Electricians Chelmsford

Consumer Unit Installation

The Consumer Unit commonly known as the Fuseboard protects you and your family from shock and electrocution and protects electrical appliances and fittings from overload and damage.

Homes and commercial premises should be fitted with a modern 17th edition consumer unit made from non-combustible metal or plastic that implements RCD (residual current device) fuses. In 2015 BS7671:2008 came into force so now all unit enclosures are made from metal.

Old Fuse Boxes

There are many buildings in Chelmsford that have old fuseboxes mounted on a wooden base.

Old pre-1970 fuse boxes use traditional wire fuses although these are not illegal they are not as safe as modern RCD fuses.

Old fuses contain fuse wire which would melt when overloaded severing the electrical link in the process.

When an old fuse ‘blown’ new fuse wire would have to be manually attached, Rcd’s have replaced old fuses they are safer, respond faster to overload and reset at the flick of a switch.

So if you have an old fuse box it’s highly recommended you replace it. 

Modern Consumer Units

Our Electricians regularly upgrade old fuse boxes to new 17th edition consumer units containing a mains switch and the latest circuit breakers.

Consumer units feature a mains switch so you can quickly turn the power to your home on and off.

Whenever electrical work’s undertaken, the Electrician will always cut the power via the mains switch to make the work environment safe.

RCD, MCB & MCBO Fuses

Depending on your home/business electrical requirements a consumer unit will contain a various amount of RCD, MCB, or MCBO fuses or a mixture.

RCD’s

An RCD (residual current device) will switch off electricity automatically if there’s a fault (overheating or excessive electrical current) preventing electrical fire or electrocution.

RCD’s can be used to protect individual or groups of circuits. Fixed RCD’s are used in consumer units they’re also available built into sockets or as portable devices that plugin to the wall.

RCD’s are fitted into consumer units to save lives and will cut out instantly if someone’s electrocuted MCB (miniature circuit breaker) respond to overload currents protecting electrical circuits from overheating and fire they do not, however, prevent electric shock (that’s the RCD’s job).

MCB’s

MCB’s will trip in the event of overloading and can usually be used again after tripping.

RCBO’s

An RCBO (a residual current device with overcurrent) acts as an RCD and MCB with protection from electrocution and overloaded currents in one.

RCBO consumer units are considered the safest and most efficient but are more expensive than RCD/MCB consumer units which usually contain 2 RCD’s and the required amount of MCB’s for the situation.

Wiring & Rewiring

The Ring Circuit (commonly referred to as the ring main) is a ring of cables (hence the name ring main) connected to your consumer unit.

The wires are twin and earth that run around your home and connected to the sockets in the walls.

Is It Time For A Rewire?

Electrical wiring does last a long time up to 70 years in fact, but wiring in older homes can deteriorate quicker depending on the condition of the property.

Homeowners of any homes built before 1970 should definitely have their wiring checked. Amendment 2 of the 17th Edition BS7671 wiring regulations came into force in 2006.

Now any homes built, renovated or rewired must use the same wiring used on the continent. Pre 1970 red was live, black was neutral, and the earth was green.

Between 1970 and 2004 the red and black remained but the ground became yellow and green. Post-2004 wiring changed to brown-live (to account for the colour blind) blue-neutral and earth-yellow and green.

Our Electrical services include rewiring so if you live in an old home and would like one of our Electricians to check your wiring let us know.

Any households that haven’t been fully or partly rewired in the past 30 years will probably need rewiring.

Sockets & Switches

The Live, Neutral & Earth wires that make up the ring main is covered in protective PVC which protects the cable from damp, water and damage and protects the homeowner from shock.

The wire runs through the walls to multiple sockets in the house that are connected to back boxes.

The backbox sits in the wall or (sometimes are attached to the wall) the face plate’s (the part you plug appliances into) screwed to the backbox, keeping dangerous electrical current out of harm’s way.

All faceplates must be screwed in properly with two screws. Loose faceplates, faceplates with one screw or faceplates with wires exposed are a danger and must be seen fixed.

The Live, Neutral & Earth wires are connected to the terminal on the back of the faceplate forming a connection which powers your plugged-in appliances.

Electricity passes through the live coil from the consumer unit flicking the switch on the faceplate turns the conductor on and off stopping the electricity flowing.

Next, the electricity runs along the neutral wire back to the consumer unit completing the ‘ring’. The Earth wire’s there to take the electricity to earth (ground) in case of a fault/emergency preventing electrocution.

Socket Installation & Replacement

Our Electricians supply and fit all types of sockets. For those who are redecorating or fancy a change, old faceplates can be removed and replaced with new ones. Sockets can be single or double.

A range of materials is available including plastic, metal, stainless steel and wood.

The Latest Sockets

New sockets can include USB ports and built-in RCD’s. Other kinds of sockets we fit include FCU’s (fused connection units) which contain a fuse in the socket allowing appliances to be hard wired.

Appliance switches, cooker switches, multimedia switches, shaver sockets and lots more.

Outdoor Sockets

Outdoor Sockets are a handy addition to most homes.

Outdoor power allows electrical appliances such as lawnmowers, vacuum cleaners and power tools to be plugged in without having to run long, annoying and potentially hazardous extension leads from the sockets indoors.

Outdoor sockets have plastic covers protecting them from rain and dust the covers also prevent plugs being pulled out.

Outdoor sockets are available with built-in RCD’s which is a good idea if you use lawnmowers or hedge trimmers, you’ll be safe if you accidentally cut through the cable.

Lighting

We offer a full lighting installation, replacement and repair service which includes all types of lighting and switches. Ceiling lights, downlights, wall lights, bathroom and kitchen lights.

Lighting Circuits

Radial circuits are used to power lighting in most Chelmsford properties. Radial Circuits run in a line (instead of a ring) and do not go back to the consumer unit.

Radial circuits power boilers, cookers and showers also. The first light/appliance in the circuit’s connected to the consumer unit then joined to the next light, then the next and so forth.

Electricity ends at the last light in the circuit.

The humble ceiling rose is the most common type of light fitting our Electricians install, a cable with a light fitting which allows attachment of a lampshade and installation of the bulb of your choice.

Bulbs

There are various lightbulbs available, and they often cause some confusion.

Bulb types include Halogen, Incandescent, Energy Saving and LED with the fitting types bayonet, Edison screw, capsule and twist-lock; then there’s the wattage and lumens to consider no wonder people get confused!

But don’t worry we’ll make sure the best bulbs for your home are fitted with the lighting installation.

Lights

Indoor lighting includes ceiling lights, recessed lights, pendants, chandeliers, wall lighting, spotlights, track lights, and cable lights.

Your lighting can be fitted with standard wall switches or dimmers so you can control the brightness of each room.

Switches

Dimmer switches include the traditional switch, touch and remote control so you can change the light levels from the comfort of the sofa.

Click Here For More On Our Lighting Services

Outdoor Lighting

Illuminate your exterior living areas with Outdoor Lighting.

Outdoor lighting includes Wall Lights, Coastal Lights, Ground Lights, Decking Lights, LED Garden Lights and Solar Lighting.

The perfect solutions for lighting your garden and other outdoor spaces.

Security Lighting

Security lighting offers unparalleled protection from burglary and vandalism at home and work.

One of our electricians can fit motion sensor, timed, solar lights or floodlights in and around at-risk areas of your home or business.

These areas are then illuminated whenever anyone walks into them, or in the case of timed lighting whenever it gets dark.

Illuminated properties are less likely to be targeted by criminals than dark or poorly lit ones. Crime statistics have proved this.

Security lighting systems are meticulously designed to provide the correct amount of lighting in each area.

Enough to deter intruders, show off your other security systems (a deterrent in itself) and provide adequate light for CCTV in the unlikely event a crime occurs.

The cost of security lighting has decreased significantly in recent years and, coupled with the rise of energy-efficient LED bulbs, has made systems very affordable.

Earthing & Bonding

Modern properties built after 1991 are sure to have earthing and Bonding that conforms to the current 17th edition wiring regulations.

Many older properties still have 4-6mm earthing wire, which is not up to the latest 17th edition standards.

Whether you’re having a new electric installation or a check, one of our electricians will ensure your earthing and Bonding is safe and functions correctly.

Protecting you and your family from electric shocks.

EICR & PAT Testing

If you rent a property in the local area, then our electricians can help you by undertaking the essential EICR (electrical condition installation report).

We can also test your portable plugin appliances (PAT Testing).
EICR’s a legal requirement every five years or at the start of each new tenancy.

All components of the electrical system are tested during the EICR.

Parts such as the RCD fuses, consumer unit, earthing, sockets, light switches etc.
PAT testing involves testing appliances such as washing machines, irons, lamps etc.

Once your property has passed the EICR, you’re issued with a certificate which you can show your tenants and letting agents and use to validate your landlord’s insurance.

Click Here For More Information On EICR Certificates

PAT Testing

Portable appliances are appliances with power cords that are plugged into sockets.

Such appliances include kettles, irons, toasters and even stationary appliances such as ovens and washing machines.

These types of appliances are found in rented properties.
Workplaces use different portable appliances depending on the profession.

A hairdresser, for example, will use hairdryers and straighteners, both portable devices.

Both landlords and business owners want peace of mind their tenants, employees and customers are safe from electrical hazards.

PAT (portable appliance testing) goes a long way in protecting your tenants and staff whether you rent a property or run a business.

One of our qualified electricians will inspect and test all the appliances in your property and workplace to ensure they are safe for use.

Appliances that don’t make the grade can be repaired, so they pass or are replaced.

Electrical Installations

Electrical installations are undertaken by highly experienced electricians and cover all aspects of domestic and commercial electrical systems.

We can install full new electrical installations and all the necessary components such as a consumer unit, fuses, wiring, sockets and lighting.

Alternatively, we’ll upgrade your existing system to better suit your current electrical needs.

Fault Finding & Repairs

Electrical systems usually run trouble-free for years on end. Faults can, however, occur in older systems or those fitted incorrectly.

Faults such as burning smells, burnt sockets, light and cooker switches, buzzing consumer units, tripping fuses and arcing (crackling sounds).

Electrical faults (some of which seem minor) should always be dealt with as they are potentially dangerous.

We offer a fault finding and electrical repair service that’s quick and inexpensive.

An electrician will run some tests to establish the cause then undertake the necessary repairs to fix the fault.

Security Systems

TM Hughes & Son fit security systems in the homes and businesses in the local area.

All systems are covered, from simple alarm systems to the latest monitored smart systems.

By securing your home or business premises with a wired-in security system, you dramatically decrease your chances of suffering a burglary.

Criminals look for properties that are easy to break into. Upon noticing the security system, they will likely go elsewhere.

Doors and windows are fitted with sensors that are wired up to an alarm and control panel.

If a door or window is breached, the alarm will sound and notify you instantly, wherever you are (if you have a monitored system).

CCTV cameras will help identify the intruders.

A smart system allows you to monitor your property from a device.

Get a free no-obligation survey and quote for your security system today.

Smoke & Heat Alarms

Are you prepared for a fire? do you have an escape plan and a linked alarm system powered by your mains electricity?

(Not just battery-powered smoke alarms, which are inadequate). If not, let us help you by professionally installing a linked smoke alarm system.
Multiple alarms are placed in your home by one of our qualified electricians.

The alarms are mainly powered and connected together. If one of the alarms is activated, all alarms will sound, notifying everyone in your home.

The alarms are backed up with batteries in the event of a power failure.

A linked system with the latest heat and smoke alarms is far more reliable and safer than traditional battery-powered smoke alarms.

We also fit enhanced systems for the more vulnerable such as older people and those hard of hearing.

Commercial Electricians

Chelmsford Businesses are always evolving as such a new electrical installation, partial or full re-wire may be required to move your company forward.

Not every business owner knows exactly what he/she needs to solve their electrical issues.

We will design an electrical installation based on your business requirements and budget with a fixed quote that won’t include any unpleasant hidden extras.

Our electricians are fully qualified with experience in working on commercial electrical installations which include both single and three-phase systems, Cat 5, Cat 5E & Cat 6 wiring.

We can also install all types of commercial lighting, office, shop, warehouse, and industrial.

Other commercial services include Electrical Maintenance/PAT Testing and Security Systems.

Emergencies

TM Hughes Electricians are available 24/7 for Electrical Emergencies in Chelmsford and the surrounding areas.

Emergency electrical issues range from inconvenient to dangerous and should always be left to professional electricians (like us) never attempt to do any electrical work on your own it’s dangerous and illegal.

Power Cuts

The first thing to do in the event of a power cut is to call your energy supplier who will confirm whether your lack of power is down to a power outage if the cause isn’t an outage it could be a problem with your electrical system.

Electrical Issues

A buzzing or humming consumer unit is potentially dangerous and should be looked at immediately, and the constant tripping of fuses indicates a problem somewhere in the system.

Whatever issues you have we can get an Electrician to you swiftly who will fix the problem and ensure everything is safe; our emergency services include fair rates and no call out charges.

If you would like a free quote or would like to book an Electrician, please contact us using the Phone Number or Contact Form below