The Difference Between an Electrician and Electrical Engineer

Technology today means that electricity really is keeping the world running. Whether that is from the electrical needs of a domestic home, or technology that keeps our country running. What is the difference between an electrician and electrical engineer?

Electrical engineers are the brilliant minds behind many of today’s designs and innovations. The systems they create keep things running smoothly, from the tiniest microchips in our telephones and tablets, to technology on the power grid. Whereas, an electrician is responsible for wired installations and connections inside a property. Such as a business place or your home.

What Does an Electrician Do?

In the simplest terms, they maintain and install all electrical and power systems. This can be in your home, your business or at a factory. An electricians job is to install and maintain the wiring, as well as the equipment, that electricity travels through in your home.

As well as this, electricians also install and maintain the electrics at business premises and factories. Ensuring that the people at the business are kept safe at all times from any electrical issues.

Installing Electrics and Maintaining Them

When it comes to what electricians focus on, they will either focus on construction (installing electrics) or the maintenance of the electrics. Some companies will do both. It all depends on the qualifications of the electrician and what they are able to do.

An electrician that specialises in installing electrics will focus on installing the electric or wiring systems. They can be installed in factories, places of work and homes. Both new and old homes will require a new electric system at some point. Electrics wear down over time, as do most things with constant use. This means that you may have to have your electrical system replaced in an older house at some point.

On the other hand, electricians that specialise in the maintenance of the electrics will focus on repairing and upgrading any current electrical systems and equipment.

If you are ever in need of a repair to your electrical system or need a new one installed, we can help. IPF Electrical has many years of experience in the electrical industry.

Fill out our contact form and a member of the team will be in touch with you shortly.

Fields of an Electrician

• Domestic Electrical Installers
• Installation Electrician
• Maintenance Electrician
• Electrotechnical Panel Builder
• Instrumentation Electrician
• Electrical Machine Repairer & Rewinder
• Highway Electrical Systems Electrician

Electricians at IPF Electrical

IPF Electrical has a team of electricians. We proudly serve Peterborough and the surrounding areas, to help people with any electrical issues they have. From a fixed wire test to thermal imaging, we can help.

The list of our services are:

• Fixed Wire Test
• PAT Testing
• Thermal Imaging
• Electric Heating
• Emergency Light Testing
• Consumer Unit Upgrades
• Remedial Works

What Does an Electrical Engineer Do?

In the simplest terms, it’s a person who designs and develops a new electrical system or solves problems that arise from testing equipment. There are so many different types of electrical engineer, whether that be to do with Telecommunications, Power Engineering, Satellite Engineering, Space Systems Engineering, and many many more. 

It is such a broad and creative profession. Electrical Engineers see a project from start to finish. They are involved at every stage, from the research right down to the development and manufacturing. 

With the way the world of technology is changing every day, there is always something new to be learned, something new to be discovered or designed, and always a way of making something even better than it is now. Almost everything we do these days integrates electrical engineering because of the way technology has taken over the world.

Fields of an Electrical Engineer

• Aerospace
• Automotive
• Construction
• Defense
• Electronics
• Fast-Moving Consumer goods
• Marine
• Materials & Metals
• Oil & Gas
• Pharmaceuticals
• Power Generation
• Rail
• Utilities

To Conclude: The Difference Between an Electrician and Electrical Engineer

With technology developing every single day, our reliance on electricity is more prominent than ever. New electrical devices are invented every day, on a small and large scale. By the time something is invented or developed, it’ll be out of date by the next day, things move so quickly. New ideas for improvement and further innovation are always needed, and being part of the next pioneering piece of technology can be exciting. 

People are always needing electrics to be fixed in their home. And are always looking for the next electrical improvement. Electrical engineers improve and create new electrics. And electricians install these in your home. We need both of them to help improve and keep our electrics working in our home or place of work.

Electrical engineers work on the electrics you have installed. Whereas an electrician installs the electrics into your property. You are only going to be hiring an electrician to improve the electrics in your home.

Electricians at IPF Electrical

At IPF Electrical we have a team of electricians that will be able to help you with your electrical needs. And if you need electrical work doing at your property, feel free to get in touch with us.

You can find all of our services and read about them here. And you can contact us using our form on our website.

How Much Does An Electrician Cost?

If you own a home and you’re looking at saving money, it may be tempting to carry out electrical work, particularly the smaller jobs. However, electrical work can be dangerous. That’s why it’s important to hire an electrician who is a trained expert. An electrician will make sure the work is legally compliant and will help to keep your family safe. But how much does an electrician cost?

Obviously this depends on the type and size of the job and the amount of time it requires. Furthermore, it’s worth bearing in mind that most electrical work must be carried out by a fully qualified electrician by law.

What Is An Electrician?

We all rely on the electrics working properly in our home or workplace. Moreover, it’s important to know that your electrics are safe and that they are performing the way they should be. That’s where an expert comes in .

An electrician is a tradesperson who is qualified to carry out the work on your electrics.

Electricians are responsible for designing, installing, maintaining and repairing electrical systems. The appliances and systems can be in your property or place of work. An electrician works in homes as well as commercial and industrial buildings, both inside and outside.

In particular, they may help to fix appliances in your home including computers, cookers, lights, toasters, your fridge, and the television for example.

When to Get An Electrician

Of course, there may be some jobs in the home that you can do if you’re good at DIY. Firstly, you might be able to replace the fuse. But you’ll need to keep replacement fuses on hand for when you need them.

Secondly, you may want to install lighting controls such as dimmers. These are a great way to save energy and easy to install.

If you’re doing any work on outlets, it’s essential that you have some knowledge about how electrical circuits work. In addition to this, how to turn off the power in your entire home. However, if you’re planning on adding a big ceiling fan for example, it’s probably best to call an electrician to do it properly.

Even so, there is electrical work that you definitely should not try by yourself. This includes rewiring the entire house. Or replacing control panels, as this requires knowledge of code regulations and professional installation. Additionally, if you want to put in a light fixture where there isn’t any sign of one, you need to figure out where the existing wiring is and how to run it to where it’s needed.

Notwithstanding your best efforts, it’s important for safety and often legal compliance that you ask an electrician to do the work.

The Work You Need

At IPF Electrical, we are a team of experienced electrical professionals with a focus on delivering honest, professional and premium service to all our customers. Our main focus is to ensure that your commercial space, business or home are safe.

Our range of skills is varied and covers all of the items below.

Fixed Wire Test

A fixed wire test is part of the electrical installation condition report (EICR) along with the actual inspection. The test will assess the condition and compliance of your existing wiring within your premises.

PAT Testing

PAT stands for portable appliance testing. It’s the process of testing electrical appliances which are used within the work space or commercial buildings. Having a PAT test carried out is with a view to limiting any accidents that may occur.

Thermal Imaging

Thermal imaging is a great way to get a better understanding of what is going on behind the systems in which we are working. Using specific equipment, we can test any ‘overheating’ which can decrease the risk of failure or fire.

Electric Heating

We have vast experience in installing electric heating systems. We have worked closely with domestic clients and housing associations installing Dimplex Quantum storage heaters, Dimplex QRAD panel heaters, Hive thermostats, NEST thermostats and more.

Emergency Lighting Test

We can ensure that lighting is working correctly and enables you to be compliant with specific regulations. This is used in a variety of business and commercial settings.

Consumer Unit Upgrades

The consumer unit is also known as the fuse box. It’s used to distribute the power throughout your property. Ensuring that it works well is important as it acts as a safety device if there is a power surge.

Remedial Works

Remedial works are closely linked to a Fixed Wire Test as they are focused on the issues raised by the EICR. Our engineers can take your assessment and make any adjustments or repairs to ensure full compliance.

How Much Will it Cost?

In conclusion, most professional electricians charge by the hour for their work. The hourly rate depends on where you live in the UK. It can range from between £50 to £120 per hour.

And then of course, the cost will depend on the nature and complexity of your project. Obviously, an electrical report will take less time than a full re-wiring for example. Furthermore, a full report on a 1 bedroom flat will cost less than a 5 bedroom house.

In the event that you call out an electrician outside of working hours, especially for emergencies, the price can go up significantly.

To Conclude: How Much Does An Electrician Cost?

At IPF Electrical, part of our ethos is to work with transparency. This enables us to build long-standing relationships with our customers. For us, it is important to be upfront and honest with our customers about the work and how long it will take.

We understand that with any electrical test, it can be worrying what the electrician might find, and also how much it will cost to fix the situation.

Therefore, we have a schedule of rates so customers can have a list of fixed prices. This list has been built around the most common problematic areas that we have come across in our experience. However, it may not fit every situation.

To sum up, we hope that the fixed price list gives us the chance to provide complete transparency during the quotation stage.

Call us now at IPF Electrical to see how we can help you.

History of Electric Heating

How you heat your home has come a long way in the history of electric heating. Perhaps you remember the one bar room heaters, popular in the 1960s. Or the portable fan heaters that make a noise as they work.

Now thanks to ‘smart technology’, you can heat your home at the touch of a button from anywhere in the world.

The technology of electric heating is changing rapidly. Given these points, if you’d like to know the latest ways of heating your home, you can contact us at IPF Electrical. Our engineers are happy to give you advice and make recommendations.

History of Electric Heating

We can trace the history of electric heating back to Thomas Edison. He’s the man who patented the electric lightbulb in 1880. As a result of this, the first portable electric heating system was produced by General Electric.

However, electric heaters also need a durable high resistance wire in order to work. In brief, a man called Albert Leroy Marsh discovered Chormel in 1905, an alloy created from nickel and chromium. This was 300 times stronger than other heating elements at the time and was the next step in electric heating.

In due time, further inroads were made in terms of electric heating thanks to ongoing British innovations. Along with this, portable technologies were also developing.

Meanwhile, thanks to consumerism, more families began to add heating systems to their homes. Over the next 50 years, bar heaters became the most prominent form of electric heating in homes. Mostly thanks to its easy use and portable design.

By the 1960s, electric storage heaters were mass produced and became a staple in many homes. The heaters stored thermal energy throughout the night heating up homes during the day.

In the modern era, we now have ‘smarter’ and more portable heaters. Moreover, we can customise the heaters ourselves, thanks to Bluetooth and wi-fi technology. Additionally, modern heaters are also more energy efficient than ever before.

Modern Day Electric Heating

Dimplex Quantum Storage Heaters

In brief, the design of this storage heater utilises low cost energy to make it more economical for homeowners. Therefore, it is the most highly rated storage heater for the use of off peak energy on the market today.

A thermostat system allows you to really control what temperature is being outputted into your home. With intelligent sensors as well, it allows the storage heater to react to changing temperatures within your home.

In terms of efficiency, quantum is up to 27% cheaper to run than a standard storage heater system.

Fan Heater

A fan heater works by using a fan to pass air over a heat source, known as a heating element. This heats up the air warming up the room. A fan heater can heat a space faster than a heater without a fan, but it does create a noise.

Usually, electric fan heaters can be less expensive to buy than other heaters due to its construction. All electric resistance heating is 100% efficient which means that all energy input goes into the room.

On the other hand, they can be more expensive to run than fuel powered heaters due to the cost of electricity. Therefore they are better suited to occasional use rather than as regular heat sources.

Infrared Heater

Infrared heaters work by converting electricity into radiant heat. You may like to think of it as the same form of heat that emits from your own body.

For example, infrared is the direct transfer of heat from the heater to the object. This takes place without heating the air in between. Overall, infrared heating is an emerging technology and relatively new to the market.

In fact, Infrared radiation lies on the electromagnetic spectrum. The infrared part lies between microwaves and visible light waves.

Portable Heater

You can use a portable heater, or space heater to heat a single, small area.

The portable heater’s power comes from electricity or a burnable fuel such as natural gas. Overall, they are usually electric because they need a permanent exhaust to burn the fuel.

Convection Heater

A convection heater is a type of heater that uses convection currents to heat and circulate air. These currents circulate throughout the body of the appliance and across its heating element. This process heats up the air, reducing its density relative to colder air and causing it to rise.

For the heating element, convection heaters usually use metal coils, nickel chromium, resistance wire, thermal liquid or ceramic.

Tubular Heater

Next, there is the tubular heater. This tube shaped heater provides heat through electricity, heating the element inside the tub structure with the heat radiating out.

Primarily, tubular heaters provide background heat. Henceforth, they are good for keeping frost away from rooms that are not used very often.

Future Technologies

In conclusion, the digital age is incredible for electrical appliances of all kinds, including heating systems. By and large, simple switches and turn dials are giving way to LED screens and digital programmes.

Ultimately, users can create their own heating schedules on an hour by hour basis every day off the week. Furthermore, all the information is stored in a memory bank in the event of a power cut.

On the whole, there is a greater emphasis now on energy efficiency as more people are conscious of how we use fuels. With this in mind, it’s worth noting that modern heaters are much more energy efficient in comparison with electric heaters from 60 years ago.

To Conclude: History of Electric Heating

To sum up, the trend towards smart technology is happening so quickly, sometimes it can be hard to keep up.

‘Smart technology’ takes the form of smart meters, WI-FI controlled heaters or internet-enabled thermostats. Essentially, electric heating benefits enormously from smartphones and internet devices. Mainly because it can provide customers with a point of contact they can access from anywhere in the world.

At IPF Electrical our team of experts has been working in the industry for many years. They are trained to the highest levels of industry standards as well.

Get in touch today and we can advise you on the very latest technology and energy efficiency in electrical heating.

How Much Does an Electrical Safety Check Cost?

With many of the house fires in the UK being caused by faulty wiring, the impact of not having regular safety checks done can be perilous. An electrical safety check can avoid fires like these, but most people are not even aware that they should be having them completed. Something so simple can save so many lives. And the cost involved compared to the impact a fire can have, is miniscule. In fact, the cost is probably a lot lower than you think. So, how much does an electrical safety check cost?

Who can Carry out an Electrical Safety Check?

If you’re thinking of trying to get one of the “Handymen” known to you to carry out the check, think again. Even the most gifted hand person, unless certified as an electrician, can’t complete the check and issue you with the certificate showing the check has been completed. There are certain electrical checks you can complete on your own. However, a Safety Check and Certificate is only to be completed by an Electrician.  

Be on the lookout for “cowboys” claiming to be electricians. These cowboys more often than not will underquote you. And then they will take the money but carry out the work illegally and you won’t be issued with a certificate. You can search for a reputable tradesperson online. Check the reviews out before you commit to the engineer you choose, and make sure all certifications are up to date.

When Should I have an Electrical Safety Check Done?

It’s recommended to have an electrical safety check carried out every 5-10 years. This is depending on whether you have any cause for concern, you may want to bring this date forward. If you’ve recently purchased a home, it’s wise to have a safety check done as soon as you move in, to make sure there are no issues. If however you are a landlord, it is a legal requirement for you to have an up to date Electrical Installation Condition Report, or EICR as it’s known. It is vital that these are kept up to date to keep your tenants safe, but also to avoid legal fines of up to £30,000.

How Much does it Cost?

Probably a lot less than you’re expecting. The cost will vary depending on several factors such as: 

• The size of your home and how many bedrooms you have
• Your electrical circuit board and how complex it is
• How many appliances there are in your home that will need to be tested
• How accessible your electrics are
• And of course the rate your electrician charges. The more qualified the electrician, the more likely the higher the rate

The best thing to do when you’re looking to have this safety check done, is to obtain quotes from more than one engineer. Look into the engineer and/or company and see what accreditations they have. 

Do they come recommended? Are there reviews you can check? Do they have the correct accreditations? Recommended tradespeople are helpful, but it’s also wise to do your own investigating before you decide.

What is Involved in an Electrical Safety Check?

An engineer will visit you in your home and carry out the safety check. It should take 2-4 hours depending on the size of your home and other factors. It can increase to a whole day. However, your engineer should visit you at home to quote you to get an idea of timings and what will be involved on the day they carry out the safety check.

They’ll discuss with you things like any past issues you know of and the age of your home at the time they come to do the quotation. Feel free to ask any and all questions, so you are well informed about what is going to take place.

The Day of Your Check

When the Safety Check is actually carried out, the engineer will test all of the required appliances. This includes your lighting fixtures, your power sockets and any other fixings. This is to make sure they work to a satisfactory safe standard for use.

The engineer will test your fuse board. And if they’re thorough they’ll also check your fire alarms to make sure they’re in working order and are safe.  The engineer will find any circuit hazards or faulty electrical connections. And appliances that are not working properly, or outlets that are overloaded.

At the end of the Safety Check, a written summary will be submitted to the relevant body. If there are any repairs that are needed or recommended, these will be discussed with you at the end. No repairs should be carried out proper to discussion. It’s important to note that the price of the safety check does not include the costs for any repairs or replacements that are needed.

To Conclude: How Much Does an Electrical Safety Check Cost?

So whether you’re looking to have an Electrical Safety Check carried out, you’d like some more information, or you’d like to book a quote. Feel free to contact us. 

Our team experienced engineers are on hand to give expert advice, and we operate a transparent fixed pricing model. So when we work with our customers, we present all costs prior to any work commencing at your home.

What to Do if My Electrics are Unsatisfactory?

It’s a fact that over time, all electrical systems deteriorate because they’re used so often. This is natural. But what happens if your electrics are unsatisfactory? That’s how an electrician might describe the result of a safety test on your electrical installations.

Obviously, it is important that your electrics are safe in your home. One way to achieve this is through an electrical safety test. This is an easy process whereby a registered electrician visits your home to carry out an inspection. 

At IPF Electrical we recommend this takes place at least every 10 years for homeowners. However, for landlords, it should be every 5 years or between tenants.

The electrician produces an EICR report for you to look at. This highlights any problems with the electrics. If the report shows your electrics are unsatisfactory then ultimately, you need repairs done as soon as possible. 

Getting an Electrical Safety Check

With this in mind, you may already be thinking of booking an electrical safety check. Perhaps you are moving house. Or maybe you are a landlord and it’s time for a regular check for the new tenants. 

If in doubt about your electrics, here are some visual signs to look for; 

• Light bulbs not working or blinking frequently
• Switches that don’t work or make weak contact
• Power sockets that spark when you plug something in 
• Dark yellow/brown marks around power outlets or light switches
• Tripped fuses in the fuse box
• Frequent power jumps or failure.

Indeed, if you’ve noticed any of these, it’s important to call a registered electrician. 

At IPF Electrical, our electricians can have vast up to date knowledge of current wiring regulations.  Moreover, we can ensure your electrical safety and compliance.

What Does It Mean when my Electrics are Unsatisfactory?

In the first place, an electrician checks all the electrical installations in your property for any faults.  In reality, some faults can lead to electric shocks or even a fire. Therefore it is  important to make sure you are safe. 

To complete an EICR report, your electrician will detail any damage, deterioration or dangerous conditions.  These are the following codes to look out for. 

C1 means that danger is present and immediate action is required, there could be a risk of injury. A C2 code means the situation is potentially dangerous and remedial action is urgently required. With a C3 code, the electrician will recommend improvements to the electrical installation.  An FI code means that further investigation is required without delay. 

To put it another way, any C1, C2, or F1 observation leads to an ‘unsatisfactory’ verdict. Moreover, you will not receive a safety certificate until the work has been completed. 

A C3 code is the only one that can appear on your EICR report and still pass the test. 

What Happens When Your Electrics Are Unsatisfactory?

If you are a Tenant?

As a tenant, it is the responsibility of the council, housing association or private landlord to make sure your home is safe to live in. This includes the wiring and electrical installations. 

It’s worth emphasising that responsibility for ensuring all electrical installations are tested lies with private landlords. With this in mind, an EICR report should arrive with the tenant within 28 days. 

An unsatisfactory report means the landlord must get repair work started within 28 days. New legal advice came into play after 1 June 2020. Now the first check on the electrics must take place before a new tenancy begins.

However, It’s important to realise that as a tenant, you are responsible for:

• Reporting electrical faults to your landlord as soon as you spot a problem
• Allowing access to your home for inspections
• The safety of your own electrical appliances. 

Tenants can carry out visual checks on the electrical installations. But never try to carry out repairs. 

If you are a Homeowner?

For homeowners, it’s a good rule of thumb to get an EICR report every 10 years at least. 

You may put your insurance at risk if you fail to check and maintain your electrical systems. If there is a fire or accident as a result of an electrical fault, some insurance companies may refuse claims. 

With this in mind, it is wise to get the remedial work carried out as soon as possible. Ultimately, as the homeowner, you are responsible for the safety of anyone else in your home. 

Find an Electrician to Rewire the Electrics in Your House

Another key point is don’t try to carry out major repairs by yourself! 

That is to say, it’s important to find a registered electrician to do the job. 

By all means, you can choose a different electrician to the one who tested your electrics. However, if you do choose a different company, you will probably be charged for the second test. 

At IPF Electrical, we operate an honest and transparent fixed pricing model so that we can present you with a costing for the work prior to commencing. 

All our electricians are accredited with the Registered Competent Person Electrical search facility. This is a list of electricians registered to work safely in households. It also lists electrical inspectors registered to undertake electrical safety reports. 

To Conclude: What Happens If My Electrics are Unsatisfactory?

To sum up, if your electrics are unsatisfactory, it’s essential that you carry out improvements as soon as possible. 

For landlords, it’s worth repeating that there’s a legal requirement to get the work done. Tenants are entitled to receive the EICR report. With any dangerous situations, the responsibility lies with the landlord or building owner.   Furthermore, a tragic fire or accident could lead to prosecution. 

With homeowners, the current recommendation is to get safety tests done once every 10 years. However, it is always worthwhile booking this in early if you think that work is needed. The tests help to determine the safety and conditioning of the wiring in your home. Thus ensuring the safety of your family. 

Contact us at IPF Electrical and we can arrange a visit to your home or property to carry out an EICR report. 

How Can I Check an Electrician is Qualified?

It is important for any homeowner to check if an electrician is qualified. Electrical work is possibly the most dangerous task to undertake in a home. If you end up with an electrician who isn’t properly trained, the consequences could be dire. When choosing your electrician, you need someone who will be able to establish an element of trust. If an electrician cannot show you their registration details, then look elsewhere. 

Choosing an Electrician 

Choosing an electrician may seem difficult at first, as there are so many options out there. The industry acronyms and various qualifications can be incredibly confusing if you are not an electrician yourself. However, we have created this guide that will show you how to check if an electrician is qualified. Here are a few different ways you can check your electrician is up to the job: 

Check the Competent Person Electrical Register

Now, there is also a handy website you can use to check that your electrician is qualified. The Registered Competent Person Website is easy to navigate and provides information for people to find a registered and competent electrician in their area. On the website, you can also check to make sure that the company you are planning on using is registered. Only electricians who meet core technical standards defined by the government will be listed on the ‘Competent Person Electrical Register.’ 

Stephen Williams, the Minister for Communities said this about the Electrical Competent Person website: 

“For all the thousands of skilled and reliable electricians there are across the country it’s often the dangerous or dishonest actions of a small minority of rogue electricians that get the attention. I want everyone to be able to get repair and improvement work done safely in their home and this new, single website provides an easy first port of call to find a registered, trustworthy local electrician.” 

Stephen Williams

What Does the Register Tell You?

This website lists all registered electrical firms in England and Wales. Of course, electricians are checked for their competence before they are registered. They are also randomly surveilled to make sure that their work meets safety and quality standards. There are 42,000 registered electricians across England and Wales.

Thankfully, improved technology and higher standards for electricians have resulted in better standards for electrical safety in homes. This is proven with a decrease in the amount of electric shock and electrical fire fatalities per year. The figure has fallen from about 90 in the mid 90s to 55 now. In fact, there were no restrictions on who did electrical work in people’s homes or how it should be done before January 2005. 

If you are looking for complete peace of mind, you can even request that the electrician provide a copy of their City & Guilds 2391 electrical testing and inspection qualification. This is proof that they have been trained to the required standards to carry out the testing and checks. 

Tell Them the Work Required 

When you contact an electrician, you need to be clear about the work you want done. Unless the work is minor, you should obtain three different written quotations. Give your chosen electrician a written summary of work required. This will make the quotation process easier, while also providing you and the electrician with a clear record of what has been agreed. Then the electrician knows exactly what kind of work is required, and they will be aware of any special instructions.

Also, if there is more than one way of getting the work done, the electrician can provide you with multiple options. Once you have agreed on a quote, you can ask the electrician to sign the summary of work required to avoid a dispute. This will ensure everyone is clear on the expectations and agreement. 

Check they are Qualified 

The simplest way to check an electrician is qualified is to simply ask for their NICEIC registration number and ID card. The National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC) is an organisation that regulates the training and work of electricians in the UK.

To be qualified by the NICEIC, contractors must undergo an assessment process that includes a representative sample of their work, their premises, documentation, equipment and the abilities of their supervisory staff. Electricians are also regularly reassessed by the NICEIC to make sure that they are still competent. So you can rest assured that any electrician with NICEIC certification is entirely qualified and fit for the job. 

NICEIC Certification

Most qualified electricians should have their NICEIC certification displayed on their website, van or business card. However, you should always ask for proof of certification just to be sure. If they are unable to provide you with proof, then you can report them to the NICEIC.

If you have any doubt about the qualifications of your electrician, you can double check the NICEIC website to make sure that the company name and number you have been given is registered and matches what you have been provided with. Be careful if the electrician is not listed or the details they have provided are missing or incorrect with the details on the website. You should walk away and choose a different electrician. 

To Conclude: How Can I Check an Electrician is Qualified?

Ultimately, there are several different steps you can take to check if an electrician is qualified. Now that you know about all of the industry standards and qualifications, the process of choosing your electrician should be made easier.

To summarise, make sure that you look on the Registered Competent Person Website. Tell your electrician the work required, and check they are qualified with NICEIC certification. If you have any doubts look up their details on the NICEIC website.

You can also ask an electrician if they have any references from previous customers. This can offer another indication of their level of professionalism and customer service.

Above all else, do not feel as if you need to make a hasty decision, and be wary of any electrician who is pressuring you to choose them quickly. Compare electricians and their quotes before you decide.

Feel free to Contact Us at IPF Electrical if you need more information or assistance on choosing a qualified electrician.

Should I get an Electrical Check When Buying a House?

When you are about to buy a new home, electrical safety inspections can help you to make the right decision. Electricity has now become the most important tool because it is the energy source of every appliance at home, i.e. lights, heaters, entertainment, etc. In this article we discuss if you should get an electrical safety check when buying a house.

However, neglecting it can be more dangerous than useful. Remember the last time you checked your home or office electrical system to make sure everything is safe and according to the latest regulations and standards. 

Why Should You Get an Electrical Check?

Have you ever had an electrical inspection? Is your house old or newly built? Or maybe you are buying a new house. It may be time to do a test to protect yourself, your family and your home.

Many electrical problems in the home are undetectable by the inexperienced eye. That is why it is so important that the electrical safety of your home is tested to ensure your safety and those living there.

What Happens During An Electrical Check?

During an inspection, the electrician will visually examine your home electrical system, assuring that all wiring, electrical system, and parts meet the appropriate legal standards.

Some components of the inspection will be solely a basic visual audit with recommendations about non-compliant components. Others will be an in-depth audit assuring continuity of the electrical system and protection switches are tested. As well as the polarity of the sockets.

Unluckily, as most of the electrical system is unavailable in wall cavities, a thorough visual inspection with testing of the electrical system is the extent that can be carried out without perforating the wall.

It is essential to ensure that the person who completes the electrical inspection at home or work are qualified to do so. By guaranteeing this, you can be rest assured that they know the issues they need to pay attention to, and can provide you with suggestions to help them troubleshoot when they find a problem.

Why Do You Require an Electrical Safety Check?

In some cases, houses are ageing, wires have become hotter and hotter over the years, and loose and rusty connections have begun to appear.

However, the bigger problem turned out to be the trend of DIY house improvements in the past decade. Many people can make small changes, such as adding fans or replacing sockets, but some people chew more than they can.

In the inspection process, it is usually found that the wires are loose or the panel box is overloaded. Regular home inspections do not always see these conditions. These conditions may cause shortages and worsen the situation, but may also cause fires on the roads.

Your electrical system must be large enough to power your home and leave room for future expansion. The wiring must be grounded and in good working condition. Switches and sockets should be checked to make sure they are functioning properly and of the correct type. Below are some electrical components of the electrical system that need to be checked.

Receptacles

Sockets, commonly called outlets, are grounded, have no cracks and physical defects. And they have enough tension to hold the connected wires in the right place. The sockets will need to be examined to ensure they are correctly installed.

The specific areas that need attention are bathrooms, kitchens, outdoor shops, and garages. The kitchen needs many sockets and circuits to power a large number of kitchen appliances in it. It is important that you get them checked by a qualified electrician and ensure that they are safe.

Common Mistakes

People make many common electrical mistakes, and you may want to know if the old wiring is safe or if your home has aluminium wiring. You can check if the electrical wiring is incorrect and if the former owner overloaded the circuit.

Service Panel

You can run a maintenance panel checklist to check the electrical system further and in more depth. It will take time to perform all of these steps, but it is worth it. You will be able to identify any issues and get them resolved before your electric system breaks or overloads.

After all, you do not buy a sunken ship with holes or a faulty house. If you know the flaws in advance and accept the price to make up for the flaws, you can get your dream home at an affordable price.

Wiring Lifespan

Wires have a specific safe life, and the standards have changed over the years. Knob and tube wiring was the most advanced at the time, but they are now outdated. The wiring needs to be updated as needed, just as electrical switches and sockets wear out and require to be fixed from time to time.

Future expansion

The electrical system in the house will be large enough for the current size of the house and requires spare space in case of future expansion. Even if you don’t plan to add it right away, you should consider having extra space for any future additions.

At the same time, you can check the safety of lighting. Look at areas like stairways, hallways, and garages. These areas require sufficient lighting to ensure safety as you pass through each room. Also, check your outdoor lighting fixtures to see if they are enough to get in and out of your home.

How Long Does the Electrical Check Take?

Based on the dimension of the house, the age of the home, and the number of circuits in the home, a professional home inspection usually takes 1 to 3 hours. When buying a home, be sure to do a full electrical inspection.

To Conclude: Should I get an Electrical Check When Buying a House?

When buying a new house, we understand that there are a lot of things to consider. The most important thing to carry out is an electrical check on the new property you want to purchase.

At IPF Electrical we have a team of qualified electricians that can carry out your electrical check for your new house. You can contact us for a free no obiligation quote.

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or queries.

What to Do if Your Electricity Stops Working

If your electricity stops working, you need to initially try to diagnose the problem before calling out an electrician. 

Sometimes the reason your electricity stops working can be very simple and you can fix it yourself. However, at other times the reasons may be more complex and you will have to call in electrical experts for some help. 

Establishing the Cause

If your electricity stops working, the first thing you need to do is to determine if the electricity has gone out in one part of your home or throughout your home. If your whole home has no electricity, you need to make sure whether the problem is coming from within your home or your electricity supplier. 

Find out from your neighbours if they have electricity. If they don’t, then the problem is from the utility company and you should call them to report it. However, if your neighbours do have electricity and you don’t, then the problem is coming from your home. 

Check your whole home to establish whether the whole home is affected, or if the problem is just in one area. 

Usual Causes of Lost Power

There are usually three reasons why your electricity has stopped working partially or in your whole home. These are an overloaded circuit, a short circuit, or loose wiring. 

If the problem was caused by an overloaded circuit, you would know that the electricity would have stopped while you were using an appliance that draws a lot of electrical current. These appliances include an electric oven, electric heater, blow dryer, or any other appliance that heats up. 

Checking for a Tripped Circuit Breaker

If you have had a temporary overload in the electric circuit of your home, you are likely to have a tripped circuit breaker on your home’s electric panel. Usually, the tripped circuit breaker will be in the off position. This shut down ensures the circuit doesn’t receive any electrical flow that can cause a fire or further damage. However, a circuit breaker can also trip if there is a loose wire in the electric panel. 

Sometimes, a tripped circuit breaker may not be in the off position and may just feel a bit slack. It could also be halfway between off and on.

Before turning the circuit breaker on, first, make sure that everything connected to it is turned off or is unplugged. You can now reset the breaker by turning it off and then on. 

If you Have a Fuse Box

Some homes have fuse boxes instead of circuit breakers. A blown fuse usually has a broken element beneath the fuse’s glass. If you do know how to replace this, you can do it with a fuse puller, but be careful not to touch any metal parts with your fingers. 

If you have reset the breaker or changed a fuse and the circuit blows immediately again, you will need to call an electrician. They will assess if the problem is coming from the wiring or a defective device. 

If the electricity stays on, then you can start turning on the lights and plugging in appliances. Do this one at a time, to check if any of these caused the overload to the circuit. 

Other Problems you May Encounter

There are other reasons why an electrical outlet may stop working. If you notice unusual electrical loads, loose wiring, or electric outlets that are always warm or have an unusual, blackening about them, it’s best to call an electrician. 

Electrical Loads

If you notice that your lights dim when certain appliances are used, you are drawing too much power from one circuit. This is usually remedied by plugging the device into another receptacle or circuit. If not, the electric service panel of your home needs upgrading. 

Loose Wiring

If you have noticed any loose connections in your breakers, it’s best not to do any work unless you have turned off the main breaker and know what you are doing. Loose connections are best handled by qualified professionals. 

At IPF Electrical we specialise in all fields of electric work to ensure the safety of your home. If you are unsure what to do when your electricity stops working, one of our experienced electrical professionals will help diagnose the cause and restore your power. 

To Conclude: What to Do if Your Electricity Stops Working

Our guide on what to do if your electricity stops working should help you in times of need. Having no electricity can inconvenience you, but in some cases it is easily fixable.

Always remember to contact a qualified electrician if there is a major issue with your electrics.

Our team at IPF Electrical  can help you. We have a number of years of experience in the electrical industry and fixing electrics. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or queries.

How Long Does an Electrical Safety Check Take?

Are you a homeowner? Did you know that it is recommended that your electrics are tested once every 10 years? But how long does an electrical safety check take? At IPF Electrical, safety checks are a speciality of ours and this article is designed to explain more about them. 

Why Should I Get an Electrical Safety Check?

In the same way that you get an MOT for your car, or your boiler serviced, it’s important to remember to get your electrics checked. For homeowners, these tests determine the safety and conditioning of the wiring within your home. 

As well as the 10 year rule, if you find your home is showing signs of wear and tear you should consider having an electrical test. These signs might include burning smells, sparking, flickering lights or irregularities with sockets. If this is the case, you should have a test done. 

Perhaps you own a business or you’re a landlord, subsequently you have  a legal obligation to have your electrics maintained.  Therefore, if you fail to comply, insurance companies could use this as a reason to refute any claims. 

In 2020, the legal requirements changed therefore landlords must get a new electrical safety report every 5 years or sooner if recommended. It’s essential to stay safe when using electricity and safety checks are very important. 

Preparing For The Visit

If you decide to get the safety test done, there are a few ways you can help by preparing your property before an electrician arrives. 

1. Your electrician needs to turn the power off before working on the wiring. Therefore you won’t be able to use any electrical gadgets whilst the work takes place. Consequently, if you work from home, it’s probably better to go out for a while and work somewhere else if you can. 

2. Your electrician needs easy access to all lights, sockets and light switches, along with the consumer unit or fuse board. Therefore please clear the areas where they will need to work before they arrive. 

3. If you have a prepayment electric meter, you must ensure there is enough credit on it for a safety check to be completed. 

4. Unplug as many appliances as possible including your TV and fridge. Remember, it is your responsibility to plug them back in after the electrics have been tested. 

How Long Will It Take?

An electrical safety check takes between 3-4 hours to complete. Nevertheless, this depends on the size of the property and the number of circuits that need testing. 

It’s worth noting that if you own a business it is your responsibility to ensure that the electrical system is constructed in such a way that prevents danger. Equally important is to ensure that the electrical systems are maintained. This includes a fixed inspection every five years. 

Failure to comply could lead to prosecution or a fine. Subsequently, it is in your interest to get a safety check completed which only takes between 3-4 hours. 

What Will The Check Tell Me?

The electrician working on your safety test produces a report known as the electrical installation condition report or EICR. 

This report identifies any damage, deterioration, defects or conditions which may be dangerous. It determines whether or not the electrics comply with the current British Standard for electrical safety. Finally, it will also include recommendations for improvements. 

The purpose of a report is to determine whether the installation is safe to continue using. An electrician checks the wiring, the fuse board, earth bonding and all the other parts that you can’t see. It’s not just about whether your lights come on or not. 

Electrical Safety Check Certificate

Once the EICR is complete, the contractor provides you with a certificate outlining the overall condition of the electrical installation. 

Homeowners, for example, may request a condition report as part of a house sale. It’s always worthwhile having a check done if you are moving into a new home, to see if any work needs to be done. Landlords need to get homes regularly tested to comply with the law. 

The EICR information is a more detailed report than a visual check which we will look at next. 

Visual Inspection

To begin with, your electrician will visit your property and make a visual inspection. They will then carry out a series of checks on your electrical systems. 

If a switch or socket is found to be an immediate danger, that’s a ‘code one’ problem. The electrician must fix it there and then or at least make it safe before returning. 

‘Code two’ problems are potentially dangerous and ‘code three’ problems are recommendations for improvements to appliances not deemed unsafe. Essentially, you will know about any dangerous electrics on the very first visit. 

How You Can Make Your Electrics Safer

Moreover, there are many things you can do to make your home or business safer. These include:

• Making sure any bulbs are the correct wattage for the fitting on lamps or lights.
• Ensuring any portable heaters are stable and at least 90 cm away from curtains and other combustible materials.
• Checking the leads on your kettle, iron and other portable appliances to make sure they haven’t frayed.
• Checking that only the outer sheath of cables are showing on plugs.
• Wherever possible, unplugging appliances if not in use or turning lights and appliances off. This saves wear and tear of your equipment.
• Making sure that appliance leads do not come in contact with hot or wet surfaces at any time. 

To Conclude: How Long Does An Electrical Safety Check Take?

So, to answer the question, how long does an electrical safety check take;   it’s between 3-4 hours. This may inconvenience you for a short time as you will need to unplug various appliances before the electrician arrives. However, the few hours it takes to complete a test far outweighs any risks to your property and the people inside. 

Even with all these safety methods in place, it is still important to get a complete electrical safety check on your property therefore giving you peace of mind. If you’re a landlord it’s a legal requirement to have it tested every 5 years. If you’re a homeowner, it’s in your best interest to have a regular electrical safety check. 

At IPF Electrical we have a number of years experience in the world of electrical testing among other services. For more information on how we can help, please feel free to contact us. 

Can I Hire an Electrician During Lockdown?

Many of us have noticed the amount of jobs that need doing at home lately, and this could mean you need to hire an electrician during lockdown.

But is this still possible?

Perhaps you work from home or your business has an electrical emergency. Or maybe you are in the middle of home improvements and you need more help.

Despite all the ongoing changes, current rules mean that you are allowed to invite tradespeople into your home to carry out improvements.

Thinking about safety is essential at this time. How will you get the work done? Will you discuss the job in person with the electrician or over the phone or email? Now more than ever, we all need peace of mind when letting people into our homes.

Do You Need to Hire An Electrician?

Let’s begin with asking if you need to hire an electrician.

At IPF Electrical our services include:

• PAT testing
• Fixed wire testing
• Thermal imaging
• Emergency lighting
• Smoke and fire alarms
• Heating and ventilation systems
• Security and CCTV systems among other services
• We can also carry out work on new builds, extensions and refurbishments.

We are a team of experienced electrical professionals with a focus on delivering honest, professional and premium service to our customers.

For example, if you need an electrical test, you may be concerned about what an engineer could find and how much it will cost to fix it. We have created a schedule of rates with a list of fixed prices.

The prices are built around the most common problematic areas that we have come across in our experience. This enables us to provide complete transparency during the quotation stage.

We will photograph any electrical equipment that may be faulty or have issues. This is then sent to the customer along with a report. Once the work is completed, we then photograph the equipment again so you can see the progress made.

Have Clear Communication

So you have decided to hire an electrician during lockdown therefore it’s essential that you both have clear communication. You need some ground rules and health and safety rules in advance.

For example, what parts of your home can they walk through? Can they use your bathroom? Is there anywhere you would prefer them not to go? Will your initial meeting be on the phone or in an open space such as your garden or driveway?

You can discuss the initial job over the phone, but if you would like them to see the work in advance, you may consider a video call. This will enable our electricians to see and identify the work along with how long it will take to do. Most tradespeople will be comfortable doing video calls, you just need to make sure you have a good internet connection and that your camera and microphone are working. A video tour of your home is a great way to show a tradesperson your home before they visit to give them an idea of space and what needs doing.

At IPF Electrical, we will clearly communicate our plans on working safely with you. This allows you to be confident in the work we do. It will also help to eliminate any confusion over safety measures that our electricians need to take. Any companies you use in lockdown should be following Government guidelines. They will need to carry out a comprehensive health and safety risk assessment.

Remember to Maintain Distance

A key part of any contractor entering your home is to remember to maintain distance, both for your safety and theirs. A customer must stay at least 2 metres apart from the electrician. Also, it is preferable to be in a separate room if possible when the work is carried out.

Your electrician will arrive with suitable PPE gear and maintain distance throughout the job. They will eat and drink away from the property, in their own van for example. Remember to try not to offer any refreshments (as kind as this is!).

Maintain Good Hygiene

Good hygiene is essential to everyone during this time. At IPF, our electricians will wash their hands before, during and after they carry out their work. Please don’t offer them a towel, they will use their own hand towels. Our electricians will thoroughly wipe down all tools and instruments and safely get rid of any wipes and gloves.

Customers can help by making sure the work area is well ventilated, for example with an open window or door. You may also wish to provide some anti-bacterial wipes or hand sanitiser in the room they are working in. However, the electrician will bring their own cleaning products and clean down any surfaces they have touched.

Try to use electronic equipment like your iPad or phone for signatures, documents and payment. This means there is less chance of paper, pens and cash changing hands. If you can’t do this, just communicate that clearly with your electrician on how payment will be made.

Make Sure No-one has COVID-19

Before any work starts, it is essential to make sure that no one has Covid-19. The first step with this is basically to ask your electrician over the phone when arranging the work. It may seem awkward, but it’s the right thing to do.

Equally, our contractors will ask you if anyone in your family has recently had symptoms. We must keep everyone safe. If anyone in your household has the virus or is currently isolating, the work must be rescheduled.

To Conclude: Can I Hire An Electrician During Lockdown?

In conclusion, you can hire an electrician during lockdown although you must ensure safety measures are in place for you and them. Clearly communicate with each other on the phone or via email before the work begins. Make sure you feel confident that the electrician has taken the appropriate safety measures before they enter your home.

Ventilate the area where the electrician will be working and maintain your distance. Try to keep all documents and payment in electronic format if possible.

If the project takes a long time and requires a bigger team, such as with renovations and extensions, you may even want to ask the company to hire a portable chemical toilet. These can be hired from around £50 a week and it could save you a problem if your bathroom is off limits.

If you need emergency electrical work or any of the services mentioned above, you can still hire an electrician during lockdown and at IPF Electrical, we’re here to help.