Achieve your electrical needs with Rhodes and Leak Ltd

We can provide an electrical inspection for your property to assess the condition of your electrical systems. This can highlight if any circuits are overloaded, identify any defects and potential fire risks and highlight any lack of earthing or bonding. Inspections will be carried out visually and electrically, ensuring every circuit is tested to the correct standard. You will then be issued with an Electrical Installation Condition Report, along with any recommendations.

Our fully qualified and registered electrician can help you will all of your electrical installation needs. One of our most common installations is Consumer Unit (fuse board) upgrades. As modern technology and appliances increase electricity demand, traditional boards fail as they can not handle the load or the complexity of modern electrical systems and smart appliances. Modern Consumer Units are built to handle these increased demands, as well as having added safety for you and your home. We recommend upgrading to an RCBO Consumer Unit with a Surge Protection Device as this is the most suitable for current installations. Some home insurance providers also require that your Unit has Surge Protection, which means that by upgrading your are within your policy requirements should something go wrong.

We are happy to discuss your needs and requirements for your property to ensure your upgrade is the right one for your use.

The main reason for rewiring is to replace old or faulty wiring, and to bring circuits up to modern usage needs. Having an Electrical Rewire done to your property is one of the ways to ensure your wiring is safe and able to cope with modern demands. Old wiring can perish, which poses a fire risk.

Some signs that you need a rewire include breakers that trip regularly, dimming or flickering lights, sockets that have stopped working or damaged or exposed cables.

A total rewire can be expensive, however, older installations can be updated with a modern Consumer Unit if the existing cabling is sound, therefore avoiding a total rewire. We can discuss with you your needs, what is best for your property and what can be done within budget limitations.

It is also best to consider that rewires can cause major disruption to dwellings as floor boards may have to be lifted and channels for wiring may have to be put in to walls. As a result many choose to have a rewire done before any plastering or decorating work has commenced.

Working with electricity can be extremely dangerous, which is why it is such a heavily regulated industry. Having a qualified and registered electrician ensures that any electrical work done in your property is completed in accordance with UK regulations and is safe and certified.

• Power Sockets. A common fitting to have installed are power sockets. Today we have the option of modernising the look of sockets, changing from white plastic to chrome or brushed steel. We can install sockets with USB connections, bringing your power supply up to date with technology. If you feel you don't have enough sockets then we can add extra sockets for you.
• Lighting. Adding lights, such as downlights or ceiling lights, can make a difference to the ambiance of your home. Outside lighting can transform a space and give the wow factor to your outdoor area. Downlights added by your front door can increase its kerb appeal. 
• Smart technology. The installation of smart technology, such as Hive for example, can assist you with modern day living.

More than 15% of all domestic fires in the UK are caused by electrical faults, with over 8000 fires caused each year. You can mitigate this risk by ensuring checks and installations are carried out by registered electricians. The most common causes of electrical fires are:

• Faulty sockets. With age, the wiring can deteriorate and break causing a fire. If they are not properly grounded they can pose a safety risk. 
• Extension leads. When appliances are plugged into an extension lead, this can put a large load on one single socket which it then may not be able to handle. Extension leads should be a temporary measure and our qualified electrician can added extra sockets to your property if there aren't enough to suit your needs.
• Light fittings. If the wattage that is recommended for your fitting is exceeded this can cause a fire. It is important to follow the wattage guidelines. Placing paper or cloth over bulbs is a big cause of house fires, and, as a result, lamps and lights should never be covered.
• Portable heaters. Portable heaters should never be used for an extended period of time, overnight or left unattended. They also shouldn't be left near curtains, sofas, clothing etc, as this is one of the most common ways house fires start.
• Outdated wiring. Older wiring isn't suited to handling the high electrical demands of modern appliances and technology. When the circuit becomes overloaded, old breaker boxes can catch fire. Perished wiring within walls can also cause a fire if they break due to age.
• Old or faulty appliances. Old appliances may not be up to modern wattage usage or safety regulations. Worn cords or internal circuits may overheat and combust.

Electrical work is amongst the most dangerous to undertake, therefore the consequences of having someone who is not qualified or registered can have some catastrophic consequences. So it is important that any electrical work is carried out by people who have the knowledge, skills and experience. Our electrician, James, is qualified to 18th Edition and is registered with Napit. We also have full Indemnity Insurance.

Being registered means:

• They are regulated by the UK Government.
• They work to the BS7671 safety standard.
• Their work is regularly assessed by the registering body.
• They're insured, so you're protected.
• Its the simplest route to help comply with building regulations.
• Its a legal requirement for certain work.

According to UK Stats, 30.03% of consumers have admitted they'd choose an unregistered electrician for a cash saving. 30.08% have had to fix poor electrical work at the average cost of £750, this means that most consumers have ended up having to pay more by not using a qualified and registered electrician than they would have paid had they used one.