Emergency 24hr
Electricians

Whilst we are based in Fetcham Leatherhead Surrey, Empowered Electrical have built a client base throughout South East England. Locally we can provide an emergency service to Leatherhead, Dorking, Horsham, Bookham, Effingham Junction, Cobham, Epsom and Ewell, Chessington, Tolworth, Surbiton, New Malden, Morden, Merton, Sutton and more. We also cover areas such as Surrey, Greater and Inner London, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire, Berkshire and Kent. If you live outside any of these areas and would like to discuss any potential work please get in touch using the CHAT option and we will be happy to see if its something we can help with.

Empowered Electrical is and has always been registered with the NICEIC as a domestic Installer. This means every year we are assessed to ensure we are not only work according to Health and Safety Practices set out by the HSE but we also have a great understanding of the current Electrical Regulations set out by BS7671. NICEIC stands for National Inspection Council For Electrical Installations.

Whilst prices may vary dependant on the work being carried out, complexity of the work undertaken and the current condition of the installation we understand having a realistic idea of costs is fundamental in feeling comfortable when having work completed. Below is a small idea of costs based on Fault Finding or Emergency Repairs. Monday - Friday 8am - 6pm £95 for the first hour. £45 per hour thereafter. All pre planned will come will a full no obligation quotation with a set charge and not be based on the above rates. Any queries over pricing don't hesitate to get in touch.

Here's a list of Electrical Services we offer, if you cannot find what you're looking for please feel free to use the chat option and we would be happy to discuss any requirements you may have. - Full and Partial Rewires - Consumer Unit Upgrades, Replacements and Repairs - Emergency or pre planned Fault Finding and Repairs - New and Replacement Accessories inc sockets, light switches and Fuse Connection units. - Lighting Design for both interior and exterior projects - Electrical Design and Installation for new extensions and home improvements. - Smart Home Upgrades and Advice - Wireless switching systems - Heating and Infrared Panel Heaters - Energy Efficiency Advice and Installation - Inspection and Testing - EICR ( Electrical Installation Condition Report) - Landlord and Rental Certification.

Whether or not you need to upgrade your consumer unit (also known as a fuse box or distribution board) depends on several factors. Age of the Existing Unit: If your unsure when your consumer unit was fitted or appears dated it might not meet current safety standards and regulations. Older units may have rewireable fuses rather than MCB's (miniature circuit breakers) or RCD's, which provide better protection against electrical faults and electrical separation. Having a modern 18th edition consumer unit will not only limit the inconvenience in the event of a fault it will also protect equipment by the means of a surge protection device, paramount to ensure the expensive technology found in homes stays in working order in the event of an electrical surge in voltage. Safety Concerns: If you're experiencing frequent tripping of circuits, flickering lights, or other electrical issues, it could indicate that your consumer unit is inadequate for your electrical needs or potentially unsafe. Planned Electrical Work: If you're planning on making significant electrical alterations or additions to your home, such as installing new circuits, additional sockets, or equipment such as an EV Charger you may need to upgrade your consumer unit. DC currents, high amperage appliances and modern sensitive equipment all rely on newer electrical standards of protection not found in older fuseboards. Regulatory Requirements: Building regulations in the UK are periodically updated to improve safety standards. If your consumer unit doesn't meet the current regulations, you may be required to upgrade it when undertaking other building work or renovations. In summary, while not every home will require a consumer unit upgrade, it's essential to consider factors such as the age and condition of your existing unit, planned electrical work, and compliance with current regulations to determine whether an upgrade is necessary. If you're unsure and would like advice on whether you need new consumer unit contact us now at empoweredelectrical@outlook.com.

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a certificate produced after an assessment is made on the safety and condition of a property's electrical installation. It ensures that the system is safe, compliant and adheres to current british regulations. (BS7671 amd 3) Who's required to have an EICR? Landlords: Landlords have a legal responsibility to ensure the property is in a safe condition electrically. In the UK, landlords must have an EICR conducted every five years or at the start of a new tenancy. This ensures tenants are protected from electrical hazards and the properties electrical installation is maintained to a good standard. Homeowners: While not mandatory, homeowners are encouraged to have an EICR conducted every 10 years or sooner if issues arise. This is particularly important when buying or selling a property to confirm the safety of the electrical system. By having an EICR conducted prior to a sale you can ensure the installation is in good working order, design and is safe for continued use. Businesses: Commercial properties must comply with workplace safety regulations, often requiring periodic EICRs to ensure a safe environment for employees and customers. The frequency of a business's EICR obligations depend on the type of business, its environmental factors and previous reports. What Happens if an EICR Fails? Identification of Issues: If an EICR is unsatisfactory, it means the electrical system has one or more issues that could pose risks. These issues are categorized as: C1 (Danger Present): Immediate risk requiring urgent action. C2 (Potential Danger): Requires prompt repair to prevent future hazards. C3 (Improvement Recommended): Not dangerous but should be addressed for better safety. FI (Further Investigation) Usually issued when testing has reported results that would be outside the expected range and therefore be reported as unsatisfactory and be investigated further as soon as practically possible. Action Steps: The property owner must arrange for repairs to rectify C1 and C2 issues as soon as possible. A qualified electrician must complete the necessary work and issue relevant certification to confirm that the system is now safe. Problems classified as C3 are recommendations and whilst we suggest these be rectified they wont result in an installation being classified as unsatisfactory. Consequences of Inaction: For landlords, failing to address issues could result in an unsafe property and installation along with the potential for criminal charges and or fines. For businesses, unresolved electrical issues could lead to violations of health and safety laws, impacting operations and employee safety. Regular EICRs are a critical part of maintaining electrical safety standards and compliance. Whether you're a landlord, homeowner or business owner get in touch for your next inspection.

Whilst whether you need a full rewire or not depends on multiple factors and is not a simple answer, instructing an electrician to carry out an EICR (electrical installation condition report) will be fundamental in understanding what condition your existing electrics are in and if they are still ok for continued use. A few common scenarios which may suggest a rewire is due could be: Outdated or old wiring Electrical wiring is estimated to have a serviceable life of around 40 years. As of 2006 the UK harmonized with Europe and changed its wiring colours to brown, blue and green/yellow. If your property has older colours which were red, black and green/yellow it would suggest its age to be at least 20 years old and whilst this doesn't mean a rewire is due it does warrant a more in depth inspection to ensure it meets todays safety standards. Green Liquid visibly leaking or seeping from electrical outlets and cabling Older installations can have a greenish liquid or residue that can sometimes seep out of electrical cables particularly older PVC-insulated cables. Commonly referred to as "Green Goo" The phenomenon occurs due to a chemical reaction involving the breakdown of the plasticizer in the PVC insulation. Over time, especially under certain conditions, these chemicals can leach out and mix with other substances, creating the goo. A Rewirable Fusebox still in use Rewirable fusebox's other wise known as 3036 fuse holders were phased out with the introduction of MCB's (miniature circuit breakers) and RCD's (Residual current device) in the late 80s early 90s. As such any current rewirable fusebox still in use would suggest no electrical maintenance has been carried out for approximately 30 years and may suggest signs of degradation. A newer 18th edition consumer unit inline with current safety standards offers superior protection against the risk of electric shock but does require cabling that is in good condition and therefor may need replacing or repairing. A proposed extension or large renovation If you are having or plan to have an extension it can often be advisable to have a full or partial rewire. Although initially more expensive, a full rewire is an investment which will pay its dues in functionality and reliability, reducing the need for future repairs or upgrades whilst allowing you to plan your electrical outlets in a way that suits modern day living. Altering existing circuits is a viable option but you will be limited to its initial design which may not work for the planned renovation and any high amperage accessories or appliances you plan to use. Overall whilst a rewire is always going to be the best option, in most cases it does come at a cost both financially and via disruption whilst the work takes place. We will always suggest the best solution for you with the least amount of inconvenience. If you're considering a rewire or would like some further advice about what the best course of action for you installation might be, please get in touch to find out more or organise a free quotation.