How long does a consumer unit replacement take? +
A consumer unit replacement in Bognor Regis usually takes 4 to 8 hours, depending on the number of circuits and the condition of the existing wiring. Your electricity supply will be off for most of this time, so plan accordingly — charge phones, fill flasks, and move any frozen food to a cool bag. The electrician will test every circuit before restoring power.
Will the electrician give me a quote before starting work? +
Yes — a professional electrician will diagnose the fault and provide a clear quote before beginning any repair work. For emergency call-outs, they will explain the call-out fee upfront and then quote for the repair once the fault has been identified. You should receive a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate or full Electrical Installation Certificate depending on the scope of the job.
Do I get a certificate after electrical work is completed? +
Yes — for any notifiable electrical work (new circuits, consumer unit replacements, bathroom/kitchen installations), your electrician must issue an Electrical Installation Certificate and notify your local building control. For smaller jobs like replacing a socket or light fitting, you should receive a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate. Keep these certificates safe as you will need them when selling your property.
My RCD keeps tripping — what should I do? +
An RCD that keeps tripping is detecting an earth leakage fault, which could be a sign of damaged wiring or a faulty appliance. Start by unplugging all appliances on the affected circuit, then reset the RCD. Plug each appliance back in one at a time to identify the culprit. If the RCD trips with nothing plugged in, the fault is in the fixed wiring and you need an electrician in Bognor Regis to trace and repair it.
Is a tripping circuit breaker dangerous? +
A circuit breaker that trips occasionally is doing its job — protecting you from overcurrent. However, frequent or immediate tripping indicates an underlying fault such as a short circuit, overloaded ring main, or deteriorated cable insulation. Do not simply keep resetting it, as this bypasses the protection that is keeping you safe. Have an electrician in Bognor Regis diagnose the cause before using the circuit again.
What should I do if I have a complete power cut in Bognor Regis? +
First, check whether your neighbours also have no power — if so, it is likely a supply fault and you should call your local distribution network operator (DNO), not an electrician. If it is only your property, check your consumer unit for tripped switches. If the main switch will not stay on, or keeps tripping immediately, do not keep resetting it — call an emergency electrician in Bognor Regis as there may be a serious fault on one of your circuits.