Question 1

How long does a full house rewire take?

Accepted Answer

A typical 3-bedroom house takes 5-7 working days. Larger or more complex period properties may take longer. We'll provide a clear timeline during your free estimate.

Question 2

Do I need to move out during a rewire?

Accepted Answer

Not usually. We work room by room and can often maintain power to key areas. We'll discuss the logistics with you before starting.

Question 3

How do I know if my house needs rewiring?

Accepted Answer

Warning signs include old round-pin sockets, rubber or lead-sheathed cables, a lack of earthing, frequent blown fuses, or a fuse board with rewirable fuses rather than modern MCBs.

Question 4

How long does a consumer unit upgrade take?

Accepted Answer

Most upgrades are completed within 4-6 hours. We'll have the power off for part of this time, but we aim to minimise disruption.

Question 5

Will I need to have my whole house rewired?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. A consumer unit upgrade can often be carried out independently. However, if we find significant issues with your existing wiring during testing, we'll advise you on the best course of action.

Question 6

How much does a fuse board upgrade cost in Winchester?

Accepted Answer

Costs vary depending on the number of circuits and the condition of existing wiring. Contact us for a free, no-obligation estimate.

Question 7

How long does an EICR take?

Accepted Answer

For a typical 3-bedroom house, allow 2-4 hours. Larger properties or those with more circuits will take longer.

Question 8

Is an EICR a legal requirement?

Accepted Answer

For landlords in England, yes — it's been mandatory since June 2020. For homeowners, it's strongly recommended every 10 years or when buying/selling a property.

Question 9

What happens if my EICR is unsatisfactory?

Accepted Answer

We'll explain the findings clearly and provide a quote for any remedial work needed. Once completed, we'll retest and issue a satisfactory report.

Question 10

How long does an EV charger installation take?

Accepted Answer

A standard installation typically takes 3-4 hours. More complex installations requiring longer cable runs or consumer unit upgrades may take a full day.

Question 11

Do I need planning permission for an EV charger?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, no. Home EV chargers are usually covered by permitted development rights. However, listed buildings or properties in conservation areas may need approval.

Question 12

Can I get a grant towards the cost?

Accepted Answer

The OZEV grant scheme has changed over time. We'll advise you on any current incentives available at the time of your enquiry.

Question 13

What is the best EV charger for home use in Winchester?

Accepted Answer

For most homes, a 7kW smart charger is the ideal choice — it charges a typical electric car overnight and includes smart features to schedule charging during cheaper off-peak tariff periods. We can recommend the best unit for your vehicle and property.

Question 14

Does my consumer unit need upgrading before an EV charger is installed?

Accepted Answer

Not always, but we'll check your existing consumer unit and electrical supply during the initial survey. If an upgrade is needed, we'll include this in your quote and can carry out both installations at the same time.

Question 15

How quickly can you respond to an emergency?

Accepted Answer

We aim to respond to all emergency calls as quickly as possible. Response times depend on our current location and workload, but we prioritise genuine emergencies.

Question 16

Do you charge more for emergency call-outs?

Accepted Answer

Our emergency rates are competitive and transparent. We'll confirm the call-out charge before attending so there are no surprises.

Question 17

What should I do while waiting for an electrician?

Accepted Answer

If safe to do so, switch off the main supply at your consumer unit. Don't touch any damaged cables or equipment. If you smell burning, ventilate the area and call 999 if there's any sign of fire.

Question 18

What counts as an electrical emergency?

Accepted Answer

A genuine emergency includes total power failure, burning smells from sockets or wiring, sparking or visible damage to electrical equipment, a tripped consumer unit that won't reset, exposed live cables, or any situation where you feel your electrical installation is unsafe.

Question 19

Do you cover emergency call-outs across all of Hampshire?

Accepted Answer

We cover Winchester and all surrounding villages including Kings Worthy, New Alresford, Stockbridge, Whitchurch, and beyond. Call us on 01962 809912 and we'll confirm if we can attend your location.

Question 20

Can you work outside of business hours?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We regularly carry out commercial work during evenings and weekends to avoid disrupting your business operations.

Question 21

Do you offer maintenance contracts?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we can arrange regular maintenance and testing schedules to keep your electrical systems in top condition and ensure ongoing compliance.

Question 22

Are you insured for commercial work?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we carry full public liability insurance and professional indemnity insurance for all commercial projects.

Question 23

Do commercial properties need an EICR?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, employers are responsible for maintaining electrical installations in a safe condition. An EICR is the standard method of demonstrating compliance. Most commercial properties should be tested every 3-5 years.

Question 24

Can you install emergency lighting and fire alarms?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we install and maintain emergency lighting systems and fire alarm systems for commercial premises. All installations comply with BS 5266 (emergency lighting) and BS 5839 (fire alarms) and come with full test certificates.

Question 25

How do you find electrical faults?

Accepted Answer

We use a combination of visual inspection, insulation resistance testing, continuity testing, and thermal imaging where appropriate to systematically identify the source of the problem.

Question 26

Can you fix faults caused by previous electricians?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we regularly correct work that hasn't been carried out to the required standard. We'll identify the issues and bring everything up to current regulations.

Question 27

How much does fault finding cost?

Accepted Answer

We charge a competitive hourly rate for fault finding. Most faults are identified and resolved within 1-2 hours.

Question 28

Is it worth upgrading to LED lighting?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. LED bulbs use up to 80% less energy than traditional bulbs, last significantly longer, and produce less heat. The savings on your energy bills typically pay for the upgrade within a year or two.

Question 29

Can you install lighting in a bathroom?

Accepted Answer

Yes, bathroom lighting must meet specific IP (Ingress Protection) ratings depending on the zone. We'll ensure all fittings are correctly rated for their location.

Question 30

Do you install outdoor lighting?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we install all types of outdoor lighting including garden lights, security floodlights, and pathway lighting. All outdoor installations use weatherproof fittings and are properly earthed.

Question 31

Do I need special wiring for smart home devices?

Accepted Answer

Many smart devices work with existing wiring, but some (like certain smart switches) require a neutral wire at the switch position. We'll assess your wiring and advise on what's possible.

Question 32

Can you install Ring doorbells?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we're experienced Ring installers. We can hardwire your Ring doorbell for reliable power and ensure it's connected to your Wi-Fi network.

Question 33

Will smart home devices increase my energy bills?

Accepted Answer

Generally, smart home technology helps reduce energy bills by giving you better control over heating and lighting. Smart thermostats alone can save 10-15% on heating costs.

Question 34

Do I need a qualified electrician for bathroom electrics?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Bathroom electrical work is notifiable under Part P of the Building Regulations. It must be carried out by a registered competent person (such as an NICEIC Approved Contractor) or inspected by Building Control. As NICEIC approved, we can self-certify all work.

Question 35

What IP rating do bathroom lights need?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the zone. Zone 0 (inside bath/shower) requires IPX7, Zone 1 (above bath to 2.25m) requires IPX4 minimum, and Zone 2 (0.6m beyond Zone 1) also requires IPX4. We'll ensure every fitting has the correct rating for its location.

Question 36

Can I have a normal light switch in a bathroom?

Accepted Answer

Standard plate switches are not permitted inside a bathroom. You'll need either a pull-cord switch inside the room or a plate switch mounted outside the bathroom door. We can advise on the best option for your layout.

Question 37

Can you install underfloor heating in my bathroom?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we can install electric underfloor heating mats and connect them to a thermostat. This is a popular choice for bathrooms as it provides comfortable warmth without taking up wall space.

Question 38

Do I need planning permission for garden lighting?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, no. Garden lighting is considered a permitted development. However, if you live in a conservation area or listed building, there may be restrictions on external fittings. We can advise based on your specific situation.

Question 39

What type of cable is used for garden lighting?

Accepted Answer

We use SWA (Steel Wire Armoured) cable for underground garden lighting runs. This heavy-duty cable is designed to be buried directly and resists accidental damage from garden tools or landscaping work.

Question 40

Can garden lights be controlled by a smart system?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we can install smart outdoor lighting that you control from your phone or with voice commands via Alexa or Google Home. You can set schedules, adjust brightness, and even change colours depending on the system.

Question 41

How much does garden lighting cost?

Accepted Answer

Costs vary depending on the scope. A simple pathway lighting scheme might start from around £500-800, while a full garden lighting design with uplights, bollards, and smart controls could be £2,000-5,000+. We provide free, no-obligation quotes.

Electrician Winchester — Questions & Answers

Electrical Rewiring

Fuse Board Upgrades

EICR Testing

EV Charger Installation

Emergency Electrician

Commercial Electrical

Fault Finding & Repairs

Lighting Installation

Smart Home Installation

Bathroom Electrics

Outdoor & Garden Lighting

Still have a question?