Electrical Services

Electrical services in Durham

Since January 1 2005, all electrical work, apart from like-for-like replacements of damaged power points and light fittings is subject to approval by Local Authority Building Control Officers.

This means that work such as a new lighting circuit in the kitchen, or the fitting of an electric shower, must be notified in advance to the council. An inspector will visit to test the work at the householder's cost.

Electrical works forming part of a major project requiring Building Regulations approval will be included within the principal application. However, works solely carried out to the electrical system require a separate application, unless they are carried out by a competent person, registered with an approved Part P self-certification scheme.

The competent person must provide a self-certification certificate to the customer and also forward a copy to Building Control within 30 days.

Domestic electric services 

We specialise in domestic electrical work and this includes:
  • Periodic inspection report (landlords certificate)
  • Fuse board upgrades
  • Power to outbuildings
  • Extra power points
  • External water proof sockets
  • Discreet wiring
  • New circuits
  • Down lights
  • Led and low voltage lighting designed & installed
  • Installation of light fittings
  • Garden and driveway lighting
  • Security lighting
  • Passive infared sensors
  • Dimmer controls
  • Lighting repairs
  • Shaver sockets
  • Shower installations (including plumbing)
  • Extractor fans
  • Storage heating
  • Convector and panel heaters
  • Electric showers and pumps
  • Earth bonding and upgrades
  • Smoke and heat detectors
  • Carbon monoxide alarms
  • TV cabling and boosters
  • Audio cabling
  • Telephone/ADSL points
  • Data and network cabling points
  • Boiler controls
  • Wiring for media and plasmas
  • Video entry systems
  • Under-floor and under-tile heating
  • Trunking systems (skirting & dado)
  • Fire alarms
  • Emergency lighting
  • Insurance claims
  • Intruder alarms
  • Access control
  • Consultancy
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Industrial electric services 

In the commercial sector, reliability and conformance to standards is of paramount importance. We can advise on the design and commissioning of a wide range of electrical systems in the commercial sector.
 From mass-produced systems to bespoke tailored solutions, we can advise, inspect, service and repair to current standards and regulations.
Our expertise includes:
  • Site services
  • Complete public house and restaurant installations or alterations
  • Fire alarm systems to BS5839 pt1:1988
  • Emergency lighting to BS5266-12:1999
  • Dado trunking and CAT5E data cabling
  • Office CAT2 lighting
  • Exterior flood lighting
  • PAT Testing
  • Busbar trunking installations
  • Call-out and fault-finding
  • Inspection and testing
  • Low bay and high bay lighting
  • Cleaning, re-lamping and maintenance of existing factory lighting
  • Installation, repair and maintenance of 3 phase installations

Test and Inspection

PIRs explained
What is a periodic inspection?
A test to maintain show that your electrics continue to uphold the national safety standard. A periodic inspection will:
Reveal if any of your electrical circuits or equipment is overloaded.
Find any potential electrical shock risks and fire hazards in your electrics.
  • Identify any defective DIY electrical work.
  • Highlight any lack of earthing or bonding.
  • Tests are also carried out on wiring and fixed electrical equipment to check that it is safe. A schedule of circuits will also be provided, which is invaluable for a property.
Why is a periodic inspection needed?
Electrics deteriorate with use and age. Therefore it is important that the safety of users is not put at risk.
How often is a periodic inspection required?
Your electrics should be tested every:
  • 10 years for a home
  • 5 years for a business
  • 3 years for caravans
  • 1 year for swimming pools
Other instances when a periodic inspection should be carried out are:
  • When a property is being prepared to be let.
  • Prior to selling a property or when buying a previously occupied property.
Who should do it and what happens?
A fully registered electrician, who will check the electrics against the national safety standard, should carry out all periodic inspections. The inspection should meet BS 7671 – Requirements for Electrical Installations (IEE Wiring Regulations). That’s the technical name for the 850 regulations that are checked in this test.
The inspection takes into account all the relevant circumstances and includes the following:
  • The adequacy of earthing and bonding.
  • The suitability of the switchgear and controlgear. For example an old fusebox with a wooden back, cast iron switches, or a haphazard mixture of both will need replacing.
  • The serviceability of switches, sockets and light fittings. The following may all require replacing; older round pin sockets, round light switches, braided flex hanging from ceiling roses to light fittings, black switches and sockets mounted in skirting boards.
  • The type of wiring system and its condition. For example cables coated in black- rubber were phased out in the 1960s, likewise cables coated in lead or fabric are even older and may well need replacing (modern cables use pvc insulation).
  • The provision of residual current devices for sockets that may be used to plug in outdoor electrical equipment.
  • The presence of adequate identification and notices.
  • The extent of any wear and tear, damage or other deterioration.
  • The changes in house which have led to, or may lead to, problematic wiring.
  • The electrician will provide a periodic inspection report (PIR) as part of the periodic inspection.

Commercial electrical services

Do you require electrical services for your commercial premises?  The expert team at Accro Electrical Services & Contractors provide an extensive range of commercial electrical services including planned maintenance, electrical repairs and testing services.
Do you need our technicians to come and visit your premises to complete some annual PAT testing? Get in touch for a tailored quotation.
We can also install fire alarms, CCTV and emergency lighting where required. Call our dedicated team today to discuss your requirements in greater detail.
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