Domestic and Commercial Electricians Frequently Asked Questions

Our domestic electricians can provide electrical installation, maintenance, and repair services. They fit and replace sockets, lights, switches, and fuse boxes. Our domestic electricians can test your wiring, rewire homes, fit security systems and address power cuts or faulty wiring.

Yes, domestic electricians can help with kitchen and bathroom wiring. However, these areas often have special requirements due to water being present. In kitchens, electricians install and connect appliances such as cookers, hobs, extractor fans, and lighting in kitchens. In bathrooms, they can install electric showers, heated towel rails, shaver sockets, and extractor fans. Our qualified electricians ensure that all wiring is safe and installed to the highest standards.

The cost of hiring a domestic electrician in the UK depends on the type of work, your location, and the electrician’s experience. On average, it will cost between £40 to £100 for small jobs, such as replacing a light fitting. However, larger projects, such as a full house rewire for a typical three-bedroom property, can range from £3,000 to £5,000 or more.

There are several factors that can affect the cost of electrical work in a home, such as the type of work, your location and whether it's a planned job or an emergency.

Simple tasks like replacing sockets typically cost less than more complex jobs, since they require less time, materials, and expertise. Hard-to-reach areas or homes with limited access can also affect the labour time and overall cost.

Emergency or out-of-hours work typically costs more due to short notice and unsociable working times.

If you notice burning smells, sparks, buzzing sounds, or overheating sockets, switch off the power at the main fuse box immediately to reduce the risk of fires or electric shocks. Avoid touching any exposed wires, damaged sockets, or overheated appliances and stay away from any wet or damp electrical fittings. 

Call a registered domestic electrician as soon as possible, such as VCR Electric Services Ltd. We'll carry out an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) to assess the safety of your wiring and identify any problems. If faults are found, we can repair them quickly and ensure your home meets current safety standards.

Our commercial electricians are fully trained to work in a wide range of buildings, such as offices, where we can install and maintain lighting systems, power points, and data cabling. 

In retail shops, we can fit display lighting, security alarms, and till points. Our team is also experienced in working in schools and colleges, handling electrical systems for classrooms, corridors, and IT suites.

Whether it’s a large commercial building, a public building, or a small shop, our electricians provide safe, reliable, and compliant services tailored to meet the needs of each setting.

We can install and repair lighting systems, power supplies, emergency lighting, fire alarms, and data networks in offices, shops, schools and more. We can also install security systems and access control solutions to help protect your building from theft and break-ins. We can even upgrade any outdated wiring or install a completely new electrical system.

Yes, a commercial electrician can help with emergency lighting. A qualified electrician from VCR Electric Services Ltd can install and maintain emergency lighting systems and ensure they meet UK regulations.

We can also carry out scheduled inspections, replace faulty parts, and issue compliance reports. Whether you're setting up a new system or upgrading an existing one, we will make sure your emergency lighting is safe, reliable, and fully compliant.

Yes, our commercial electricians are fully qualified to handle large projects, including full rewires of commercial properties. These projects often involve complex planning, advanced electrical systems, and strict safety requirements. Our electricians can install lighting, wiring, power distribution, and specialist systems like fire alarms, data networks, and security controls.

Larger projects, such as full rewires, will cost more due to the time, planning, and materials involved. In contrast, smaller jobs like fitting lights or adding sockets are generally cheaper.

Complex buildings, like hospitals or factories, often require specialist systems and safety measures, which can also increase the overall cost. Additionally, if our electricians need to work out-of-hours or in hard-to-reach areas, the price can increase due to the added labour.

Outdoor lighting makes your property less attractive to intruders. Well-lit areas around doors, windows, paths, and driveways make it easier to see what’s happening outside. This reduces hiding spots and helps homeowners notice suspicious activity.

Motion-activated lights, in particular, can startle potential intruders and make them think twice before approaching. Security cameras also work better in good lighting, and outdoor lights can improve the quality of the footage at night.

The front door is one of the most common entry points for intruders. Installing a light above or beside the door illuminates visitors and improves your visibility at night. A motion sensor light also works well here to detect movement and alert you.

Lighting your driveway and garage helps you see clearly when parking and deters trespassers from approaching your vehicle or storage space at night. Installing security lights along garden paths and walkways can also help prevent trips and falls when you're out at night.

Yes, outdoor lighting can be fitted to garages, driveways, and garden paths. Our qualified electricians can install lights in these areas to improve your safety, visibility, and security. 

Lights can be fitted above or beside garage doors to help you see when parking or unloading. Driveway lighting can help guide vehicles safely at night and make the area less appealing to intruders. Lighting along garden paths improves your safety by reducing the risk of trips and falls.

LEDs are the most common and energy-efficient choice for outdoor lighting, and they typically last 10 to 15 years with regular use. They are long-lasting and well-suited to the UK’s weather conditions. 

Halogen bulbs usually last around 1 to 2 years, depending on their use. They are brighter but less energy-efficient and don’t last as long as LEDs. Solar-powered lights can last 1 to 3 years on average, though the weather can affect how well they charge.

Outdoor lights are specially designed to be waterproof and weatherproof, allowing them to resist heavy rain, strong winds, and snow.

Outdoor lights are given an IP (Ingress Protection) rating, which shows how well they resist water and dust. For outdoor lights in the UK, IP44 is the lowest rating and it mainly provides protection against rain. A rating of IP65 or higher is recommended for more exposed areas, as it provides better protection against heavy rain and dust.

Over time, dirt, dust, watermarks and cobwebs can build up on light covers and reduce their brightness. Damaged fittings or seals can let water in, which can cause the light to stop working or become unsafe. Regular maintenance helps your outdoor lighting last longer and keeps it working reliably throughout the year.

Yes, in the UK, it is recommended to use a special home EV charger to charge your electric car safely and efficiently. A specially installed charger, often called a wallbox, is designed for home use. It charges faster than a standard 3-pin plug and includes built-in safety features.

Most wallboxes deliver 7kW of power, providing quicker charging times than a regular socket. A qualified electrician or approved installer must fit the wallbox and ensure it meets UK safety regulations. 

There are several types of EV chargers available for home use, with each one being suited to different needs. 

Tethered chargers come with a fixed charging cable attached. They are convenient and easy to use, as you don’t need to connect a separate cable each time. Just plug the cable into your car.

Untethered chargers only have a socket, so you can use your own cable. This offers more flexibility, especially if you have more than one electric vehicle or switch vehicles in the future.

Smart chargers connect to the Wi-Fi or a mobile app. They let you schedule your charging, track your energy use, and charge at off-peak times to save money. Smart chargers are now standard for most new home installations.

Only a qualified and certified electrician can install an EV charger at home. EV chargers must be installed correctly to prevent electric shocks, fires, or overloading your home’s electrical system. A qualified electrician will make sure the installation is safe and meets all regulations.

All EV charger installations must follow Part P of the Building Regulations and BS 7671 Wiring Regulations. Only a registered electrician can legally carry out this work and provide the correct certification.

If you park inside a garage, an EV charger can be installed on an interior wall. This keeps the unit sheltered from the weather and allows you to charge the car safely.

Most home chargers are installed on an exterior wall near a driveway. This is ideal if you regularly park on your drive. The charger must be weatherproof and safely mounted by our qualified electricians.

If you don’t have a garage or driveway, the charger can be installed on an outside wall near the parking area.

The installation of an EV charger should not cause serious or lasting damage to your property when it's carried out by our team. However, there may be minor work involved, depending on your setup. 

The installer may need to drill through a wall to run the charging cable from your fuse box to the charger. This is usually done neatly and is sealed properly to prevent water from getting in. 

Cables often run along external or internal walls and they are usually clipped in place and kept tidy. In some cases, the cables can be hidden for a cleaner finish.

The average cost of installing a home EV charger in the UK typically ranges from £800 to £1,200, depending on several factors.

Standard 7kW smart chargers usually cost between £500 and £800 for the unit alone. On the other hand, tethered models may cost slightly more than untethered ones. 

The basic installation cost is usually included in the total price if the charger is close to your fuse box. However, if extra wiring, groundwork, or wall mounting is needed, this can add another £100 to £300 to the overall cost.