A fuse box is an old-fashioned term for what is now described as a consumer unit. It’s also sometimes referred to as an RCD or Residual Current Device. It is an essential part of your electrical wiring and every property needs one.

Replacing old fuses boxes

If you have an old style fuse box, it doesn’t automatically follow that it is unsafe – it will most likely comply with the regulations as specified at their time of installation. Nowadays, the modern home has far more electrical devices – microwaves, TV’s, hairdryers, ceramic hobs, computers and even large capacity electric showers. This can cause an overload on an old style fuse board with a 5 amp fuse leading to failure and possibly even worse, a fire or an electric shock.

The latest fuse boards and consumer units contain RCD protection devices which turn off or trip the supply on a detected earth fault at 30 milliamps in milliseconds. This reduces the chance of fatal shock to an absolute minimum.

So, what is the best advice?

The best advice is to call out a qualified electrician to assess your fuse box/fuse board. Tower Electrics are on hand to provide this service, just contact us and we’ll be happy to come out and take a look for you.

Do you need extra electrical sockets adding to your home or business premises? We get a lot of enquiries from customers asking about adding extra sockets to their home or office, as technology advances more and more electronic devices and equipment require power. The days of only needing an electric socket for the TV and perhaps a light are well gone. Modern households and businesses may need extra sockets for your Digital TV, Cable TV, Streaming boxes, DVD players, computers, printers, laptops, Games consoles, lights, digital photo frames etc, the list is almost endless. We can also install electric sockets & power supply for outdoor use such as in the garden, garage or shed or other outbuildings, plus sockets with USB ports. Adding extra plug sockets can make your home much safer and tidier as you eliminate the need for extension cables and wires which can be a health and safety hazard for fires, surges and tripping over.

Extra sockets are always particularly in demand in older houses that never took into account all the new appliances when the house was designed and built. Even some newer houses may develop a need for extra sockets and an accessible power supply. Overloading plugs with multiple adapters can be a dangerous fire hazard, not to mention contravening health and safety legislation in the workplace. Using a qualified local electrician for electric socket installation is the simple answer.

Reduce your heating bills by installing a ‘smart’ thermostat.

Tower Electrics install smart thermostats.  Smart thermostats allow you to control and monitor your home heating remotely via your smart phone, this is convenient for the busy family or professional who’s schedules frequently change so you have control of your heating system even when you are not at home, this is saving customers money on their home energy bills as they are not heating an empty home when they are not in.

Official figures says that a programmable, or “smart” thermostat can cut heating costs by 20%. However, a study showed that 90% of programmable thermostats are infrequently or never programmed.

Smart thermostats can fix this problem by adjusting and monitor the temperature based on the user’s programming and habits, and sometimes even the weather.

Tower Electric is the UK’s leading designer and installer of electric vehicle charging equipment, providing EV solutions for home, business, hotels/leisure, retails, car parking and public sector.

Whether you are looking for single or multiple point systems, wall mounted or ground deployment solution we are able to design and install your bespoke solution. The importance of right training and competence of our staff is paramount to us. All our engineers are properly qualified and each installation is always conducted along BS7671 and IET’s Code of Practice for Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Installation requirements.

Charging from a standard plug takes longer and is not safe

It has been estimated that on average over 80% of all charging activities takes place at home. It is wise then to have a unit installed in the convenience of your own house.

Most electric car manufacturers recommend that you do not use a standard 13 amp socket for charging your electric car at home for safety reasons. Using traditional 3-pin plug not only allows charging at a significantly reduced rate, around 10-12 hours to fully recharge a battery, it also has a detrimental effect on household electrical wiring. Your electric vehicle load is more like your electric oven, which is on a separate heavy duty circuit in your house, rather than your kettle which can be plugged in anywhere.

Utilising purposely installed equipment at home from a dedicated supply is the safest and most reliable option to recharge your vehicle offering 3-4 hours recharge cycle. Domestic charge points often come with a tethered cable, so there is always a connecting lead waiting for you when you need it.

Electrical fault finding and repair service for households and businesses.

Tripped circuits or blown fuses can happen at any time, which can be most worrisome, leaving you without lights or power. Tower Electrics are on hand to help. Our qualified and highly trained electricians can be with you at short notice to locate and repair any electrical faults.

We have experience of electrical fault finding in both commercial and domestic properties.

Most typical electrical fault such as fuse board problems, nuisance tripping, blown fuses, tripped RCDs, lighting and power faults can be remedied and repaired on the initial visit by our electrical fault finding electrician. An initial inspection of fittings and fixtures will be carried out to check for loose connections signs of burning or dampness. If we cannot detect any obvious faults we will proceed to carry out an in-depth electrical fault finding test using calibrated electrical fault finding test equipment.

Once we have completed these tests, if any remedial work is needed to reinstate power or rectify the cause of the fault, we will provide you with a detailed quotation before the commencement of any additional work.

As a landlord, it is important to ensure that all electrical appliances and fittings within the property you rent out are safe.

Unlike Gas Safe regulations, there is no legislation that demands you must have a landlord electrical safety certificate. That said, should any electrical fittings or appliances within your rental property cause actual harm to a tenant and you had failed to maintain and report on the condition of the electrical installation, you could be held liable. Most estate agents will require documentary evidence of testing before they can rent your property. An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR formerly a PIR) is the evidence you will require. These reports do exactly as the title says, they are an easy to understand and accurate way to document the condition of a electrical installation.

Do you need power in your shed, garage or summer house? Tower Electrics provide a full electrical installation and certification for electric power to gardens, garages, specialist outbuildings and sheds. All garden power is installed to current regulations with full certification supplied upon completion. All work is carried out to the highest standards and complient with all applicable building regulations.

The installation of circuits that supply power to outdoor locations must be undertaken by a person who is a member of a ‘competent person’ scheme such as Elecsa, NICEIC or NAPIT. This kind of work is notifiable and should be reported to the local building control office. Country & Town works regularly with landscape design companies and would be pleased to help with your garden or outbuilding project.

As businesses and homes grow they generally require more electrical power to satisfy demand from building extensions. We can survey your existing supply capabilities and offer proposals for your requirements such as additional distribution boards, increased capacity and fused isolation. We are flexible and can work alongside your building contractor.

Tower Electrics undertake new build electrical installation services in York and surrounding areas. From the initial planning stage to completion all our work is carried out to BS7671 standards with building control notifications as required by Part P of the building regulations which also incorporates IEE wiring regulations.

We undertake electric supply to new build private homes, multi-storey apartments, barn conversions, large detached houses and commercial developments. From early consultation with builders and clients right through to actual installation, testing and hand over with all electrical certification. Need to upgrade the supply or arrange for a supply into your property? We can help with all the paperwork and form filling too.

We also undertake Smart Home electrical installations, also known as Home Automation. From automated heating and lighting controls, to multiroom audio visual and home security controls – We are at the forefront of this technology!

Electrical Installation Condition Report

A Electrical Installation Condition Report (formerly known as a Periodic Inspection Report) is an in-depth inspection of the electrical installation followed by a comprehensive report detailing recommendations and remedial work required.

The Electrical Installation Condition Report is the most detailed inspection of the electrical installation and ensures functionality and safety.

Landlords renting through Housing Associations and Councils will need this as a mandatory document.

EICR’s Explained

What is an electrical installation condition inspection?

An inspection and series of tests to make sure your electrical installation continues to conform to the national safety standard. An electoral installation inspection will

Reveal if any of your electrical circuits or equipment are overloaded.
Find any potential electric shock risks or fire hazards.
Identify any defective 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 an electrical installation condition report needed? Electrics deteriorate with use and age – and electricity can be deadly. So it’s vital that people aren’t put at risk.

How often is an electrical installation condition 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 an electrical installation condition inspection should be carried out are

When a property is being prepared to be let.
Before selling a property or when buying a previously occupied property.
Who should do it and what happens? A suitably qualified electrician, such as those employed by Tower Electrics, will check the electrics against the national safety standard as part of the electrical installation condition 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 switch and control gear. For example an old fusebox with a wooden back, cast-iron switches, or a mixture of both will need replacing.
The serviceability of switches, sockets and light fittings. All of these may need replacing: older round-pin sockets, round light switches, cables with fabric coating 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 safer pvc insulation).
That residual current devices are used for sockets that may be used with outdoor electrical equipment.
The presence of adequate identification and notices.
The extent of any wear and tear, damage or other deterioration.
The changes in use of the premises which have led to, or may lead to, problematic wiring.
The electrician will provide an electrical installation condition report (EICR) as part of the electrical inspection.