Electrical upgrades for a picture perfect cottage
Posted on 10th May 2024
It was a pleasure to help out with electrical upgrades for this pretty little cottage in our neighbouring village of Pitsford.
The work included lighting alterations, power additions, RING cameras and bells and an electrical inspection condition report (EICR). We even hung some mirrors and other fixtures to get everything ready, although that’s not usually part of the service.
You can find out all about it on AirBnB.
Electrical upgrades for older properties
Attractive older properties can present you with some electrical challenges. It’s not always easy to know whether your wiring, circuits and installations are up to date.
Often important clues like damaged cabling are hidden behind walls, floors and ceilings. If you’re adding new appliances or updating kitchens and bathrooms it’s best to take some advice from a professional electrician. You’ll want to be sure everything in your property meets the latest Wiring Regulations.
Here are a few things to think about:
Rewiring and rerouting. A qualified electrician can check your current system to make sure it’s safe. However, as you add extensions and additions your home’s circuits can become overloaded.
One warning sign is when plugs or sockets feel warm when in use. Or, you might find fuses are blowing and circuit breakers are tripping frequently. You’ll know it’s time to get things checked.
Consumer board (fuse box) replacements. As we rely on more and more electrical devices we’re putting extra pressure on our electrical circuits. Older homes might need additional electrical capacity to meet your needs. For peace of mind and to meet current regulations, you should replace old fuse boxes mounted on wooden boards.
Electrical outlets. Modern electrical sockets and light fittings help reduce the risk of shocks, power surges and fires. New home offices, updated family bedrooms or improved outdoor spaces, sheds and garages might mean you need extra sockets and lights. Computers, laptops, smartphones and tablets all need charging points too.
If you’re relying on extension cables and distribution boards you probably need to invest in some extra sockets. High-energy appliances should have their own electrical supply.
Renovations. Updated kitchens, bathrooms or outdoor areas often involve both electricity and moisture. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) turn off the power if an electrical outlet comes into contact with moisture. Older homes often don’t have these but for safety they should be professionally installed.
Lighting, dimmers and sensors. You can save a lot of money by using energy efficient LED lighting along with sensors and dimmers. You can create a pleasant atmosphere and lights can turn off automatically when there’s no movement.
Smart home technology. Even though your property is older it can still benefit from modern technology. This can include automation for heating, lighting and appliances or remote-controlled systems.
Metering. Monitoring your energy consumption helps you understand how much energy you’re using and how to reduce your costs. Some energy companies even provide programmable smart meters so you can benefit from cheaper rates.
Please get in touch if you are updating or renovating an older property and would like some electrical advice.
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