Domestic electrical FAQs
Clear, practical answers for homeowners and landlords in Galashiels and across the Central Scottish Borders.
Booking & pricesDo you take on small electrical jobs?
Yes. Sockets, switches, light fittings, extractor fans, alarms and minor faults are welcome. Send the postcode, a description and photographs so I can suggest the right next step.
Booking & pricesWhat is the minimum fee?
The standard minimum job fee is £75 unless a different written price or dedicated testing charge is agreed. It covers the professional time and overhead involved in attending and completing even a short job properly.
Booking & pricesCan you quote from photographs?
Often, yes. Clear photographs of the work area, existing fitting and consumer unit can be enough for a straightforward job. Concealed routes or more complex work may require a survey.
Booking & pricesHow long is a quotation valid?
Wilson Electrics quotations are valid for 7 days because material availability and prices can change.
Booking & pricesDo you charge VAT?
No. Wilson Electrics is not VAT registered, so VAT is not added to the final total.
Booking & pricesWhat payment is required upfront?
The standard arrangement is a 50% upfront part-payment before work begins and the remaining 50% on completion. This is not described as a deposit.
TestingHow much does an EICR cost?
An EICR costs £220 for up to six circuits, then £25 for each additional circuit. Access restrictions and unusual installations are discussed beforehand.
TestingHow long does an EICR take?
A thorough domestic inspection commonly takes several hours. The time depends on the number of circuits, access, labelling, property size and any faults found.
TestingWill the electricity be switched off?
Yes, at points during testing. Sensitive equipment should be shut down and arrangements made for anything that must not lose supply.
TestingDoes an old consumer unit automatically fail?
No. Age alone is not a classification. The report considers condition, location, protection and actual safety risks.
TestingWhat do C1, C2, C3 and FI mean?
C1 means danger present; C2 means potentially dangerous; C3 recommends improvement; and FI means further investigation is needed. The overall outcome is based on the safety findings, not age or appearance alone.
TestingDoes the EICR price include repairs?
No. The report is an independent assessment. Remedial work is quoted separately, although an immediately dangerous condition may need to be made safe.
Electrical workDo you install customer-supplied lights?
Yes, where they are complete, safe and suitable. Additional time or materials needed to adapt the existing wiring are chargeable, and the product remains subject to its supplier warranty.
Electrical workWhy can a designer light cost more to fit?
Heavy fittings, tiny terminals, shallow ceiling plates and poor provision for UK loop wiring can require additional support, connectors and labour. Send the product link before buying if you are unsure.
Electrical workDoes an old fuse box need replaced?
Not necessarily. Replacement may be sensible where it is damaged, unreliable, lacks suitable protection or cannot safely support planned work. Inspection and testing should guide the decision.
Electrical workWhat is an RCBO?
An RCBO protects one circuit against both excessive current and residual current. A fault should disconnect that circuit instead of several circuits sharing one RCD.
Electrical workWhat does a surge protection device do?
An SPD limits short-duration overvoltages that might damage electronic equipment. Its need and selection form part of the electrical design.
Electrical workWill walls need redecorated?
Possibly. Removing old accessories, chasing cables or making access holes can disturb finishes. Final plastering and decoration are excluded unless specifically agreed.
LandlordsHow often does a Scottish rental property need an EICR?
At least every five years, and sooner where the previous report requires it. The landlord must also maintain the installation throughout the tenancy.
LandlordsDo Scottish rental properties need RCD protection?
The enhanced Repairing Standard requires satisfactory residual current device protection in private rented homes. An assessment may be needed to determine the correct upgrade.
LandlordsIs PAT testing required?
Electrical appliances supplied with a private tenancy must be covered by the required electrical safety inspection regime. The appropriate inspection and testing should be carried out by a competent person and documented.
Warrants & certificationDo I need a building warrant for electrical work?
Not for every job. Electrical work may be included in a warrant for an extension, conversion, flat or other regulated building work. Ask the local authority verifier before starting if there is any doubt.
Warrants & certificationIs an electrical certificate the same as a building warrant?
No. An electrical certificate records the inspection and testing of electrical work. A building warrant and accepted completion certificate belong to the council’s building standards process.
Warrants & certificationMust I use a SELECT, NICEIC or NAPIT member?
Membership is not a universal legal requirement for every electrical job in Scotland. Check qualifications, competence, testing, documentation and the correct route where a building warrant applies.
Smoke alarmsWhat alarms does a Scottish home need?
Normally smoke alarms in the main daytime living room and each circulation space on every storey, a heat alarm in each kitchen, and carbon monoxide protection where required. Smoke and heat alarms must be interlinked.
Smoke alarmsDo radio-interlinked alarms need Wi-Fi?
No. Compatible alarms communicate with one another by their own radio-frequency link and do not normally depend on the household Wi-Fi connection.
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