Many people assume “it’s my house, I can do what I like”… but the reality is more complicated.

In the UK, electrical work must comply with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (EAW1989) and the IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671). These require that only competent persons carry out electrical installation work but the law doesn’t clearly define what ‘competent’ means. You may feel your own skills and experience are enough but true competence also means:

• Knowing how to apply BS 7671 requirements in practice.

• Following safe isolation procedures using GS38-compliant test equipment, as outlined in Guidance Note 3 (GN3).

• Understanding testing, inspection, and certification requirements.

A qualified electrician has undertaken specific training to cover all of this, ensuring both safety and compliance.

Additionally some work is notifiable under Building Regulations. This means you must inform local building control, have the work inspected, and pay fees (often £150+). Registered electricians with NAPIT or NICEIC can self-certify this work, saving you that extra cost and hassle.

In short: while you can carry out some work yourself, it comes with significant legal, technical, and safety responsibilities. For most homeowners, the safest and most cost-effective option is to use a qualified, registered electrician.

For a quick answer, send us a photo of yours and we’ll be able to tell you very quickly, even suggest an estimated cost of upgrading.

Older units may remain compliant even if they were installed decades ago if an installation remains unchanged. They can even be tested and approved for continued use… but…

Modern consumer units (aka ‘fuse box’ or distribution board) are packed with safety features designed to protect both you and your property. For this reason, it is best practice to ensure yours is adequately updated.

It’s best to have a conversation with us about what you have currently and what you might want to consider for peace of mind.

An Electrical Installation Condition Report is a formal inspection and testing of your property’s wiring, sockets, switches, consumer unit (‘fuse box’) and other fixed electrical components to check for safety and compliance with BS 7671 (the Wiring Regulations).

During an inspection, a qualified electrician will test circuits, look for signs of wear, damage or poor workmanship, and identify anything that could pose a risk of fire or electric shock. The findings are written up in a detailed report that highlights:

• Satisfactory items (safe to continue using)

• Advisories (things to keep an eye on)

• Defects (things that need to be corrected)

Whether you need one depends on your situation:

• Homeowners – recommended every 10 years or when selling/buying a property.

• Landlords – legally required at least every 5 years, or at the start of a new tenancy.

• Businesses – intervals vary, but most workplaces need one every 3–5 years depending on use and risk.

Your consumer unit should have a sticker on the front recommending when the next inspection is due. If not - it may be worth booking one in!

In short: an EICR is the electrical equivalent of an MOT for your property. You are not legally required to have one but it’s the best way to ensure your electrics are safe, up to standard, and free from hidden faults.

If your property still has the ‘old’ style black and red wiring or switches and sockets from the 1950’s it doesn’t automatically mean you need a rewire. Installations can be tested and inspected to assess their suitability for continued service.

We have helped customers upgrade and retrofit installations avoiding what would usually be an invasive process with considerable cost implication.

That said; safety comes first. If an installation tests as unfit for service, or if you’re planning to renovate an older building anyway it becomes a no-brainer.

No two instances are alike so if you’re asking yourself this question - get in touch.

Your electrical system is far more than a few wires connecting things together. It’s a carefully designed system combining functional factors with a range of calculations to determine cable types, installation methods and appropriate safety devices.

British Standard 7671 is the wiring regulations that all installations are expected to adhere to in order to be as safe as possible. A firm understanding of these regulations is essential for work to be compliant. It is these regulations that are used when certifying new installations and testing existing ones.