About Us:
Hi there,
Having previously worked in engineering and research (physics and renewable energies), I am now retrained as an electrician. I have electrical experience in domestic and commercial/industrial environments, and have rewired flats, houses, vans, kitchens, and carried out many other jobs, from small (sockets, lights, etc.) to large (industrial power circuits and installations).
All jobs matter equally to me, small and big. In all jobs I undertake, I always do my best and strive to work as neatly as possible, with an eye for detail, taking into account the general context and need and desire of the client. I never compromise on safety and always make sure my work complies with the current version of the building and wiring regulations (currently 18th edition).
Originally trained as a physicist, I have a deep understanding of electrical science and have extensive practical experience in the field.
Answers:
Hi there,
yes it is possible, you would have to cut off the plugtop, then find a suitable power circuit to wire it to, install a switched fused connection (sfcu) unit onto that circuit (with suitable fuse rating, depending on heater power rating and cable size), and connect the heater to the load side of the sfcu.
however you do need to make sure to choose a suitable circuit, and you need to make sure your mains power supply is suitable for it - several tests need to be carried out by a competent person.
hope this helps
Hi there,
what do you mean by "a low score"?
the proper way to assess your electrics would be to have an eicr (electrical installation condition report) carried out. the outcome would be satisfactory or unsatisfactory, with supporting documents and evidence.
old wiring and fuseboxes / consumer units are not necessarily unsafe (so long as they were compliant with the relevant edition of the wiring regulations at the time of install), but only an electrical inspection and testing procedure can determine their current condition.
i therefore advise you get an eicr done at your property
Hi there,
you do not necessarily need a new one, so long as your current one is not unsafe and was compliant to wiring regulations at the time of install.
replacing old consumer units can only be advised, not imposed, unless there are faulty wiring / components inside, or essential protection measures missing.
this is only guidance - a definitive answer to your question cannot be provided without inspecting (and testing) your installation
Hi there,
while it is not a requirement that you do so, it is highly recommended as a modern, 18th edition compliant consumer unit will offer much better protection than the one you currently have.
i would recommend having it fitted by a competent electrician. if you have been in the house for 25 years and the wiring has never been checked, i would also recommend getting your electrical installation inspected and tested as this may highlight issues with the wiring itself whih may need replacing.
Hi there,
pull cord switches do fail over time, the issue you are describing is a common issue. the issue could be with the switch mechanism itself, or also a conductor which has come loose and disconnected from its terminal, among other options.
shower pull cord switches are not expensive (around £10-15 depending on the brand) so the cost of having it replaced it minimal.
i do recommend having it checked and, if necessary, replaced by a competent electrician.