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FAQs

Looking for an answer to your electrical problems? We've got you covered.

Rein Electrical

FAQs

How long does network cabling installation take?

The length of time it takes to install network cabling will depend on the size and complexity of your network. Our team will provide you with an estimated timeline once we have assessed your requirements.

What type of network cabling do I need?

The type of network cabling you need will depend on the specific requirements of your business. Our team of experts can help you to determine the best solution for your needs.

What is network cabling?

Network cabling refers to the installation of cables that connect computers, servers, and other devices in a network.

Can you help me choose the right charger for my business?

Absolutely! Our team of experts can help you select the right charger for your business based on your unique needs and requirements.

Do you provide ongoing maintenance and support for commercial EV chargers?

Yes, we offer ongoing maintenance and support services for all of our commercial EV chargers to ensure that they continue to work optimally over time.

How long does it take to install a commercial EV charger?

The time it takes to install a commercial EV charger can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the type of charger being installed and the complexity of the installation. Our team will be able to provide you with an estimated timeline after conducting a site survey.

Do I need to have my equipment tested before I move into a new premises?

Yes, it is important to have any electrical equipment tested before moving into a new premises to ensure that it is safe to use.

How often should I have my equipment tested?

The frequency of PAT testing depends on the type of equipment and its intended use. We recommend that businesses conduct regular testing, typically every 12 months.

What is PAT testing?

PAT testing, or Portable Appliance Testing, is a process used to check electrical appliances for safety. This involves visual inspections and electrical tests to ensure that equipment is safe to use.

Can't we do the PAT Testing in-house?

Although many people think that this is the case, you must factor in the cost of training, as PAT testing is very important and must be carried out competently and to a professional standard. As well as this, PAT equipment and software must be purchased, which could see your costs spiralling up considerably higher than simply calling Rein Electrical.

Is PAT testing important?

As a landlord or employer it is your responsibility to make sure that your premises are safe. If somebody has an accident and you have not taken necessary safety measures, you will be liable.

Can EVs be charged in the rain?

Yes! Is the short answer.

The longer answer is that manufacturers purposely waterproof their EV’s charge points, so you can safely connect your car in the rain, and you will not have to worry about getting a shock!

Where do you cover?

Being based in Southwest London we mainly cover anything south of the river and Surrey, however, we’re happy to travel further afield if required.

What are your prices?

As every job is different with many different variables it is difficult to say, however, we pride ourselves on being extremely efficient and professional, so you can always rely on us to deliver a job of the highest quality at a competitive rate. Just get in touch via one of our many different contact channels to discuss a job, or book in a free quotation.

Do you offer free estimates/quotations?

Yes, we are happy to provide you with a free estimate or quotation, and there’s a variety of different ways you can receive one. You could call our office to book a site visit from one of our experienced electricians, you could use our online form and submit photos or plans, or you can contact us directly via WhatsApp or one of our social media accounts.

How quickly can you attend a job?

Contact our office team directly to discuss your requirements and the nature of the job, and they’ll book you in for as soon as possible.

Do you do emergency call outs?

Yes, we do emergency call-outs. Just get in contact and we’ll aim to get a qualified electrician out to you as soon as possible (usually the same day!).

Will I have to wait around all day for an Electrician?

No, when booking in your job you’ll receive an allocated time slot (depending on the nature of the job). Then when an electrician is on their way, they will be in contact with a more precise updated time of arrival.

What are the costs for an EV like?

Perhaps not surprisingly, it is much cheaper to run an electric vehicle than one that uses petrol or diesel. EVs do not require the same level of maintenance as regular cars, which need filter and oil changes, and the brakes on EVs wear much more slowly than on traditional vehicles, so you will find yourself spending less money.

One thing to watch out for, however, is the insurance costs, which can sometimes be slightly higher than in the typical petrol-fuelled car.

Why do I need a home charge point? Can’t I just use the 3-pin cable that the supplier gave me?

Yes, you could use the cable supplied with your car, but do you feel safe doing it? Charging an EV is not like charging a phone. It requires a high, consistent, steady current over a prolonged period and your home socket may not be suitable for this. Not to mention the inconvenience of having to monopolise household plugs and use large extension leads to keep the car plugged in.

Is it true that EVs are more climate friendly?

In terms of production, probably no. But in terms of actual driving utility, once your EV is on the road, it is much more friendly to the environment than a fuel-guzzling car. Air quality is improved due to the EV’s zero emissions, and as the UK moves closer toward its renewable energy goals, EVs will become even more sought after.

Are old fuse boxes illegal?

In a word, no. But they aren’t very safe either as they have no modern technology protections on them. And if they do not comply with current government regulations (which they probably don’t) and you operate in any sort of commercial capacity, you will need to upgrade to a modern consumer unit.

How can I tell if I have a fuse box or consumer unit?

A consumer unit has a series of switches in a horizontal row that detect individual surges in the different circuit systems in your home. A fuse box has a series of wires linked to one switch only and that one switch controls the entire circuitry in your building.

Why do I need a new consumer unit?

Apart from the need to comply with government regulations, the latest consumer units are safer and enhance the efficiency of your home’s energy usage. Each circuit on your unit will have it’s own break which further minimises the risk of overloads, which can drain your energy consumption.

You should view your consumer unit as an investment, which adds value to your property via reduced bills, as well as protecting our property by decreasing the likelihood of electrical fires.

Should i be using a ‘Smart’ EV charger?

If your home charge point is funded in any part by the government then it must conform to ‘Smart’ technology guidelines. This has been the case since July 2019 when the government published the Road to Zero Strategy. Smart charging minimises the cost of charging from the grid and also encourages off-peak charging, further driving down costs.

One of the key definitions of a ‘Smart’ EV charger is that it can respond to, and interpret signals from a 3rd party, meaning that you will be able to control it remotely yourself.

Is outdoor lighting safe?

As long as your lighting installation conforms to the UK government’s electrical regulations, then yes, it is safe. These regulations include the presence of an RCD (residual current device), which is a sensitivity component to your fixture and acts as a break. If a fault is detected in the electrical current, then the RCD immediately switches the device off.

How safe is outdoor lighting when it rains?

Outdoor lighting is safe during rainy periods as long as the IP rating is at least 44 or higher. This ensures that the fixtures are waterproof and durable. The wiring will not be exposed to the elements in accordance with UK law, so as to protect it from moisture and to ensure that it can be earthed.

What does an IP rating mean?

Ingress Protection or IP for short determines how safe a light fitting is. The first number indicates how well the fixture is protected from contact with soil, dust or any other objects. The second number in the rating indicates how waterproof your lights are.

What is the most durable type of light fixture?

You will find many lighting installations utilise metals in their construction but there are degrees of difference between the types. Steel, aluminium and brass are some of the fan favourites, with Aluminium being at the forefront of that list.

Aluminium is more affordable and rust resistant and so is more accessible to smaller budgets.
Stainless steel will add a ‘wow’ factor to any lighting fixtures but requires a high degree of maintenance.
Brass fixtures can make a bold statement and are a robust material to use in any lighting feature.

What type of light is best for my garden/outdoor space?

This will depend entirely on your own objectives. If you want to accentuate the curves of your garden or driveway, for example, go with landscape lights. However, the options are many.

For instance, wall lights are ideal for vertical surfaces; post lights highlight the tops of poles; hanging lights can create ambience in a designated spot, and security lights are exactly what the name suggests.

Why do I need an EICR report?

It is your proof that your building complies with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. This is especially important for landlords as if there were to arise an issue with the electrical system at your premises, then you will be able to showcase that you fulfilled your legal duty.

What does an EICR involve exactly?

The short answer is visual inspections and electrical tests. The more in-depth answer is that our engineers will survey your entire system – this requires creating a diagram of it if you do not already have one. Using this diagram, we will then utilise visual test to check the state of your system to see if there are any faults or potential hazards. Once this part is complete, we locate each circuit and test them individually for function and safety.

Are there specific things I should expect to see on my report?

Beyond the details of the premises and inspector, your report will list all of the tests carried out and describe the observations of these tests with suggestions for actions if any are required. A summary of the condition of the system will also be included along with its components. If there any limitations to the testing, they will be listed, too and, finally, your engineer should sign the document.

What do the codes on the EICR mean?

The EICR report uses simple coding to illustrate any issues which the testing might highlight.

Below you will find each code and their meaning:

C1- Danger present. Risk of injury. Immediate action required
C2- Potentially dangerous – urgent action required
C3- Improvement recommended
FI- Further investigation required without delay

Am I legally required to carry out the recommendations on my EICR report?

The recommendations listed on the EICR reports are not actually legally binding. However, you should view this report as your evidence that your premises’ electrical system is legally compliant. If you have a report that lists important actions to be carried out and you don’t actually implement those actions, you may find yourself falling foul of the law. This is especially important if you rent out your premises or use them for any kind of commercial business, including sole traders who work from home.

What is the difference between a fuse box and a consumer unit?

They are actually used for the same purpose. However, a fuse box is an older version of a break board, and a consumer unit is the upgraded, modern and much safer version. The older fuse box in most cases will no longer be compliant with the law. It functions inefficiently and isn’t easy to manage.

For example, if a fuse box experiences an electrical overload, the overloaded wire will melt and the circuit can not be switched back on until that wire is found and replaced. This will obviously incur costs for the owner. The modern consumer unit has a break switch which turns itself off should a faulty current be detected.

Should I get my wiring tested?

How often do I need a periodic inspection?

What is a periodic inspection?

My landlord needs an electrical report for proof of legal compliance, can you help?

What are the latest regulations landlords need to adhere to regarding electrical systems?

How do I keep my property compliant with the law?

Is it ok to have only 2 sockets per rental room?

Do I need to put smoke alarms in my rental property?

Is it possible to use extension cords for outdoor lighting?

If I wish to rewire my house, how long will it take?

Does rewiring have an impact on my household appliances?

Yes, in that it allows for more efficient use of them. If your wiring is currently old or malfunctioning, so too will your appliances malfunction. Out of date wiring takes a toll on your household electrical goods as it is harder for the electrical current to be distributed evenly across all of them, meaning overloads and blown fuses are more likely. A full or partial rewiring can solve this problem by updating your wires and trunking to more modern and regulation compliant materials.

Will rewiring increase the value of my home?

If you were a buyer looking for a new home, would you feel more confident about the property with a recent full or partial rewiring or the property whose wires were old and/or uninspected?

We can safely say that the former property is a more attractive proposition than the latter. In this way, yes, rewiring will add more value to your home as it can give prospective buyers peace of mind that the investment they are buying is modern, up to date, safe and worth the asking price.

Can rewiring my premises reduce my energy bills?

Over time the covering on your wires can become dry and even break. The wires underneath may then start to deteriorate and become unstable. Updated wiring has increased efficiency as well as being safer. The improvement in the functioning of your electrical system should, over time, reduce your energy consumptions and so decrease your bills.

Do I need rewiring services? Isn’t it expensive?

If your home has faulty or out of date wiring, then, yes, you should consider rewiring. Every year the UK experiences over 12,000 fires due to faulty wiring and these could be easily avoided with a simple upgrade to the property’s infrastructure. A simple way to look at it is like this: what value are you willing to place on your home, yourself and your loved ones?

Can I DIY my fuse box replacement?

Unless you are a qualified and registered electrician, it would be unwise. And, even in an instance where you are, if you going to rent out the premises in question, it is better to have a 3rd party do it for you as then the entire process as well as the certificate issued will be viewed as impartial.