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.
What should I do if I smell burning from a socket or switch? +
Switch off the circuit at the consumer unit immediately and unplug everything from the affected socket. Do not use the socket again until it has been inspected by a qualified electrician. A burning smell from electrical fittings usually indicates overheating caused by loose connections, overloaded circuits, or deteriorated wiring — all of which are fire hazards. Call an emergency electrician in Gloucester straight away.
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 Gloucester to trace and repair it.
How long does a consumer unit replacement take? +
A consumer unit replacement in Gloucester 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.
What is the difference between an RCD and an MCB? +
An MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker) protects against overcurrent and short circuits — it is the modern equivalent of a fuse. An RCD (Residual Current Device) protects against earth leakage, which is what can kill you if you touch a live wire. Modern consumer units use RCBOs, which combine both functions into a single device per circuit, giving you the best protection. If your consumer unit still has rewirable fuses, it is overdue for an upgrade.
How often should I have my electrics inspected? +
The IET Wiring Regulations recommend an electrical inspection (EICR) every 10 years for owner-occupied homes, every 5 years for rented properties (this is a legal requirement for landlords), and every 5 years for commercial premises. If your home was built before 1980 or has never been inspected, it is worth booking an EICR sooner. The inspection will identify any deteriorated wiring, missing earthing, or outdated components.