Electrical Questions Answered : FAQs Explained
At BuildSpark, we aim to provide our clients with clear, reliable answers to common electrical queries. Whether you’re looking to book an EICR certificate, need emergency electrician support, or have questions about the latest 18th Edition standards, our Electrical questions answered page covers most of the questions that are asked about the industry. What is a surge protection, smart home integrations, to the importance of RCDs, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of questions to help you better understand our services. You can also use our online booking page to find the exact prices for services like EICR certificates starting from £90. However, for immediate inquiries or emergencies, the best way to contact us is by phone at 07496 728746. Our team of fully qualified electricians is always ready to assist.
General Questions & Answers
What is an EICR Certificate and why do I need one?
An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is a formal document that assesses the safety and condition of the electrical installations in your property. It’s essential for landlords and homeowners to ensure the electrical system is safe, compliant, and free from hazards. Regular EICRs help identify faults that could pose fire risks or electrical shocks.
What services do you offer apart from EICR Certificates?
We provide a full range of electrical services, including installations, repairs, rewiring, fuse board replacements, PAT testing, fault finding, emergency lighting installation, and more. We also offer 24/7 emergency electrical services.
Do I need an EICR if I’m a homeowner and not renting my property?
While it’s a legal requirement for landlords, homeowners are not obligated to get an EICR. However, it’s highly recommended for safety purposes, especially when buying or selling a home, or if your property is older than 10 years.
What qualifications do your electricians have?
All our electricians are fully qualified to the 18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations. We are also fully registered with the NAPIT scheme, ensuring compliance with the latest safety standards.
Can I get a free quote for electrical work?
Absolutely! We offer free no-obligation quotes for all our services. You can contact us via phone at 0203 488 7378 or use our online booking page to get an accurate estimate and book your services with ease.
How much does an EICR Certificate cost?
At BuildSpark, we offer EICR certificates starting from £90. The cost may vary depending on the size of your property and the complexity of the electrical installations. You can visit our online booking page to find the exact price tailored to your specific needs.
How often should I get an EICR done?
For residential properties, an EICR is recommended every 5 years or at the change of tenancy. For commercial properties, the frequency depends on the nature of the business but is typically every 3-5 years.
What is the difference between a fuse board and a consumer unit, and do I need to upgrade mine?
A consumer unit, often referred to as a fuse board, is the main distribution point for electrical circuits in your home. Modern consumer units come with RCD protection, which enhances safety. If your fuse board is old or doesn’t meet current safety standards, it may need upgrading. Our team can assess and upgrade your system if necessary.
How can I book an emergency electrician?
If you have an electrical emergency, you can contact us 24/7 on our emergency number, 07496 728746. Our team will respond quickly to assess and fix the problem as soon as possible. You can also use our online booking page to schedule non-urgent services, but for emergencies, the best way to reach us is by calling our mobile number directly for immediate assistance.
Are your electrical services insured?
Yes, BuildSpark is fully insured with £2 million public liability insurance and £1 million intermediate insurance, providing peace of mind to our clients.
What types of electrical installations do you offer?
At BuildSpark, we provide a wide range of electrical installation services, including new wiring, lighting installations (indoor, outdoor, and security lighting), electric vehicle (EV) charging point installations, and more. Whether you’re upgrading your home or business, we can handle projects of any size, ensuring everything is installed safely and to the highest standards. For a tailored quote, you can use our online booking page or contact us directly on our mobile number.
General Questions
What is the 18th Edition and why is it important?
The 18th Edition refers to the latest IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671), which set the standards for electrical installation safety in the UK. At BuildSpark, all of our electricians are fully qualified to the 18th Edition, ensuring that all work is carried out to the highest safety standards and complies with the most current regulations.
Do you install electric vehicle (EV) charging points?
Yes, BuildSpark offers professional installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging points for homes and businesses. We ensure the installation meets the necessary safety standards and provide advice on the best solutions for your specific needs. Contact us for a consultation or use our online booking page to get started.
What are protective devices, and why are they essential for my property?
Protective devices, such as RCDs (Residual Current Devices), MCBs (Miniature Circuit Breakers), and fuses, protect your electrical system from faults, overloads, and short circuits. They are crucial for preventing electrical shocks and fires. BuildSpark ensures that your home or business is equipped with the right protective devices for maximum safety.
Can you upgrade my consumer unit (fuse board) to comply with 18th Edition standards?
Yes, if your current consumer unit does not meet the latest 18th Edition standards, we can upgrade it to ensure full compliance. This upgrade includes the installation of modern RCDs and other safety devices, providing better protection for your property.
What types of lighting services do you provide?
We offer a wide range of lighting services, including LED lighting installations, energy-efficient solutions, security lighting, outdoor and garden lighting, and smart lighting systems. LED lighting, in particular, is highly energy-efficient, long-lasting, and cost-effective.
Why should I switch to LED lighting?
LED lighting is far more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent or halogen bulbs, consuming up to 80% less electricity. It also has a much longer lifespan, reducing the need for frequent replacements. BuildSpark can upgrade your lighting to LED, helping you save on energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint.
Do you offer PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) services?
Yes, BuildSpark provides comprehensive Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) to ensure that all your appliances are safe to use. This is especially important for businesses and landlords to comply with health and safety regulations.
How can I tell if I need a full or partial rewire of my property?
Signs that you might need a full or partial rewire include frequent tripping of circuit breakers, flickering lights, outdated sockets, and burning smells near electrical outlets. We can conduct an assessment to determine whether rewiring is necessary and provide a detailed plan.
What are dimmer switches?
Dimmer switches are a popular option for controlling the brightness of your lighting, allowing you to adjust the light level to suit the mood or activity. They work by reducing the amount of electricity sent to the bulb, which dims the light output. Dimmer switches can be installed with traditional incandescent, halogen, and LED bulbs, though it’s important to use compatible bulbs for optimal performance. LED-compatible dimmer switches, in particular, are an energy-efficient solution, as they allow you to reduce energy consumption while also extending the lifespan of your bulbs. At BuildSpark, we can install dimmer switches in any room to help you create a more comfortable and customizable lighting environment. Whether you want to create a cozy atmosphere in your living room, set the perfect light level for reading, or conserve energy, dimmer switches offer both flexibility and efficiency. Additionally, many modern dimmer switches integrate with smart home systems, allowing you to control them remotely via apps or voice commands.
What is earthing?
Earthing is a critical safety feature in any electrical installation. It provides a direct physical connection to the ground, creating a safe path for excess electrical current to flow in the event of a fault. If a fault occurs, such as a live wire coming into contact with a metal surface, the electrical current is directed to the earth, preventing electric shocks and reducing the risk of fires. Proper earthing is essential for all appliances, especially those with metal components like washing machines, ovens, and refrigerators. At BuildSpark, we ensure that all electrical installations and appliances in your home or business are properly earthed according to the latest safety regulations. This helps protect both people and property from potential electrical hazards, and it’s a key requirement for compliance with the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations. If your property has an outdated or faulty earthing system, our electricians can inspect and upgrade it to modern standards, ensuring maximum safety.
What are smart sockets?
Smart sockets are a modern solution for controlling your electrical devices remotely via smartphone apps or voice-activated systems like Amazon Alexa or Google Home. They allow you to turn devices on or off, set schedules, and monitor energy usage, even when you’re not at home. Smart sockets are particularly useful for managing appliances, lighting, and electronics, giving you greater control over your energy consumption and enhancing convenience. For example, you can switch off devices that are on standby, reducing “vampire” energy usage that adds unnecessary cost to your electricity bill. At BuildSpark, we can install smart sockets in your home or business, helping you take advantage of the latest smart technology to improve both energy efficiency and convenience. Many smart sockets also integrate with home automation systems, allowing for more advanced features like voice commands, timers, and remote access, making them a great addition to any modern electrical system.
About Our Services
Surge protection?
Surge protection is a method of safeguarding your electrical devices and systems from sudden voltage spikes, often caused by lightning strikes, power outages, or fluctuations in the grid. These surges can damage sensitive electronics like computers, televisions, or appliances, potentially leading to costly repairs or replacements. Surge protection devices (SPDs) are installed within the electrical system, usually at the consumer unit (fuse board), to intercept and redirect excess voltage away from your equipment. At BuildSpark, we recommend and install surge protection systems to give your home or business an additional layer of security against these unpredictable events. With the growing reliance on electronics, especially in smart homes and businesses, surge protection is becoming increasingly essential to protect your investments and ensure long-term reliability.
MCB?
An MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker) is a critical safety device designed to protect electrical circuits from overloads and short circuits. Unlike traditional fuses, which need to be replaced after a fault, an MCB automatically cuts off the electrical supply when it detects an issue and can be reset once the fault is corrected. MCBs are commonly found in modern consumer units (fuse boards) and offer greater precision in detecting faults compared to older fuse systems. Overloading occurs when too many devices are drawing power from a single circuit, while a short circuit happens when two wires touch, creating a dangerous situation. MCBs prevent overheating and potential fire hazards by cutting the power supply quickly. At BuildSpark, we install and maintain MCBs as part of our consumer unit upgrades, ensuring your electrical system is safe, compliant, and capable of handling modern power demands.
Three-phase ?
Three-phase power is a type of electrical power distribution commonly used in commercial and industrial settings, although it can also be found in some large residential properties. Unlike single-phase power, which is typically used in homes, three-phase power delivers electricity through three alternating currents, which are offset in time. This system is more efficient and provides a more constant and reliable supply of electricity, making it ideal for heavy machinery, commercial kitchens, and buildings with high electrical demands. Three-phase power reduces the strain on electrical equipment and allows for smaller wiring, which makes installations more economical. At BuildSpark, we offer three-phase installation and maintenance services for businesses and properties that require this higher level of electrical capacity. We ensure that all three-phase systems meet the latest safety standards and are suitable for the equipment they power.
Heat alarms?
Heat alarms are devices designed to detect a rapid rise in temperature, typically in areas like kitchens, garages, or boiler rooms where smoke alarms may not be suitable due to dust, fumes, or cooking vapors. Unlike smoke alarms, which detect the presence of smoke particles, heat alarms trigger when the ambient temperature rises above a certain threshold. These alarms are essential in environments where traditional smoke alarms could lead to false alarms but where there is still a risk of fire. At BuildSpark, we can install heat alarms as part of an integrated fire safety system, ensuring all areas of your home or business are protected. Heat alarms are especially useful in conjunction with smoke alarms to provide comprehensive fire detection coverage, giving you an early warning system that is tailored to the unique conditions of each space.
Fault finding?
Fault finding is a crucial diagnostic process used to identify issues within an electrical system, such as power outages, flickering lights, or frequent tripping of circuit breakers. Electrical faults can arise from various sources, including damaged wiring, overloaded circuits, faulty appliances, or aged electrical components. At BuildSpark, our electricians use advanced tools and methods to quickly pinpoint the cause of electrical issues and offer effective solutions. The fault-finding process typically involves inspecting the wiring, circuits, consumer unit, and appliances, systematically narrowing down the source of the problem. Faults can pose serious safety risks, such as electrical shocks or fires, so it’s important to address them promptly. Our expert electricians ensure that any faults are not only repaired but that the entire electrical system is checked for compliance with current safety standards, helping to prevent future issues.
Consumer Unit?
A consumer unit, commonly known as a fuse board or distribution board, is the central point of your electrical system where electricity from the main supply is distributed throughout your property. It contains fuses or circuit breakers (MCBs) and residual current devices (RCDs), which protect your home by cutting off the electrical supply if a fault occurs, such as an overload or short circuit. Modern consumer units are essential for maintaining electrical safety and ensuring compliance with the latest regulations. At BuildSpark, we offer consumer unit upgrades and maintenance to keep your electrical system safe, efficient, and up to date with 18th Edition standards. A properly functioning consumer unit is crucial for preventing electrical hazards and ensuring reliable power distribution across your home or business.
