Frequently Asked Questions

We are based in Patchway and cover Bristol and the surrounding areas, including Bradley Stoke, Filton, Stoke Gifford, Thornbury, Portishead and Keynsham. We regularly travel up to around 45 minutes for the right job, so if you are unsure whether you are in range, call us on 07949 090858.

Harry Bradford started HB Electrical Bristol in 2018. Since then the team has worked in more than 1,000 Bristol homes and completed over 250 full house rewires, alongside EV chargers, EICRs, consumer units and commercial work.

Quotes are free and fixed. For some smaller jobs we can price from photos; larger jobs such as rewires get a visit first. Either way, we confirm a fixed price in writing before any work starts. There are no hidden costs, and if anything changes on site we talk it through with you before going ahead.

Yes. House rewires, EV charger installations, consumer unit upgrades and bespoke lighting come with a 5-year warranty. Every job is tested and certified before we leave, and you receive the paperwork for your records.

We work Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 17:00. We are closed at weekends. You can send an enquiry any time through the website and we will get back to you as soon as we can during working hours.

HB Electrical Bristol is registered with TrustMark, the government-endorsed quality scheme for work in and around the home. All of our installations are tested and certified to current UK wiring regulations.

It depends on your circumstances. Most of the rewires we carry out are for new homeowners who want to make their newly purchased home safe and bring it up to date. A full rewire protects your investment in the property from hidden surprises, such as ageing cables or poor previous alterations, and keeps your home safe for years to come. If you are unsure, we can visit and give you an honest view.

It varies with the size of the property and how you intend to use it. A small rental flat with basic features starts from £4,950 + VAT. A 4-bed house with lots of sockets and feature lighting is closer to £8,500 + VAT. If you would like us to include the making good, meaning plaster repairs after chasing, the total can go beyond £10,000. We always provide a fixed, transparent quote before any work starts.

Most full house rewires are completed in around 5 days. Because rewiring is our specialism, every job is planned before we arrive, with the team coordinated and materials ready, so the work moves quickly without compromising on quality. Larger homes, or jobs that include making good, can take a little longer, and we will give you a clear timescale with your quote so you know exactly what to expect.

In many cases, yes. Our electricians are experienced at working in both empty and occupied homes, and we plan the work to keep disruption to a minimum. There will be times when the power is off and some rooms are out of use, and it is a dusty job while walls are being chased. We will talk it through at quote stage so you can decide what works best for your household.

Yes. Every house rewire we complete is backed by our 5-year full warranty cover, so you have real peace of mind that the workmanship and installation you are investing in are built to last. It sits alongside more than 400 Google reviews, rated 5 stars, from customers across Bristol. If you ever need us after the job, you will be dealing with the same local team that carried out the work.

We work with reputable, tried-and-trusted brands such as Hypervolt, Zappi, Ohme, Rolec and Simpson & Partners, or Andersen for those who like the finer things. If you have already chosen a charger, we are happy to install it. If not, we will talk through how you use your car, whether you want smart scheduling, and how you want it to look, then recommend the option that suits you best.

Not always. If the charger is going right next to your electric meter, or on the other side of the wall from your fuse board, a couple of photos of those areas are usually enough for us to quote. If the route to the charger position is more complex, we will visit the property and draw up options, so you can choose the installation that works best electrically and looks right on your home.

Our home EV chargers are supplied and installed: Zappi, Hypervolt or Ohme Pro from £1,299 + VAT, Simpson & Partners from £1,399 + VAT and Andersen from £1,599 + VAT. The final price depends on how far and how neatly the cable needs to travel from your consumer unit to the charger position. Longer runs, concealed routes or work needed on your consumer unit first will add to the price. We always give you a fixed quote before starting.

Yes. Unlike a one-size-fits-all installation service, we are a full electrical team, so we can deal with properties that need a little more work. If your consumer unit needs altering or upgrading, a longer or more complicated cable route is needed, or other electrical work should be done first, we will assess it properly and include everything in one clear, fixed quote.

Yes. Every EV charger we install is backed by our 5-year full warranty cover on the installation. Each charger is fitted with the correct electrical protection, fully tested and commissioned before we leave, and we show you how to use it. You also get local aftercare from a Bristol team you can actually reach if you ever have a question or need us back.

An Electrical Installation Condition Report is a formal inspection and test of the electrical installation in a property. It checks the wiring, consumer unit, earthing, bonding and circuits, and records anything damaged, deteriorated or below current standards. It is not a pass or fail certificate in the everyday sense: it gives you a clear, documented picture of how safe and healthy your electrics really are, and what should be done next.

C1 means danger is present and immediate action is required. C2 means something is potentially dangerous and should be put right urgently. C3 means an improvement is recommended, but the installation is not unsafe because of it. FI means further investigation is needed without delay. Any C1, C2 or FI makes the report unsatisfactory. We explain every observation in plain English and give you a fixed quote for any remedial work.

Under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, landlords must have the electrical installation inspected and tested at least every 5 years by a qualified person. Tenants must be given a copy of the report, and any remedial work identified must be completed within the required timescale. We carry out landlord EICRs across Bristol and can complete any remedial work needed.

For an owner-occupied home, an inspection is generally recommended every 10 years, and whenever you buy a property. Privately rented homes need one at least every 5 years. Commercial premises usually need testing more often, depending on how the building is used. If you cannot remember when your electrics were last checked, a home health check EICR is a sensible place to start.

Yes, we cover all EICRs. For homebuyers we offer a more thorough pre-purchase inspection, so you know what you are taking on before you commit. We also carry out pre-sale inspections and full home health checks. For commercial premises we test everything from small units to larger installations, and out-of-hours testing can be arranged around your business to keep disruption to staff and customers to a minimum.

Having an older fuse box does not automatically mean everything needs replacing. An upgrade is worth considering if you have rewireable or cartridge fuses, little or no RCD protection, no spare capacity for new circuits, or concerns raised on an EICR. It also makes sense before adding an EV charger or extension. We can inspect your installation and give you honest advice, without recommending work you do not need.

An RCBO combines overload protection with RCD protection in a single device for each circuit. With individual RCBOs, a fault on one circuit only switches off that circuit, rather than tripping half the house. That means fewer nuisance trips, easier fault finding and better protection for the people in your home. We fit individual RCBO protection wherever practical as part of our consumer unit upgrades.

Yes, where it is needed we include a surge protection device (SPD) in the new consumer unit. An SPD helps protect the installation and your electronics, such as televisions, computers and appliances, from voltage spikes caused by events like lightning strikes or switching surges on the electricity network. We will explain what is included in your quote, and every circuit on the new board is clearly and accurately labelled.

Modern protective devices are far more sensitive than old fuses, so hidden faults, ageing cables or poor previous alterations often show up once a new consumer unit is fitted. Testing first lets us spot these issues and discuss them with you before the work begins, instead of leaving you with a board that keeps tripping. For older homes, we can combine the upgrade with a full EICR.

Yes. Alongside domestic consumer unit replacements, we upgrade distribution boards for commercial and larger electrical installations. We plan the work carefully to keep disruption to a minimum, and out-of-hours work can be arranged where isolating circuits during normal trading hours is not practical.

You do not need to work it out in advance. We allow up to 2 hours to diagnose a fault, and most issues are found and resolved within the first hour. Once the fault is diagnosed, if it cannot be fixed on the day, we provide a fixed quotation for the repair, so there are no surprises on cost.

Depending on the issue, possibly. Some faults can only be traced or repaired with the circuit, or the whole supply, switched off. If you work from home, let us know when you book. Your electrician can bring an extension lead and hook up your work computer and internet if needed, so you can keep working during the visit.

A diagnostic visit costs £115 + VAT for the first hour, then £85 + VAT for each additional hour. We allow up to 2 hours to diagnose, but most issues are found and fixed within the first hour. If the repair needs parts or more time, we give you a fixed quotation for the work before going ahead.

An RCD trips when it detects a fault, often a faulty appliance, damp getting into an outside socket or light, or damaged wiring. Try unplugging appliances on that circuit and resetting it. If it still trips, or trips again later, leave it off and book a diagnostic visit. We will test the circuits, find the cause and put it right.

We cover tripping RCDs and breakers, dead sockets and circuits, flickering or buzzing lights, warm switches and sockets, and burning smells near fittings. We also take on small repairs and additions, such as replacing damaged sockets and switches or adding an extra socket. Visits are by appointment, Monday to Friday, across Bristol and the surrounding areas.

Every lighting project is different, so we price each one with a free, fixed quote rather than a set rate. The cost depends on the size of the room, the number and type of fittings, how cables need to be routed and the level of dimming and control you want. Once agreed, the quote is the price, with no surprises.

We install downlights, statement pendants, concealed LED strips, cove lighting, under-cabinet lighting, track spotlights and architectural feature lighting, along with dimming and lighting control. Most rooms work best with a mix of task, ambient and accent lighting. We help you choose the right combination for how you use the space.

Often, yes. Many lighting projects can be carried out on the existing installation by adding or extending circuits, as long as the wiring and consumer unit are in suitable condition. We check this at the start. If we find anything that needs attention, we explain it clearly and include it in your fixed quote, so you can decide with the full picture.

Yes. We plan switching and dimming so each layer of light can be controlled on its own. In a kitchen, for example, the worktop lighting can be bright while you cook, while the pendants over the island and the concealed strips stay low in the evening. Switch positions are planned to feel natural and keep walls uncluttered.

Yes. Our bespoke lighting installations are covered by our 5-year warranty. Every installation is tested and certified on completion, and we explain how everything works before we leave. If you ever have a question about your lighting after the job is finished, you can call us on 07949 090858.

Our commercial clients include care homes, hotels and a range of commercial properties across Bristol and the surrounding areas, from smaller premises through to larger, more complex installations. Whatever the building, we plan the work around how it is used, keep the site clean and organised, and keep whoever is responsible for the building updated throughout.

Yes. We carry out Electrical Installation Condition Reports for commercial premises. We inspect and test the installation, record its condition clearly and explain any observations in plain language. If remedial work is needed, we provide a fixed quote for it, so you can plan and budget with confidence.

Yes. Testing means circuits have to be isolated, which can be disruptive in a working building. Out-of-hours testing can be arranged so that staff, residents and guests are affected as little as possible. We plan the schedule with you in advance, so you know exactly which areas will be off and when.

Yes. We install and modify three-phase supplies and circuits, and upgrade distribution boards for commercial and larger installations. Whether you need more capacity for new equipment or an older board brought up to date, we survey the installation first and give you a free, fixed quote before any work starts.

Every commercial job starts with a site visit, followed by a free, fixed quote that sets out the scope and cost clearly. There are no hourly surprises on larger projects. Call 07949 090858 or email info@hbelectricalbristol.co.uk with details of your building and what you need, and we will arrange a convenient time to visit.

A smoke alarm detects smoke particles in the air, so it responds early to most fires. A heat alarm reacts to a rapid rise in temperature instead. Heat alarms are used in kitchens because cooking fumes and steam would set off a smoke alarm too often. Interlinked, the two types give early warning across the home without constant false alarms.

Interlinked alarms are connected to each other, either by cable or by a wireless link. When one alarm detects smoke or heat, every alarm in the system sounds. That means a fire starting in the kitchen downstairs will wake people sleeping upstairs, even with doors closed. It gives everyone in the home more time to get out safely.

Under the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022, landlords of rented homes in England must fit at least one smoke alarm on every storey used as living accommodation, and a carbon monoxide alarm in rooms with a fixed combustion appliance (excluding gas cookers). Alarms must work at the start of each tenancy and be repaired or replaced once reported faulty. We can fit and test alarms for landlords.

Yes. The mains-powered alarms we fit have a built-in back-up battery, so they keep working if the power goes off. Many use a sealed battery designed to last the life of the alarm. Each alarm still needs testing regularly, usually by pressing its test button, and we show you how to do that before we leave.

Yes, and it is often the best time to do it. During a rewire, cables can be run to each alarm position while floors and ceilings are open, which keeps the finish tidy. Alarms can also be added alongside a consumer unit upgrade. If you only need alarms fitted, we can do that on its own and plan cable routes to keep disruption low.

PAT stands for portable appliance testing. It is a visual inspection and electrical test of equipment that plugs into a socket, such as kettles, computers, heaters and extension leads. The inspection looks for damage to plugs, cables and casings, and the test checks things like earth continuity and insulation. Each item is then labelled with its result and recorded.

There is no single fixed legal interval. The law requires electrical equipment used at work to be kept safe, and the IET Code of Practice for In-service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment helps set a sensible frequency based on risk. The type of equipment, how often it is used and where it is used all make a difference. We can suggest suitable intervals for your site.

Landlords must make sure any electrical appliances they supply with a property are safe. PAT testing is not a specific legal requirement for landlords, but it is a widely used way to check supplied appliances and keep a clear record that they were safe at the start of a tenancy. We test appliances in rental properties across Bristol and provide labels and records for your files.

We label the item clearly as failed so it is taken out of use, and explain in plain words why it did not pass. Some faults, such as a worn plug or the wrong fuse, can often be fixed on the day and the item retested. Where an appliance is not worth repairing, we tell you so and note it in your records.

Every tested item is labelled with its result and test date. You also receive a full record listing each appliance, its location and how it performed, along with a certificate for the visit. These documents are useful for insurers, auditors and your own maintenance records, and they make it easy to plan the next round of testing.

Yes. We run a dedicated supply from the house to garden rooms, garden offices, workshops and sheds, usually in steel wire armoured cable that is designed for outdoor and buried use. Inside the building we can fit sockets, lighting and a small consumer unit where it suits. We size the supply around what you plan to run, such as computers or heating.

They are when installed properly. We fit weatherproof sockets with a suitable IP rating, which shows how well they are sealed against water and dust. The circuit is protected by an RCD, which cuts the power very quickly if it detects a fault to earth. Cables are fixed or buried so they are protected from garden tools and wear.

SWA stands for steel wire armoured. It is a cable with a layer of steel wires around the inner cores, which protects it from damage when buried or fixed outdoors. It is the usual choice for running power down a garden to an outbuilding. We lay it along a sensible route at a suitable depth and note where it runs.

Yes. We install lighting for paths, patios, steps, walls and planting, using weatherproof fittings suited to outdoor use. Good garden lighting makes the space safer after dark and lets you use it in the evening. We plan the layout with you, keep cable routes tidy and can add switching from inside the house for convenience.

Every outdoor job is different, depending on distance from the house, how the cable is routed and what you need at the far end. For that reason we give a free, fixed quote after seeing the property, so you know the full cost before any work starts. There are no surprise extras once the price is agreed.

Yes. We replace noisy, weak or broken extractor fans in bathrooms, kitchens and utility rooms. Where the existing duct is in good condition, a replacement can often use the same route. If the old fan was poorly ducted or undersized, we can suggest improvements so the new fan works properly. Every fan is tested before we leave.

A timer overrun fan runs while the light is on and keeps going for a set time after it is switched off, clearing leftover steam. A humidistat fan senses moisture in the air and switches on automatically when it gets damp, running until the air clears. Some models combine both. We recommend the right option for how the room is used.

Bathroom zones are areas defined by how close they are to the bath or shower. Each zone has rules about which electrical equipment can be fitted there and what level of water protection it needs. Fittings near water need a suitable IP rating, and some positions call for a low-voltage fan. We check the zone before choosing and positioning your fan.

Yes. A fan only removes moisture if the air is taken out of the building, so we duct every fan to the outside through a wall, ceiling or soffit, finished with a vent. Venting into a loft simply moves the damp problem elsewhere. We keep duct runs as short and straight as possible so the fan works efficiently and quietly.

In most cases it helps a great deal. Condensation and mould usually come from moist air settling on cold surfaces, and a properly sized, well-ducted fan removes that moisture at the source. A humidistat fan is particularly useful because it runs whenever the room is damp. Where a fan already exists but is not coping, an upgrade often makes a clear difference.