Frequently Asked Questions
Your Electrical Questions Answered by DB Electrical Services
Got a question about electrical work in your home, rental property or business? You’re in the right place. Below you’ll find answers to the questions we get asked most often by customers across Maidenhead, Windsor, Wokingham and the wider Berkshire area. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, just give us a call or send us a message – we’re always happy to help.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
General Questions About DB Electrical Services
Where is DB Electrical Services based?
DB Electrical Services is based in Slough, Berkshire. We cover a wide area across Berkshire and the surrounding region, including Maidenhead, Windsor, Marlow, Wokingham, Beaconsfield, Gerrards Cross, Henley-on-Thames, Twyford, Cookham and many more towns and villages across the area.
Are you qualified and certified electricians?
Yes. All electrical work carried out by DB Electrical Services is completed by fully qualified electricians. Our work is compliant with BS 7671 wiring regulations and all relevant UK electrical standards. Full certification is issued on completion of qualifying work.
We are registered under NICEIC – our number is AC200361
Do you work on both domestic and commercial properties?
Yes. DB Electrical Services works across domestic and commercial properties, including private homes, rental properties, offices, retail units, warehouses and other business premises. Whatever your electrical needs, we have the skills and experience to help.
Do you offer free quotes?
Yes. We provide free, no-obligation quotes on all electrical work. Simply call us on 07447 197763 or email [email protected] and we’ll arrange a convenient time to assess the work and provide a clear, competitive price.
How quickly can you attend?
We aim to respond to all enquiries promptly and can usually offer appointments within a few days for routine work. For urgent electrical problems, please call us directly and we’ll do our best to attend as soon as possible.
Do you issue certificates for your work?
Yes. All qualifying electrical work carried out by DB Electrical Services is accompanied by the appropriate certification, including Electrical Installation Certificates (EICs), Minor Works Certificates and, where required, Part P Building Regulations notification. EICR reports are also issued promptly after inspection.
What areas do you cover?
We cover Maidenhead, Windsor, Marlow, Henley-on-Thames, Wokingham, Beaconsfield, Gerrards Cross, Slough, Twyford, Wargrave, Shiplake, Binfield Heath, Cookham, Sonning, Caversham, Bray, Burnham, Taplow, Stoke Poges, Bourne End and the surrounding areas. If you’re not sure whether we cover your location, just give us a call.
EV CHARGER INSTALLATION FAQS
EV Charger Installation Questions
How much does it cost to install an EV charger at home?
The cost of a home EV charger installation varies depending on the charger model, your property’s electrical supply and any additional work required. As a guide, a standard 7kW home charger installation typically starts from around £600–£900 including the unit. We’ll provide a clear, no-obligation quote once we’ve assessed your property.
What is the best home EV charger to buy?
The best charger for you depends on your vehicle, how you want to charge and your budget. We install a range of leading smart charger brands including Zappi, Hypervolt, BG Sync-EV, Ohme and Andersen. Our team will advise you on the most suitable option for your vehicle and property during your free assessment.
Do I need to upgrade my consumer unit to have an EV charger installed?
Not always – it depends on your current electrical setup. DB Electrical Services will carry out an assessment of your existing consumer unit and electrical supply before installation. If an upgrade or additional circuit is required, we’ll include this in your quote and carry out all necessary work as part of the installation.
Can I install an EV charger myself?
No. EV charger installation must be carried out by a qualified electrician. An incorrectly installed charger can be dangerous, void your vehicle’s warranty and may not comply with UK wiring regulations. DB Electrical Services handles the full installation safely and issues the appropriate certification on completion.
How long does an EV charger installation take?
A standard home EV charger installation typically takes between two and four hours, depending on the complexity of the installation and any electrical work required. We’ll give you a clear estimate when we quote for the job.
Can you install an EV charger at a business or commercial premises?
Yes. DB Electrical Services installs commercial EV charging points for offices, retail parks, car parks and business premises across Berkshire. Whether you need a single workplace charger or a multi-bay installation, we’ll design and install a compliant solution to suit your requirements.
EICR INSPECTION FAQS
EICR Inspection Questions
What is an EICR?
An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is a formal inspection of a property’s electrical installation, carried out by a qualified electrician. It assesses the condition and safety of the wiring, consumer unit and circuits, and identifies any faults, deterioration or items that don’t meet current standards.
Is an EICR a legal requirement for landlords?
Yes. Under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, landlords are legally required to have a valid EICR in place for all privately rented properties. EICRs must be renewed at least every five years, and a copy must be provided to tenants and, on request, to the local authority. Failure to comply can result in significant fines.
How much does an EICR cost?
EICR costs vary depending on the size of the property and the number of circuits to be tested. We offer competitive EICR pricing across Maidenhead and Berkshire. Contact us for a quote – we’ll give you a clear, fixed price before we attend.
How long does an EICR take?
An EICR for a typical two or three-bedroom property usually takes between two and four hours. Larger properties or those with more complex electrical installations may take longer. We’ll let you know what to expect when you book.
Do you offer free quotes?
Yes. We provide free, no-obligation quotes on all electrical work. Simply call us on 07447 197763 or email [email protected] and we’ll arrange a convenient time to assess the work and provide a clear, competitive price.
What happens if my property fails its EICR?
If an EICR identifies faults or items that require attention, these will be classified as C1 (danger present), C2 (potentially dangerous) or C3 (improvement recommended). C1 and C2 items require remedial work to be carried out. DB Electrical Services can complete all necessary remedial work and re-test to issue an updated satisfactory report.
How often should an EICR be carried out?
For rental properties, an EICR is required at least every five years, or at every change of tenancy. For owner-occupied homes, an EICR is recommended every ten years. For commercial premises, it is recommended every five years or in line with any relevant industry-specific guidance.
Do you offer EICRs for businesses?
Yes. DB Electrical Services carries out commercial EICRs for offices, retail units, warehouses and other business premises across Berkshire. We issue clear, detailed reports promptly and can carry out any required remedial work.
FUSE BOX & CONSUMER UNIT FAQS
Fuse Board & Consumer Unit Questions
How do I know if I need a new fuse board?
Signs that your fuse board may need replacing include: it’s more than 25 years old, it uses re-wirable fuses rather than modern circuit breakers, circuits trip frequently, it has no RCD protection, or it has failed an EICR. If you’re unsure, DB Electrical Services can carry out an assessment and advise you on the best course of action.
How much does it cost to replace a fuse board?
Consumer unit replacement costs depend on the size of your property and the number of circuits involved. Contact us for a free, no-obligation quote – we’ll provide a clear, fixed price before we start any work.
How long does a fuse board replacement take?
A standard consumer unit replacement typically takes between four and eight hours for a domestic property, depending on the number of circuits and the condition of the existing installation. Power to the property will need to be turned off during the work.
Do I need a new consumer unit if I’m getting an EV charger?
Not always. It depends on your current electrical setup and the capacity of your existing consumer unit. DB Electrical Services will assess your installation before your EV charger is fitted and advise whether any upgrade is needed. If it is, we’ll include the work as part of your overall installation quote.
Do I get an EIC (Electrical Installation Certificate) on a fuse board upgrade?
Yes. DB Electrical Services will supply an EIC on every fuse board/consumer unit upgrade.
REWIRING FAQS
House Rewiring Questions
How do I know if my house needs rewiring?
Signs that a rewire may be needed include: wiring that is more than 25–30 years old, rubber-insulated or aluminium wiring, a failed EICR with C1 or C2 faults relating to wiring, burning smells, discolouration around sockets or switches, or circuits that trip frequently. DB Electrical Services can assess your property and advise whether a full or partial rewire is required.
How long does a full house rewire take?
A full house rewire time length is difficult to advise on depending on the size of the property. We always work methodically to complete the job as efficiently as possible while minimising disruption. We’ll give you a clear timeframe when we provide your quote.
Do I need to move out during a rewire?
For a full rewire, it is not always necessary to move out, but power will need to be off for significant periods and there will be some disruption to walls and ceilings. For a partial rewire, it may be possible to remain in the property. We’ll discuss the most practical approach with you before work begins.
Will a rewire cause damage to my walls and ceilings?
Some surface work is unavoidable during a rewire, as cables need to be run through walls and ceilings. DB Electrical Services takes care to minimise disruption and works as neatly as possible. We’ll advise you on what to expect before the work begins so there are no surprises.
Do I need a rewire before selling my house?
You’re not legally required to rewire before selling, but an outdated or unsafe electrical installation can flag up during a buyer’s survey or EICR and affect the sale. DB Electrical Services can carry out an electrical inspection and advise on any work that might be needed to ensure a smooth sale.
GENERAL ELECTRICAL WORK FAQS
General Electrical Work Questions
Why do my lights keep flickering?
Flickering lights can be caused by a number of issues, including a loose connection, a failing light fitting, a faulty circuit, or an overloaded circuit. In some cases it can indicate a more serious underlying fault. DB Electrical Services can diagnose the cause and carry out the necessary repair.
Why do my electrics keep tripping?
Regularly tripping circuits usually indicate an underlying fault – such as a faulty appliance, an overloaded circuit, an earth fault, or a deteriorating RCD. DB Electrical Services carries out thorough fault finding to identify the root cause and resolve it properly, rather than just resetting the breaker.
Is a burning smell from my electrics dangerous?
Yes – a burning smell from sockets, switches or your consumer unit should always be taken seriously. It can indicate overheating wiring, a loose connection or a developing fault that could cause a fire. Switch off the affected circuit if possible and contact DB Electrical Services as soon as possible for an urgent investigation.
Can you install extra sockets in my home?
Yes. DB Electrical Services installs additional sockets throughout homes and businesses across Maidenhead and Berkshire. Whether you need a few extra double sockets, USB charging points or outdoor weatherproof sockets, we’ll get them fitted neatly and safely.
Do you install electric showers and cookers?
Yes. DB Electrical Services installs electric showers, cookers and hobs at domestic properties across Berkshire. All appliances requiring a dedicated high-current circuit are installed safely and correctly, with full certification on completion.
COMMERCIAL ELECTRICAL FAQS
Commercial Electrical Questions
Do businesses need an electrical inspection?
Yes. Under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, employers and those responsible for commercial premises have a legal duty to ensure their electrical installations are maintained in a safe condition. A periodic commercial EICR is the standard way to demonstrate compliance. DB Electrical Services carries out commercial EICRs across Berkshire.
What is emergency lighting and do I need it?
Emergency lighting provides illumination when the normal power supply fails, guiding occupants safely to exits. It is a legal requirement for most commercial and public premises, including offices, retail units, warehouses and premises used by the public. DB Electrical Services installs and tests emergency lighting systems across Berkshire.
Can you carry out electrical work for letting agents?
Yes. DB Electrical Services works with letting agents and property management companies across Maidenhead and Berkshire, providing EICRs, remedial work, consumer unit upgrades and general electrical maintenance across managed property portfolios. We offer prompt service, clear paperwork and competitive pricing.
Do you install three-phase electrical supplies?
Yes. DB Electrical Services installs three-phase electrical supplies for commercial and industrial premises that require high-capacity power – including workshops, commercial kitchens, manufacturing units and large commercial EV charging installations.
CONTACT & BOOKING
Still Have a Question?
If you haven’t found the answer you’re looking for, we’re always happy to help. Get in touch with the DB Electrical Services team today and we’ll be glad to advise.
Electrician in Maidenhead | EV & EICR
DB Electrical Services
Trusted electricians in Maidenhead. EV charger installation, EICR inspections, fuse box upgrades & more across Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire.
