An unexpected electrical issue can be worrying. Whether it’s a partial power loss or a complete outage, a calm approach and a few simple checks can help identify the problem, and may even allow you to resolve minor issues safely yourself. This guide offers some initial steps.
Step 1: Is Power Out in Part of Your Home, or Everywhere?
- Partial Power Loss (e.g., some lights or sockets not working): This usually indicates a localised issue within your property, often a tripped circuit.
- Locate your Consumer Unit: This is the main electrical box, often called a fuse board, fuse box, or trip switch box, where your circuit breakers (MCBs) or older-style fuses are.
- Check for Tripped Switches: If you have circuit breakers, look for any switch that is in a different position from the others (usually down or central).
- Attempt a Reset: Try pushing the tripped switch fully off, then back on.
- If it resets and power returns: The issue might have been a temporary overload (e.g., too many appliances on one circuit, or a faulty appliance that was briefly used). Monitor the situation.
- If it trips again (immediately or shortly after): This indicates a persistent fault on that circuit. Do not keep resetting it. This requires professional attention.
- Complete Power Loss (No power anywhere in your property): This could be an issue within your property or a wider mains supply failure.
- First, check your consumer unit: Has the main switch tripped? If so, attempting a reset (as above) might help. If it trips again, there’s likely a significant fault within your installation.
- If your consumer unit seems okay, check for a local power cut:
- Visit the UK Power Networks website (HERE) and use their power cut checker with your postcode.
- Consider asking your immediate neighbours if they also have no power. (Note: This isn’t always definitive, especially in apartment blocks or areas with varied supply phases, but it can be a useful indicator).
Step 2: When to Call Your Emergency Electrician
You should call a qualified emergency electrician if:
- A circuit breaker or fuse repeatedly trips.
- You have a complete power loss that isn’t due to a confirmed UK Power Networks outage.
- You see sparks, smell burning, or notice scorch marks around sockets, switches, or your consumer unit.
- You have any concerns about the safety of your electrical installation.
Gathering Information: If you do need to call, any information you can provide (what happened, which circuits are affected, any visual signs) will help our engineer diagnose and resolve the issue more efficiently.
Netfixx Emergency Electrical Services:
We offer prompt, reliable emergency support for the following areas. You can also find links below to more in depth content regarding faults in your property, whether it’s domestic, commercial, industrial or an office.
- For Your Home (Wimbledon, Kingston, Richmond, Surbiton & surrounding areas): ➡️ Domestic Emergency Electrician Help
- For Your Business or Commercial Property (Central London & wider area): ➡️ Commercial & Industrial Emergency Response
- For General Electrical Emergencies & Detailed Troubleshooting: ➡️ Visit our 24/7 Emergency Electrician Guidance Page
Whether you’re revitalising an older home, expanding your living space, or enhancing your business premises, professional electrical installation and rewire work is the bedrock of a safe, efficient, and future-ready property. From cherished period homes in Kingston upon Thames requiring a sensitive house rewire to meet today’s exacting standards, to dynamic office fit-outs in Central London needing sophisticated data and lighting systems, our commitment is to deliver compliant, high-quality electrical solutions designed around your specific requirements.
Is it Time for an Electrical Upgrade?
You might be considering an electrical rewire or a new installation if:
- Your property, perhaps in areas like Wimbledon or Richmond, features older, potentially outdated wiring systems.
- You’re experiencing persistent electrical issues such as frequently tripping circuit breakers, buzzing sounds, or flickering lights.
- Major renovations are planned, such as a new kitchen, a home extension, or a loft conversion, all of which necessitate new or upgraded circuits.
- Your current electrical system in your Surbiton home or Central London commercial space struggles to cope with the demands of modern appliances, technology, and equipment.
If you’re uncertain about the condition of your existing electrics, an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) offers a professional, unbiased assessment. This report details the safety and condition of your wiring, highlighting any necessary improvements and helping you determine if a partial or full house rewire is the most appropriate course of action.
The Installation & Rewire Journey: An Overview
A successful electrical rewire or new installation, tailored to its environment, follows a well-defined path, follow the links for more details:
To Design and Build Your Perfect Domestic Rewire
Click HERE for an in depth focus on planning, executing and completion of your considered commercial rewire, below is a summary of what to expect.
Ensuring your business premises in Central London or the wider area are equipped with a safe, compliant, and efficient electrical system is crucial for smooth operations, staff safety, and regulatory adherence. The process for a commercial electrical installation or rewire, while sharing principles with domestic projects, has its own unique considerations:
- Initial Consultation & Business Needs Analysis: The first step is a thorough discussion to understand the specific electrical demands of your commercial enterprise. This includes assessing your current setup, operational hours, power requirements for specialised equipment (if any), lighting needs, data infrastructure, and any plans for future expansion or changes in use.
- System Design & Detailed Quotation: Based on the needs analysis, a comprehensive electrical system design is developed. This will cover power distribution, appropriate lighting solutions (which may include emergency and security lighting), fire alarm systems, data cabling, and other essential services. You should receive a detailed plan and quotation outlining the scope of works for your Central London business.
- The Installation/Rewire Process: Commercial electrical work often requires careful project management and phasing to minimise disruption to your business operations. The process typically includes a “first fix” (installing containment, cabling, and back boxes) and a “second fix” (connecting equipment, fixtures, and accessories). Be prepared for planned work, which may need to be scheduled around your business activities, potentially involving out-of-hours work to reduce impact.
- Thorough Testing, Commissioning & Certification: Rigorous testing is performed on all new electrical work, both during the “dead” phase and once energised. All test results are recorded. Upon successful completion, you will be issued with an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) or relevant commercial electrical certification, confirming compliance with BS7671 and any other applicable commercial standards. This documentation is vital for your records, insurance, and legal obligations.
- Compliance & Commercial Standards: Commercial electrical installations must adhere to a range of regulations beyond general safety standards, often including specific requirements for workplaces, public access areas, and fire safety. Ensure your chosen electrical contractor is experienced in commercial projects in areas like Central London and is fully conversant with all relevant legislation and best practices for business premises.
If you are planning an electrical installation or rewire for your commercial property within London, and require expert guidance, [Our Full Guide to Commercial Electrical Projects]offers more in-depth information. For businesses in Central London needing tailored advice on a rewire, Netfixx can assist with all aspects of your commercial electrical needs.
Planning your perfect Office Rewire
Click HERE for an in depth focus on planning and executing your Office rewire.
A well-planned office environment in Central London is essential for productivity, staff wellbeing, and projecting a professional image. When undertaking an office refurbishment or refit, the electrical system is a cornerstone of your new workspace, requiring careful integration with your design and operational needs. The process for an office electrical rewire in London or elsewhere, or a new installation, typically aligns closely with your overall refit project:
- Initial Consultation & Refit Alignment: This crucial first stage involves a detailed discussion to understand your business’s specific requirements within the context of your planned office refurbishment in Central London. This includes assessing current electrical loads, future technology needs, desired layouts for workstations and meeting rooms, and how the electrical installation will coordinate with other aspects of the refit.
- Tailored Electrical Design & Detailed Quotation: Following the consultation, a bespoke electrical design is created. This plan will detail the provision for power and data to workstations (often via floor boxes or perimeter skirting trunking), efficient and compliant office lighting (frequently utilising LED panels within grid ceilings or suspended ceilings), mandatory emergency lighting systems, and the backbone of your office’s connectivity – its data infrastructure (structured cabling). You should receive a comprehensive design proposal and a clear quotation.
- The Refit & Coordinated Installation Process: The electrical installation work is carefully phased to integrate seamlessly with your main office refurbishment schedule. This involves close coordination with other trades such as fit-out contractors, IT installers, and furniture providers to ensure a smooth workflow. The process will include the “first fix” (installing containment like conduits, trunking, wiring for power, lighting, and data) and the “second fix” (installing sockets, switches, light fittings, data outlets, and connecting equipment) as per the agreed project timeline.
- Thorough Testing, Commissioning & Certification: Once the installation is complete, all new electrical systems – including power circuits, lighting, emergency lighting, and data cabling – undergo rigorous testing and commissioning to ensure they perform correctly and safely. Upon successful completion, you will be issued with all relevant commercial Electrical Installation Certificates and documentation, verifying compliance with BS7671 and other pertinent standards.
- Compliance & Modern Office Standards: Office electrical installations in Central London must comply with BS7671, the Health and Safety at Work Act, and often consider specific standards for office environments, such as appropriate lighting levels for workspaces (as per CIBSE guidelines or HSE recommendations for Display Screen Equipment). Ensure your chosen electrical contractor is experienced in these specific requirements for modern office fit-outs.
For businesses in Central London planning an office move, refurbishment, or requiring upgrades to their existing electrical systems, [Our Comprehensive Guide to Office Electrical Solutions] provides further insights. Netfixx specialises in creating efficient, compliant, and future-ready electrical environments for contemporary workspaces.
Our Commitment: Quality Workmanship & Your Peace of Mind Across all projects, whether it’s a domestic rewire in Richmond or a complex office fit-out in Central London, Netfixx is dedicated to the highest standards of workmanship. This translates to neat, compliant installations, meticulous attention to every detail, considerate working practices to minimise disruption, and the use of high-quality materials.
Essential Certification – Your Guarantee of Safety Upon completion of any notifiable electrical installation or rewire, Netfixx will issue you with an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC). This crucial document, provided by us as the responsible installer, formally declares that all work complies with the stringent requirements of BS7671 (the UK Wiring Regulations) and, where applicable, the Building Regulations. It’s your fundamental assurance of a professionally installed and safe electrical system.
Follow the Links to Explore Our Detailed Guides & Services:
- For Your Home (Wimbledon, Kingston, Richmond, Surbiton & surrounding areas):
- ➡️ Considering a Full House Rewire in London? Dive into our comprehensive planning guide.
- ➡️ Transforming Your Kitchen? Essential electrical tips for your kitchen project.
- ➡️ Home Extensions & Loft Conversions: Expert electrical design and installation.
- For Your Business (Central London & wider area):
- ➡️ Commercial Electrical Installations & Office Fit-Outs: Powering your business operations effectively.
Keeping Your Electrics in Prime Condition: Essential Electrical Maintenance & Servicing in London
Just like any hardworking system, your property’s electrical installation requires regular attention to ensure it remains safe, operates efficiently, and stays in optimal condition. Over time, components can wear, regulations may change, and unaddressed issues can lead to inconvenience or even hazards. Proactive electrical maintenance is key to longevity and peace of mind, whether for your home or your business premises.
Why Prioritise Electrical Maintenance?
- Safety First: Regular checks can identify potential faults or deterioration before they become serious safety risks.
- Compliance: For many businesses, particularly in Central London, and for landlords, ongoing electrical maintenance and periodic inspections are legal requirements or stipulated by insurance policies to ensure the safety of employees, tenants, and the public.
- Reliability & Efficiency: Well-maintained electrics are less prone to unexpected failures, helping to prevent costly downtime for businesses or disruption at home.
- Longevity of Your Installation & Cost Savings: Addressing minor electrical issues promptly can significantly extend the life of your overall system. Crucially, “nipping problems in the bud” in their early stages can often prevent them from escalating into more serious, complex, and ultimately more expensive faults to rectify.
Key Areas of Electrical Maintenance:
- Periodic Inspection & Testing (EICRs): A crucial part of maintaining any electrical system (240V or 400V) is having it formally inspected and tested by a qualified electrician. This results in an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), which assesses its ongoing safety and compliance. Acting on any recommendations from an EICR promptly can prevent minor observations from developing into significant issues, saving potential future expense and disruption. (More on EICRs in our “Testing & Certification” section below).
- Lighting Maintenance:
- All lighting eventually needs attention, from replacing lamps to addressing faulty fittings. Where the lighting is within a commercial or office environment, appropriate lighting levels for workspaces must be maintained, as per CIBSE guidelines or HSE recommendations for Display Screen Equipment.
- In environments like offices or commercial spaces in Central London, maintaining correct lighting levels is often a regulatory requirement for staff wellbeing and productivity. Regular upkeep ensures these levels are met.
- LED Panel Considerations: Modern LED panels, while long-lasting, do have a life expectancy. In settings with many fittings, such as large offices, if a significant number begin to fail around the same time, it’s often more cost-effective and practical to consider a planned renewal of all similar fittings. This is because other units are likely approaching the end of their reliable lifespan, and a full renewal can prevent ongoing piecemeal replacements and maintain consistent light quality.
- Emergency Lighting Systems:
- For properties with public access, escape routes (e.g., in apartment blocks or commercial buildings), or in most workplaces like offices, emergency lighting is mandatory and must be regularly maintained and tested.
- This ensures these vital lights will function correctly during a power failure on the general lighting circuit, illuminating escape routes.
Tailored Maintenance for Your Needs:
- For Your Home (Wimbledon, Kingston, Richmond, Surbiton & surrounding areas): ➡️ Domestic Electrical Maintenance & Safety Checks.
- For Your Business or Commercial Property (Central London & wider area): ➡️ Commercial & Industrial Electrical Maintenance Services.
Headline: Ensuring Your Electrical Safety: Understanding EICRs & Other Key Certificates
Keeping your property’s electrical installation safe and compliant is a fundamental responsibility, whether it’s your home or your business premises. Periodic inspection and testing, resulting in an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). Whereas the correct certification for new work, a house rewire or commercial rewire, is an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC). These are the industry-standard ways to ensure that your installation is safe and complies with the latest regulations, where those regulations are continually being updated.
What is an EICR and Why is it Important?
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a formal assessment of your existing electrical installation to determine its ongoing safety and suitability for continued use. Over time, all electrical installations deteriorate. An EICR identifies any damage, deterioration, defects, or non-compliances with the current wiring regulations (BS7671) that could pose a safety risk.
Understanding the Value: Time, Cost & Thoroughness in EICRs
A job is always done better when sufficient time is allotted to it – and this is usually reflected in the cost. This is especially true for EICRs.
- Realistic Timeframes: To conduct a relatively thorough EICR on a small domestic property typically takes around four hours on-site, followed by a couple of hours for paperwork and analysis. Larger or more complex properties will naturally take longer.
- The Pitfalls of ‘Cheap’ Quotes: If you receive a very cheap quote for an EICR, consider whether it truly reflects the amount of detailed work required to rigorously verify the safety of your installation. A rushed job might lead to overlooked issues that become costly remedials later. Similarly, an inadequate report heavily reliant on “Limitations” (see below) may not provide a true picture of your installation’s health. In both cases, such limited inspections will most likely not identify potential hidden safety issues that could lead to a risk of electric shock or an electrical fire.
- Investing in Assurance: A properly conducted EICR is an investment in safety and peace of mind.
The EICR Process: What to Expect
A comprehensive EICR involves a detailed examination and testing process:
- Visual Inspection: An initial visual check for obvious issues.
- Dead & Live Testing: Safely isolating circuits for “dead” tests, followed by “live” tests once re-energised.
- Managing Inconvenience & Commercial Considerations:
- Expect minor disruption as power will need to be turned off to circuits during testing.
- For businesses in Central London, EICRs can often be scheduled out of hours to minimise operational impact.
- Testing each commercial circuit can take 5 minutes to half an hour or more, depending on complexity. Older, intricate circuits generally require more time.
Understanding Your EICR Report & Its Validity:
The EICR will categorise the installation’s condition, usually ‘Satisfactory’ or ‘Unsatisfactory’, with observations coded by severity (C1, C2, C3, FI). An ‘Unsatisfactory’ report requires remedial work. Recommended re-test frequencies vary (e.g., 10 years for an owner-occupied home, 5 years for rented properties/businesses, or less if issues are found).
A Note on EICR Quality & “Limitations” (LIM):
It is crucial that an EICR is conducted with diligence.
- Depth of Investigation: Sufficient time must be allocated to inspect and test a representative sample of your installation.
- Appropriate Use of “Limitations” (LIM): Limitations should only be noted if it’s genuinely not possible to access all parts of an installation or conduct every test. You should always be clearly informed why any limitations have been applied, as excessive use can mask unassessed areas.
Other Important Electrical Certificates:
Beyond EICRs for existing installations, other certificates are issued for new and additional electrical work:
- Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC): This is provided for significant new electrical installations, such as a full rewire, a partial rewire such as an extension or loft conversion, the installation of a new consumer unit, or a new circuit. It confirms the new work has been designed, constructed, inspected, and tested to BS7671 standards. An EICR should NOT be issued for a new installation. When an EIC is issued, it is usually registered with the electricians licencing body, who informs the local building control, the local building control will receive a Building Control Compliance Certificate, as will the customer. This along with the EIC should be kept safe for future EICR’s and inspections, and/or for when your property is put up for sale or to be rented.
- Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate (MEIWC): This is issued for smaller jobs, like adding a new socket to an existing circuit or, extending a lighting circuit or, replacing a light fitting. It confirms the alteration or addition is safe and meets BS7671.
Choosing a qualified and reputable electrician who conducts thorough inspections and provides the correct certification is vital for your electrical safety.
Arrange Your Electrical Inspection & Certification:
- For Your Home (Wimbledon, Kingston, Richmond, Surbiton & surrounding areas): ➡️ Domestic EICRs & Electrical Safety Reports
- For Your Business or Commercial Property (Central London & wider area): ➡️ Commercial & Industrial EICRs & Compliance Testing
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When you need an Emergency Electrician in London....Why Choose Netfixx?
Netfixx is a company of London-based electricians which specialise in both domestic and commercial contracts, by maximizing our use of new technology to ensure that our work is always completed on time and to the highest standards, and that we deliver a first-class customer experience at all times.
We provide our electricians with on-line tools and resources to help them reach your site quickly, diagnose the electrical problems accurately, give the best advice and complete the work safely and efficiently. To support them, we have a network of highly experienced engineer supervisors, accessible at all times.
“Good service always starts with the quality of our workforce,” explains the CEO of Netfixx. “That’s why we only recruit electricians that have a ‘can-do’ attitude, as well as all the right qualifications and certificates,” he adds.
As well as using new technology for the electrical work itself, we use bespoke software to help us monitor both ongoing and completed projects, streamline administration and support services and transform your experience. You can create a new account with Netfixx, log in to our user-friendly DMS and check the status of your jobs, view invoices, make payments and take advantage of special discounts.
Netfixx contracts electricians registered with the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC), the UK’s leading voluntary regulatory body for electrical contractors that carries out a rigorous assessment on all its members, both prior to joining and on an ongoing basis.
To cope with electrical emergencies, our London office is staffed 24 hours a day, and we aim to have an electrician with you within an hour. To date, our records show this happens in 19 out of every 20 cases, and we are already taking steps to make these figures even better.
Our expert team of engineers can advise and service all your electrical needs including:
- Commercial Lighting, Emergency Lighting and Power
- Full and partial Office wiring and rewires
- Commercial Certification including EICR’s, Emergency Lighting and Fire Alarm Systems
- The installation and maintenance of Three Phase Power systems
