It is hard to imagine our lives without electricity, it provides us with light and warmth, and powers our electrical appliances. We can be forgiven for taking electricity in our houses for granted. The electrical installation silently contributes to our daily lives, hidden away in the walls and floors making it easy to forget that electrical systems do need checking periodically.

Cables, switches, socket-outlets are all subject to wear through structural movement. Electrical accessories deteriorate with use and misuse, the only signs of deterioration can only reveal themselves at what can be a catastrophic event. The installation must be monitored and the Electrical Regulations stipulate regular testing.

There are several signs to look out for, that might indicate the age of your electrical system and whether your property needs rewiring. The list is by no means exhaustive but some examples are:

• Cables coated in black rubber - black rubber was phased out in the 1960's. Cables coated in lead or fabrics are even older.
• A fuse box with a wooden back, cast iron or porcelain switches, a haphazard mixture of circuit boxes.
• Older round pin sockets and round light switches, braided flex hanging from ceiling roses to light fittings, black switches, sockets mounted in skirting boards.
• Wall mounted light switches in bathrooms.

WARNING:

If any of these features are present in your home, your wiring system is probably decades old. Safety in your home is vital, and we strongly recommend that you choose a Registered Electrical Contractor, such as Winsor Electrical, to carry out any electrical testing.

Frequently Asked Questions:

When will Work Start?

After receiving your instruction to proceed, we will normally issue notification at least 5 days before work is due to start. Obviously, every effort is made to accommodate any timescales that you may be working to.

Will I need to Lift Carpets?

We will arrange for carpets to be uplifted on the day and re-laid at the earliest time following the installation of the wiring. Due to the nature of the work, not all your carpets may need to be lifted. If you have any further questions then you can speak to Russell Winsor or Gary Wilson our Project Manager; but be assured that our electricians will always do their utmost to meet your wishes as the work progresses. During the initial survey, we will advise of the viability of reinstating your floor coverings as some floor coverings are difficult to re-lay.

What is involved in the work?

We will be changing your existing cabling, sockets, lighting pendants and consumer unit (your fusebox) as part of the works. However, this is not by any means an exhaustive list as each installation varies in nature from another. Rewiring could be carried out on a point to point room by room basis. This means minimum disruption but obviously takes longer. The client can take the opportunity to increase the numbers of sockets, lighting points as well as add other features such as low voltage lighting, intruder alarms, exterior light and power. Winsor Electrical are keen to offer you the latest products and developments. Winsor Electrical use only MK accessories. The works entails lifting floorboards, removing existing sockets, light pendants, etc. The Contractor will take as much care as possible when carrying out this work. If your walls require to be channelled out to insert cables, every care will be taken to reduce the impact upon the existing decor. We have access to a variety of craftsmen such as plasterers, carpenters and plumbers who we have worked with for many years and are skilled at carrying out any restoration work you may require.

How long will the Work take to Complete?

This is highly dependant upon the work scope for each project. However, as a guideline, it is common for a rewire (for a normal family home) to take anything between one to two weeks.

What Type of Consumer Unit (fuse box) will be fitted?

Your new consumer unit is user friendly and is fitted with a series of circuit breakers, controlled by an RCD (Residual Current Device). These are fitted as standard against protection from electric shock. Due to the sensitivity of the RCD, it is possible, that some of your electrical appliances i.e. cooker, iron, kettles etc., may trip this switch. This is an indication that there may be a fault in your appliance and we test your portable appliances as part of the job. We can rewire antique light fittings etc and carry out repairs to household appliances, If the need arises.

Will I need to be present when Works are carried out?

Prior to undertaking the rewire, we carefully plan and execute the works in an orderly manner. This greatly reduces the impact upon the householder. The work is divided into logical sequences so that only an area at a time is worked upon, leaving the rest of the property with the necessary electrical supply. You should be advised that it is often more cost effective to vacate the property. Very often, the cost of a short holiday is saved on the rewiring price of an otherwise occupied domestic home. Of course this is rarely possible and Winsor Electrical will try and fit in with the customer’s timescale.

Will I need to pack away any Ornaments, Breakables etc?

Since we will be working in all rooms, cleared working areas will be required. All breakables, etc. should be cleared and packed away to prevent any accidental damage. Any furniture will be moved by the contractor.

Will my Electricity be off?

We will make sure that you have electricity throughout as much of the installation as possible. You will not be left without power overnight and freezers, aquariums etc will be protected.