Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
What areas do you cover?
We cover Glasgow and Greater Glasgow, South Lanarkshire (Cambuslang, Rutherglen, East Kilbride, Hamilton, Bothwell, Uddingston, Blantyre, Motherwell, Bellshill), Stirling, Falkirk, West Lothian (Broxburn, Livingston), and Kilmarnock/East Ayrshire. We do not currently cover Edinburgh, Fife (KY postcodes), or Dumfries and Galloway (DG postcodes).
Are you accredited?
Yes. We are members of SELECT (Scotland’s electrical trade association), registered with both NICEIC and NAPIT, and hold SafeContractor accreditation for commercial and managed-property work. All of our electricians are fully qualified and insured.
Do you provide free quotes?
Yes. We provide free, written quotations for all work. For standard services like EICRs and consumer unit replacements, we can usually quote over the phone. For more complex work like rewires, EV charger installations, and solar systems, we carry out a free site survey before quoting.
How quickly can you respond to an enquiry?
We aim to respond to every enquiry within the same working day. For emergency callouts, we aim to attend as quickly as possible — contact us by phone for the fastest response.
EICR Questions
How often does an EICR need to be done?
For rental properties in Scotland, the Repairing Standard requires an EICR at least every five years. For homeowners, there is no legal requirement, but we recommend an inspection every ten years, or whenever you are buying, selling, or significantly altering a property. Commercial properties should be tested in accordance with their insurer’s requirements, typically every five years.
How long does an EICR take?
A standard domestic EICR typically takes two to four hours depending on the size of the property and the number of circuits. We will provide a time estimate when you book.
What happens if my EICR fails?
An EICR does not technically pass or fail — it is classified as either satisfactory or unsatisfactory. If the report is unsatisfactory, it will detail the specific deficiencies found and their severity. We can carry out the necessary remedial work and retest to achieve a satisfactory report.
Rewire Questions
How do I know if my house needs a rewire?
Signs that a rewire may be needed include old-style round-pin sockets, a fuse board with rewirable fuses (rather than MCBs), rubber or fabric-sheathed cabling, frequent tripping, discoloured sockets or switches, and a property age of more than 25 to 30 years since the last rewire. An EICR is the definitive way to assess the condition of your wiring
How long does a rewire take?
A typical three-bedroom house takes approximately five to seven working days for a full rewire. Larger properties and properties with complex access requirements may take longer. We provide a detailed schedule before work begins.
EV Charger Questions
Can I charge my EV from a normal plug socket?
Technically yes, but it is not recommended for regular use. A standard three-pin plug provides a very slow charge rate (approximately 8 to 12 hours for a partial charge) and the socket is not designed for the sustained high load that regular EV charging demands. A dedicated 7kW wallbox charger is significantly faster and safer.
Do I need permission to install an EV charger?
In most cases, a home EV charger installation is permitted development and does not require planning permission. However, listed buildings, conservation areas, and some leasehold properties may have restrictions. We will advise you during the survey if any permissions are needed.
Solar Questions
Do solar panels work in Scotland?
Yes. Scotland receives sufficient sunlight for solar PV systems to generate meaningful electricity output for around eight to nine months of the year. A typical 4kWp system in central Scotland generates approximately 3,400 to 3,800 kWh annually. Combined with battery storage, solar significantly reduces household electricity bills.
How long do solar panels last?
Modern solar panels typically carry a performance warranty of 25 years and can continue generating for 30 years or more with minimal degradation. Inverters typically last 10 to 15 years and may need replacing once during the panel lifespan.