FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ELECTRICAL FAQ
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My lights or sockets don’t work.
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Answer: Check the relevant fuses or mcb's in your consumer unit (where your meter is usually). If you have an RCD unit all the lighting and power may be off. If the RCD has tripped off switch off all the mcb's or remove the fuses, reinstate the RCD then put the mcb's/fuses back in one at a time. See other FAQs
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I switched the light on and it went bang and all the lights went out.
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Answer: This is usually a lamp blowing. Replace the fuse of the circuit breaker and check to see if the light comes on
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The power mcb keeps tripping off.
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Answer: Unplug all the appliances, plug in one appliance at a time until it trips again. Contact us with information and we can help you to investigate the problem.
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The lighting mcb keeps tripping off.
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Answer: Switch off all the lights, switch them on one appliance at a time until it trips again. Contact us with information and we can help you to investigate the problem.
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The main RCD keeps tripping off.
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Answer: Switch off all mcb’s, switch them on one at a time until it trips again. Contact us with information and we can help you to investigate the problem.
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I’ve taken the ceiling rose down and every time I put the lights on it trips off the mcb.
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Answer: You have the cables mixed up. You will need to contact an electrician who will use a circuit tester and is trained to work with live cables.
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My fuseboard has rewirable fusewire/fuses and not mcb’s is this ok?
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Answer: Yes. (see next question below)
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I understand my house installation requires testing every 10 years or at change of ownership is this correct?
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Answer: An average 3 bedroom house will take approximately 4-5hrs plus form filling time, at a cost of around £100 - £150.00 plus Vat. Contact us to arrange a test at a time convenient to you.
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How long does it take to test my house installation and how much will it cost?
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Answer: An average 3 bedroom house will take approximately 4-5hrs plus form filling time, at a cost of around £100 - £150.00 plus Vat. Contact us to arrange a test at a time convenient to you.
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Can I change my own fuseboard?
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Answer: No this is covered under Part P of the building Regulations and is to be carried out by a qualified electrician and Building Control notified.
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What is covered by Part P?
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Answer: All new installations, i.e. a new lighting or power circuit, all work in gardens, bathrooms, kitchens, and fuseboard replacements.
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What if I do the work as above?
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Answer: You can’t, BS7671 certify the work. It must be carried out by a qualified electrician. See our Testing page, or Contact us today for a free quotation..
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Where can I get more information on Part P and the BS7671 Electrical regulations?
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Answer: Electricity Safety Council and NICEIC websites.
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My lights or sockets don’t work.