Electrian Full & Partial Rewires
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Full or Partial Rewires

A rewire is major work, and as with all electrical installations, it must comply with the latest IET Wiring Regulations. It must also conform to Part P of Building Regulations and the local building control must be informed.

Compliance is documented by the issue of an Electrical Installation Certificate which confirms it has been designed, constructed, inspected and tested in accordance with BS7671 (IET Wiring Regulations).

Understanding When Rewiring is Needed.

Homes that have not been touched or rewired for over 25 years usually require attention. This is not only because of deterioration but also because older wiring systems cannot cope with the demands of modern living and do not provide the necessary level of protection.

Old round switches, rubber or fabric cabling last installed in the 1960’s and sockets fixed to skirting boards are all signs that a house requires rewiring.

Preparation

Rewiring a property can be messy and disruptive. Whenever possible we would recommend moving out whilst the work takes place; However, if this is not possible we may be able to run a temporary supply to one habitable room.

Once work commences it will be carried out in two stages:

  • First fix – when all the new cables are run around the property. As cables run through every room, it is best done without carpets and furniture so that floorboards can be lifted and ceilings cut into where necessary. To position sockets and switches plaster generally needs to be chased into, too.
  • Second fix – fixing of accessories such as sockets, switches and light fittings. Connection to the Consumer unit, inspection, testing, and making the new circuits live.

To finish, walls and ceilings are likely to need re-plastering. It is impossible to get a completely flawless finish after chasing unless you completely skim the entire wall, or ceiling, with new plaster. On a standard job, 123 Electricians will bond in any chasing but will not provide a finished surface unless you require a complete re-skim of the surfaces; In these cases, we can quote you for this.

Design

123 Electricians will conduct at least one site visit and possibly more prior to commencing work. The design stage is crucial as the aim is to bring your vision to life. The layout and objectives such as lighting, appliances and types of control will need to be factored into the design.

Futureproofing

A rewire is a costly job which is often layered underneath the finished fabric of the home: therefore, futureproofing to prevent unnecessary additional disruption is financially beneficial.

A homes ability to cope with fast changing technology depends upon a reliable internet connection and a stable signal: a rewire presents an opportunity to install structured cabling systems to maintain internet speeds and improve Wi-Fi signal around the entire home.

Extending

When extending your home using an existing circuit, prior testing is vital to ensure the correct type of circuits are used. Although extending an existing circuit only requires a minor works certificate, the possibility of overload and the risk of fire if not properly protected is high.

Kitchens

Although kitchens are no longer considered special locations and therefore not notifiable if only altering an existing circuit there are still many considerations such as load and distribution which need to be accounted for.

For example a change of hob may require a greater load and therefore a new circuit; Or you may wish to place your freezer on a dedicated circuit with its own independent RCD protection (RCBO) so that if a fault occurs whilst you are on holiday which trips the RCD you will not come back you a defrosted appliance and an insurance claim if covered.

Additionally, you may wish to install a kitchen grid switch so that all the appliances are controlled in one location with double pole switches rather than singularly. Finally there are regulations regarding the location of kitchen electrical accessories in relation to water and heat which should be taken into account.

Smoke alarms

Whether you’re completely rewiring your home, extending, or upgrading, mains powered smoke alarms should always be included in the design. Again you may wish to consider a dedicated circuit with its own independent RCD protection (RCBO), although some prefer to wire them into a lighting circuit to provide a visual fault notification.

Part B Building Regulations relates to fire safety. It states that new build properties, materially altered dwellings, loft conversions and certain building extensions must be provided with mains powered smoke alarms within the escape routes (hallways and landings) and should have at least one alarm on every storey.

In addition a Heat Alarm should be installed in Kitchen areas which are not separated from a living space or stairway by a door.

All alarms should be interlinked either using hardwiring or wireless interlink to ensue audibility throughout the whole property.

123 Electricians understand that it’s not easy integrating a modern electrical installation into your home. We also recognise everyone is different and that we each have unique tastes and particular needs. With this in mind, we will take time to advise you, and together we will develop a bespoke design to suit your specific requirements. Big or small, all commissions with 123 Electricians receive the same care and consideration.