The world of electrical work can be complex and confusing, with an overwhelming amount of information online. In this section we’ve produced a list of frequently asked questions that will hopefully provide some useful information to the average homeowner.

Whether you need an electrician in Peebles to install an EV charger at home, new smoke detectors installed in Melrose, or just aren’t sure if you’re fuse board is up to scratch, find some helpful information below

Frequently Asked Questions Electrician Peebles

  • Where are you based?

    We’re proud to be based in the Tweed Valley, Scottish Borders.

  • Where do you work?

    Most of our work as electricians is in Peebles, Innerleithen, Galashiels, Melrose and the wider Scottish Borders. Also providing electricians in Edinburgh and the Lothians

  • What is an EICR?

    EICR stands for Electrical Installation Condition Report, in simple terms an in depth health check of the electrics within your property. It involves removing lights, sockets and switches for inspection, and carrying out a full range of tests on the wiring within your walls, ceilings and under the floor to ensure that it is in a safe working condition. All protective safety devices (such as RCDs) are also tested to ensure that in event of a fault, the circuit will disconnect safely and quickly.

  • I’m a landlord, do I need an EICR?

    Yes. All tenanted properties in Scotland must have an in-date satisfactory EICR.

  • How long does an EICR take?

    To carry out an EICR properly on an average sized property takes between 4 and 8 hours. Beware of companies claiming to do this in 1 or 2 hours for £100, this is not feasible and your report will essentially be worthless.

  • Does my property need hardwired smoke alarms?

    Yes. All tenanted properties (or new builds) must have an interlinked alarm system, either hard wired or wireless with 10 year sealed batteries. Insurance companies will also often require this for private homes.

  • How can I tell if I need to rewire my property?

    The easiest way to find out the condition of the wiring in your property is through an EICR. Some indicators that you may need a rewire are if you have rewireable fuses in your fuseboard, or only single sockets throughout your property.

  • How can I tell if I need a new fuseboard?

    See our explainer here. If you have rewireable fuses in your main fuseboard or no RCD protection then you definitely need an upgrade.

  • What is an RCD and what does it do?

    RCD stands for Residual Current Device. An RCD constantly monitors the electric current flowing through one or more circuits it is used to protect. If it detects electricity flowing down an unintended path, such as through a person who has touched a live part, the RCD will switch the circuit off very quickly (usually 0.4 seconds in a home)

  • Can I get an EV charger installed at my home?

    Yes, but we need to carry out some checks first. We strongly advise an EICR is carried out beforehand. Check out our electric vehicles page here