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Electrician FAQs | Electricians On Call London

Electricity can be confusing, enlighten the load with our handy FAQ.

Conduction of electricity between two panels
How quickly can you get to me in London?

Faster than most. We use electric motorbikes, so we're not stuck behind traffic or looking for parking. In central London, we're typically with you within an hour of calling. The further out you are, the longer it takes — but we'll give you an honest ETA when you call.

Do you charge a call out fee?

No call-out fee. You only pay for the work done — nothing more.

How much does an emergency electrician cost in London?

Our call-out rate starts at £85 + VAT. From there, pricing depends on the job — we'll always tell you what it'll cost before we start. No surprises on the invoice.

How much does a new consumer unit cost in London?

Count how many circuits you have and speak to our chatbot Sam. We only install the highest quality RCBO boards with surge protection.

What counts as an electrical emergency?

Anything that's a safety risk or has left you without power. Burning smells, sparking sockets, a tripped fusebox that won't reset, complete loss of power, exposed wiring — all of those warrant a same-day call. If you're unsure, ring us anyway. We'd rather you called and didn't need us than waited and made things worse.

Do you work nights and weekends?

Yes — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Electrical faults don't keep office hours and neither do we.

My fusebox is tripping, what should I do?

Firstly, don’t panic.
If your fusebox has tripped, it means your safety devices are working exactly as they should.

If you have a board with one main switch followed by a number of identical switches (all MCB or all RCBO) - If only one breaker has gone down and the rest of the property still has power, this is generally not an emergency unless vital equipment has been effected.

If this circuit has socket outlets and/or switches, unplug items on that circuit, turn off all switches and turn back on.  

Often it’s a faulty appliance (see below for more examples)

If you have a split-load RCD board (very common in UK homes) - This is where people get caught out. You’ll have two RCD switches, each protecting a group of circuits. These occupy two slots (or ways) in the box and often have 'RCD' written on them.

When one trips, everything on that side goes off — even though the small breakers may still look “on”.

Reset it properly:

1. Switch OFF all the small breakers (MCBs) on the side controlled by the tripped RCD.

2. Reset the RCD (fully down, then up). If it trips again, go to the final paragraph.

3. Turn the MCBs back on one at a time. When it trips again, the last circuit you turned on is the problem. From there: Unplug everything on that circuit and/or turn off all switches. Reset again. Plug appliances back in one by one.

Common causes are: 
Kettles bases
Washing machines
Immersion heaters
Outdoor electrics — especially in wet weather.

When to stop and call an electrician:

The RCD keeps tripping even with everything off/unplugged. There’s a burning smell, smoke or buzzing. You’ve had water ingress.  

If it keeps tripping, there’s a reason. If you’re in London just book an appointment now.

I can smell burning coming from a socket, what should I do?

Turn off the effected circuit immediately at the fusebox (consumer unit). If you are unsure which circuit this is - just kill all power from the MAIN SWITCH.

A burning smell from a socket is a serious warning sign and may indicate.
Loose wiring
Overheating
A failing socket
Electrical arcing

Call us immediately.

I received an electric shock from my light switch, should I be worried?

Firstly assess the pain level, this will help you distinguish between:
1. Static electricity discharge.
2. 230V electric shock.

In many cases, a minor shock occurs when individuals come into contact with a metal light switch or appliance due to the discharge of static electricity accumulated on their bodies. This typically happens when touching an earthed metal surface, such as the facade of a light switch, a metal kettle, or a kitchen sink.

However, if the shock is significant, it is crucial to prioritize your safety. Please turn off your electricity immediately and contact us for immediate assistance.

What if I call you and you're unable to fix the issue? Will I still be charged?

Hasn't happened yet. We have a 100% success rate. In the unlikely event we couldn't fix something, we wouldn't charge you for the visit.

Does your work include a guarantee?

Yes. All our services are backed by a comprehensive six-year guarantee, offered under the NAPIT scheme. This means that you can have complete peace of mind, knowing that our work is covered and any potential issues will be promptly addressed within the specified guarantee period. Your satisfaction and confidence in our services are of utmost importance to us.

Do you have public liability insurance?

Yes, up to £2 million. If anything goes wrong on site, you're covered. We can provide documentation on request.

Do you provide free quotes?

Yes, free quotes, no strings. If you decide not to go ahead, that's fine — no charge.

Do you accept card payments?

Yes — contactless on the spot, or we can send an invoice with a payment link via Stripe.w

Can you work on rented properties?

Yes — and we work with a lot of landlords and property managers. We can liaise directly with tenants to arrange access, and we provide all the certification you need for compliance. EICR certificates, minor works certificates, installation certificates — all covered.

Can I live at home while a rewire is carried out in my house?

Technically, there are no restrictions preventing you from doing so. However, it's important to note that a rewiring project can be highly disruptive, generating significant amounts of dust and a general mess typical of construction work. In certain cases, it may be feasible to separate and seal off a designated "living area" within the property while work progresses in other areas. However, as a general recommendation, it is often advisable to consider temporarily residing elsewhere to ensure efficient progress of the rewiring process.

Do I need to upgrade my fuse box?

You may need to upgrade your fusebox (also known as a consumer unit) for several reasons, including:

Construction - If your fusebox is made from plastic and situated in an escape route or under a wooden staircase then this is must be replaced with a fire-rated, metal-clad unit.

Protection - Fuse is vernacular word, we talk about 'blowing a fuse' and 'fusebox'. However most fuseboxes do not contain Fuses. In some situations the old rewirable fuses are actually permissable, however most of the time additional RCD protection is required. So if you have an old 'Fusebox' then it will need to be changed.

Number of circuits - If your home has been extended or has had additional electrical circuits added, your fusebox may not be able to handle the increased load, and may need to be upgraded to a larger unit.

Safety - If your fusebox is damaged, corroded, or showing signs of wear and tear, it may need to be replaced to ensure the safety of your home and family.

Building regulations - If you are planning a renovation or remodel that involves electrical work, you may be required by Building Regulations to upgrade your fusebox to meet current safety standards.

Are there different Health & Safety Standards, depending on whether it’s a commercial job or a domestic job?

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) sets guidelines for electrical safety in the workplace, which apply to commercial and industrial settings. However, all electrical installations must comply with BS7671, the wiring regulations.

Are you fully qualified?

Yes, we are trained to Level 3, which is the highest standard for an electrician. Electricians On Call is accredited by NAPIT membership number 28287.

What locations do you cover?

All London boroughs plus parts of Essex, Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Hertfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire — broadly within a 30-mile radius of central London. If you're not sure, just call and we'll tell you straight.

How often do I need an EICR on my rental property?

As per legal requirements, if you own a house in multiple occupation or a rental property, you are obliged to obtain an EICR every five years. Additionally, it's necessary to arrange an EICR when there's a change of tenancy.

Do you belong to any trade associations?

EOC is a member of NAPIT. NAPIT is a membership scheme which enables electricians to become recognised as a ‘competent person’. In the electrical services industry, demonstrating compliance and competence is integral to being able to lawfully operate. Electricians On Call is accredited by NAPIT membership number 28287.

What is an EICR?

Think of it as an MOT for your electrics. It's a detailed inspection of your property's electrical installation — checking for anything unsafe, non-compliant, or likely to cause problems down the line. You get a written report at the end.

When it comes to electrics, can I handle simple tasks on my own or should I always seek the expertise of a qualified electrician?

With the exception of changing light bulbs, it is strongly recommended that you refrain from attempting any electrical work unless you hold the qualifications and expertise of a professional electrician. Your safety and the proper functioning of your electrical system are paramount, and entrusting such tasks to a qualified electrician ensures that they are handled with the necessary knowledge and skills.

I've recently purchased an older property. Should I consider having a rewire conducted?

When purchasing a property, it is recommended that you request to review a valid EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report). This report will provide valuable insights into the condition of the electrical installation and help determine whether a rewire is required. By examining the EICR, you can make an informed decision regarding the necessity of a rewire for your newly acquired property.

How do we ensure the fastest response times in London?

We use electric motorbikes instead of vans. No sitting in traffic, no congestion charge, and we can get through London far faster than any van could. It's why 93% of our jobs are solved within 2 hours.

How do you carry a ladder on a motorcycle?

At EOC, we occasionally undertake tasks that involve working at heights, such as installing pendant lights. To ensure the safety of our team members, we utilise telescopic ladders that can be securely fixed to our motorcycle racks. This allows us to conveniently transport the ladders to our work locations whenever they're required.

Do I need an EICR before selling my house?

It's not a legal requirement, but buyers and their solicitors increasingly ask for one — and not having it can slow down or derail a sale. Getting one done ahead of listing gives you something concrete to show buyers and avoids any last-minute surprises.

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Call Now 07723 007 198 • 24/7 & Emergencies
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Call Now 07723 007 198
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