Getting A Small Upgrade?
Minor Additions or Alterations to Your Home
Done Right
New Socket Installation: Our Safety Checks Explained
Adding a new socket or light seems simple, but for your safety, all minor electrical works must follow BS 7671. As your local electrician in the Warrington area, here’s a simple guide to our safety checks.
You Request a Small Electrical Job
You've asked for a job like a new outdoor light, an extra socket, or moving a switch.
Our Initial Safety Check
Before we start, we must check that your existing system is safe and 'adequate' to support the new work. This is a mandatory part of our job.
The Technical Bit:
This is required by Regulation 132.16 of BS 7671. We check the 'line of sight' for the new work, which includes the circuit we're changing, its protective device, the consumer unit, and the main earthing and bonding.
Our 3 Key Safety Checks
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1. Main Earthing & Bonding
We check for the main safety wires that connect your earth to incoming metal pipes (gas/water).
+ What if it's missing?This is a "Must Fix" (Code C2)
Missing bonding is potentially dangerous. Regulations state we must install or upgrade this before proceeding, as it's fundamental to the safety of the entire installation, including our new work. (BS 7671, Reg 411.3.1.2)
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2. RCD Protection (Safety Switches)
We check if the circuit has the correct RCD protection. Modern electronics (like LEDs) can stop older RCDs (Type AC) from working.
+ What if it's the wrong type?This is a Proportionate Fix
We don't need to replace your whole consumer unit. The correct solution is to upgrade the specific circuit's breaker to a Type A RCBO. This single part provides the correct, modern protection for the circuit we are working on. (BS 7671, Reg 531.3.3)
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3. Consumer Unit Condition
We visually inspect your consumer unit (fuse box) for any "Danger Present" (Code C1) issues, like exposed live parts or signs of burning.
+ What about a plastic unit?This is a "Recommendation" (Code C3)
An old plastic unit (in good condition) is not a "Must Fix" to add a socket. We will note it on the certificate as an "Improvement Recommended" for fire safety, but we can proceed with your work. The same applies to not having Surge Protection (SPDs).
The Outcome: Our Quote
After our checks, we will give you a clear, transparent quote. This quote will be broken down into two parts:
- Part 1: Your Requested Work
(e.g., Installing the outdoor light). - Part 2: Mandatory Safety Upgrades
(Only if C1 or C2 issues like missing bonding were found).
We will always explain what is a mandatory fix vs. a recommendation.
Completion & Certification
Once any mandatory work is done and you're happy to proceed, we complete your requested job. We then issue a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate (MEIWC).
Your Legal Record
This is your legal document showing the new work is safe and complies with BS 7671.
It also includes a section called "Comments on Existing Installation" where we legally must list any "Recommended Improvements" (C3) we found, like your plastic consumer unit or lack of SPDs. This ensures you are fully informed about your installation.
Ready for a Clear, Safe Installation?
This process ensures your installation is safe and compliant. We're here to make it simple. We provide clear, no-obligation quotes for small electrical jobs across the Warrington & Wigan area.
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