Frequently asked questions

A short power outage can be expected on each circuit within the system but because most of the testing is carried out whilst the system is still live, these outages can be planned around your daily activities.

Our standard working hours are 8.00am – 6.00pm Monday to Saturday. We operate an out of hours emergency call out service for emergencies – please call 01744 339170 which will direct you to our out of hours number.

We carry out work for domestic and commercial customers. Varying from homeowners, landlords, retail premises, restaurants, main contractors and commercial premises.

An RCD is a Residual Current Device. It’s designed to protect against electrocution and electrical fires by cutting off the supply of power when it senses a leakage of electrical current from a circuit. An RCD monitors electric currents in circuits or individual items and will switch off the electricity automatically if there is a problem. For example, if you cut through a cable with a power tool, the power switches off, eliminating the chance of injury from electrocution. RCDs also offer protection against electrical fires.

There are no set guidelines as to when a property should be rewired. Just because your wiring’s old, it doesn’t mean it’s unsafe. Many factors can affect the wear and tear of your electrical installation, including the materials used and how your property has been used. We would advise that a periodic inspection is carried out on owner-occupied properties at least every 10 years and every five years in rented accommodation. The test will certify whether the electrics in a property are safe and tell you if anything needs upgrading. You should carry out regular checks around the house on the condition of your cables, switches, sockets and other accessories. If you notice anything unusual - for example, burn marks on plugs and sockets, sounds of ‘arcing’ (buzzing or crackling), fuses blowing or circuit-breakers tripping - get a registered electrician to check your electrics as soon as possible.

It is recommended that periodic inspection and testing is carried out at the following times: • for tenanted properties, every 5 years or at each change of occupancy, whichever is sooner • at least every 10 years for an owner-occupied home • at least every 5 years for a business The Landlords and Tenant Act 1985 requires landlords of properties with short leases to keep the electrical wiring in repair and in proper working order. We recommend landlords arrange for periodic inspection and testing to be carried out by a registered electrician at the relevant intervals shown above. Periodic inspection and testing of the electrics should be carried out more frequently on the places and premises listed here: • 3 years for a caravan • 1 year for a swimming pool

Periodic inspection and testing should be carried out only by electrically competent persons, such as registered electricians.

A periodic inspection is an inspection and associated testing to check whether an electrical installation is in a satisfactory condition for continued service. On completion of the necessary inspection and testing, an Electrical Installation Condition Report will be issued detailing any observed damage, deterioration, defects, dangerous conditions and any non-compliances with the present-day safety standard which might give rise to danger.