Common Electrical Upgrades Explained: From Rewires to Safety Checks
As home or business owners across Cornwall, you likely have questions about electrical work in your property. Whether it’s concerns about a dated fuse box, flickering lights, or preparing a building for sale or rental, understanding your electrical needs is crucial for safety and compliance.
At Wake Electrical, we regularly help people in Newquay and throughout Cornwall navigate the electrical upgrades Cornish homes require and determine when it’s time to take action. In this comprehensive guide, Ricki, owner of Wake Electrical, addresses the most common electrical questions we encounter, helping you make informed decisions that keep your property safe, efficient, and up to current standards.
Your Most Common Electrical Questions Answered
When Should I Consider a Full Rewire?
If your property has outdated wiring (commonly found in homes over 30 years old) or you’re experiencing warning signs like frequent blown fuses, discoloured sockets, burning smells, or buzzing sounds, a rewire may be necessary.
Key indicators you need rewiring:
- Frequent electrical trips or blown fuses.
- Discoloured or warm electrical sockets.
- Flickering lights throughout the property.
- Outdated cable types (rubber or fabric-insulated wiring).
- Insufficient power points for modern living.
Benefits of rewiring:
- Dramatically improved electrical safety.
- Enhanced energy efficiency and reduced bills.
- Compliance with current electrical standards.
- Increased property value.
- Peace of mind for you and your family.
Do I Need a Fuse Box (Consumer Unit) Upgrade?
Older fuse boxes lack modern safety features like RCD (Residual Current Device) and SPD (Surge Protection Device) protection, which are now legal requirements for most electrical installations under current regulations.
Signs your consumer unit needs upgrading:
- Old-style fuses rather than modern circuit breakers.
- No RCD protection.
- Insufficient circuits for your electrical needs.
- Frequent electrical trips.
- Planning kitchen upgrades or extensions.
Fuse box upgrades in Cornish properties benefit from enhanced safety protection, better electrical distribution, and compliance with BS 7671 wiring regulations. This cost-effective upgrade is especially important when planning other electrical work or home improvements.
What is an EICR and Who Needs One?
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a comprehensive safety inspection that assesses your electrical system’s condition, identifying any potential hazards or non-compliance issues.
Who requires EICRs:
- Landlords: Legally required every 5 years for rental properties.
- Businesses: Essential for insurance and health & safety compliance.
- Homeowners: Recommended before selling or after purchasing a property.
- Property buyers: Invaluable for understanding the electrical condition before purchase.
How Long Do Electrical Upgrades Take, and Will They Disrupt My Property?
The scope of work significantly impacts both duration and disruption levels:
Typical timeframes:
- Consumer unit upgrade: 4-8 hours
- Full house rewire: 3-10 days, depending on property size.
- Commercial electrical upgrades: Varies by project complexity.
At Wake Electrical, we minimise disruption by:
- Working around your schedule whenever possible.
- Maintaining clear communication throughout the project.
- Completing work in phases when appropriate.
- Ensuring you have temporary power where needed.
How Much Do Electrical Upgrades Cost in Cornwall?
Pricing for electrical upgrades in Cornwall varies based on property size, work complexity, and specific requirements:
Approximate cost ranges:
- Consumer unit upgrade: £400-£700
- Full house rewire: £3,000-£8,000+
We provide honest, transparent quotes with no hidden costs, ensuring you understand exactly what you’re investing in before work begins.
The Benefits of Timely Electrical Upgrades
Enhanced Safety Protection
Modern electrical systems provide comprehensive protection against electrical fires, electrocution, and other hazards, especially crucial with older wiring or overloaded systems.
Improved Energy Efficiency
Updated electrical installations reduce energy waste, leading to lower electricity bills and a smaller environmental footprint.
Legal Compliance and Peace of Mind
Staying current with electrical standards is particularly important for landlords, businesses, and anyone preparing to sell their property.
Comprehensive Domestic and Commercial Electrical Services
Whether you need assistance with minor domestic repairs or major commercial upgrades, Wake Electrical delivers expert electrical repairs that Cornwall businesses and homeowners trust.
Our complete service range includes:
- Complete rewiring projects for homes and businesses.
- Modern fuse box installations and upgrades.
- Comprehensive EICRs and electrical safety inspections.
- Smart home technology integration.
- Commercial electrical fit-outs and ongoing maintenance.
- Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger Installation.
- Renewable energy solutions with Solar PV and Battery Storage.
Local Cornwall Expertise You Can Trust
Wake Electrical has built an outstanding reputation across Cornwall for honest advice, exceptional workmanship, and reliable service. We’re proud of the relationships we’ve built with our clients:
★★★★★ Recent Customer Review: We wouldn’t go to anyone else after working with Ricki on our outbuilding conversion. The craftsmanship was outstanding, and every detail was thoughtfully considered. Ricki brought creative ideas and unique solutions to help us achieve the exact look we wanted. His positive energy and professional approach made the whole process smooth and enjoyable, a true breath of fresh air on any project.”
Our commitment extends beyond individual projects; we’re here to support Cornwall homes and businesses with ongoing electrical needs, helping you upgrade safely and confidently.
Need Expert Electrical Advice in Cornwall?
Don’t let electrical concerns compromise your property’s safety or efficiency. Whether you’re dealing with urgent electrical repairs in Cornwall or planning major upgrades, our friendly, qualified team is here to help.
Contact Wake Electrical today for professional electrical services across Cornwall. From safety inspections to complete rewiring projects, we deliver the expertise and reliability you need.
Visit wakeelectrical.co.uk to learn more about our electrical services or call us for your free consultation.