PAT) a legal requirement?

How do outdoor security lights protect my home?

Using a range of outdoor security lights can add that additional protection to your home. Most have built in PIR sensors, which can detect both heat and movement, lighting up the outside of your home and alerting you to a potential intruder. They can be set up so as not to pick up small animals that may stray into your garden or on your front lawn.

At what point do I need to have a rewire of my home?

Here are a few signs your domestic property needs a rewire:

Fluctuating power in the house or garage.

A smell of burning would be time to call an emergency electrician.

Discoloured switches.

Fuses that are regularly blowing in your home.

A limited number of sockets in each room due to the age of the property.

When is an Electrical Safety Certificate (EICR) due on my rental property?

All rental properties should have had an Electrical Safety Certificate before April 1st 2021, these reports are valid for 5 years. If you are in a rental property with a private landlord, you can ask to have a copy of the report.

If you are a landlord, here is a link to the Government website with guidance on electrical safety standards in the private rented sector.

Can I install garden lighting myself?

Working with electrics can be very dangerous and having a lighting system that is connected to your home would require you to have a Part P registered electrician. You must ensure you are working within existing building control regulations for any electrical works.

DIY lighting is available at most home improvements stores and these use solar power and can be easily installed.

How long does it take to install an outside socket?

A qualified electrician would take between 1-2 hours to install an outside electrical socket as long as it is close to an existing supply of electricity.

Can First Light Electrical Services install Decorative Lighting which I have supplied?

If you want us to fit decorative lighting which you have purchased, we would need to make sure the safety of the decorative lighting.

How often should I replace my consumer unit?

A consumer unit should be inspected at least every 10 years and also if you are in a rental property or you are a landlord, every 5 years as part of the EICR. The report you get back will advise you if you need your consumer unit replaced.

What qualifications does an electrician need to carry out an electrical inspection?

You need to be Part P registered to carry out any electrical inspections. Using a qualified electrician is essential for electrical testing, but also knowing your electrician is competent and part of NICEIC as well as a Safe Contractor ensures they are Health and Safety compliant too.

What sort of supply will I need for my garden office power?

If you are planning to build a garden office, it is important you talk to a competent electrician at the beginning of the project. Getting the right power for your garden office requires a number of factors:

Are you going overground or underground?

Discuss the earthing and bonding system right at the beginning of the project.

Are you going to have a separate consumer unit or not?

Once you have established the answers to these questions you will be able to get a comprehensive quotation for your new garden office power installation.

Is it worth having an electrician install data and network cabling in my home?

Working from home has become the new normal for many office workers and having fast and reliable broadband speeds is essential for most office jobs today. Some properties have poor Wi-Fi signal in parts of the home and an Ethernet Cable can be installed with a Wireless Access point can improve Wi-Fi coverage throughout all your property.

When should I use floor sockets?

Floor sockets are ideal for large rooms, whether this is in a large room at home, a hall, office, commercial property, warehouse, or industrial premise, floor sockets are ideal if you want to have an electrical point for a piece of equipment in the centre of the room, or multiple points, where the location is too far away from the nearest wall.

Do I have to have a wired smoke alarm at home?

New regulations were brought in from 1992, stating you have to have at least one wired smoke alarm in your home.

I have a constant beeping coming from my smoke alarm how do I stop it?

A constant annoying peeping coming from your smoke alarm could mean the smoke alarm battery or the smoke alarm is now out of date. Try replacing the battery first before calling an electrician to replace the wired smoke alarm.

Will I save money on my electricity bills if I change to LED lighting?

Here is an excellent website from Energy Saving Trust which will tell you how you can save power by upgrading your home and office lighting, it is independent and will help you advise you on the best bulbs to use and help you become more sustainable.