Electrical FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions from our Customers in Bath

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07855 976 782

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page! Here, we’ve compiled a list of the most common inquiries we receive from our valued customers in Bath. Whether you’re looking for information about our services you’ll find the answers you need right here. If you have any additional questions or require further assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact me!”

For EV Charger Owners

Should I charge my electric car every night?

Most people have regular driving habits and will typically use their electric cars to commute to work each day. As such, charging an electric vehicle twice a week will usually suffice.

How long does it take to charge an electric vehicle?

When you charge an electric vehicle, many factors affect how long it can take, such as the speed of the electric charging point, the size of the battery in the vehicle, and how depleted the battery is by the time you go to charge it. Fully charging an electric vehicle can take 30 minutes to 12 hours or more. A typical electric car takes just under 8 hours to fully charge from empty, assuming a 7kw charging point is used.

What are the different types of EV charging?

Slow Charging

Slow EV charging is the slowest type of charging available, and a standard 3.6 kW 230-volt outlet is typically used. Slow EV charge points can take up to 24 hours to fully charge an electric vehicle. These chargers are generally used in homes or workplaces where quick charging is not necessary.

Fast Charging

Fast EV charge points typically use a 7 kW 230 V outlet. It can take up to 12 hours to fully charge an electric vehicle. These chargers are usually found in homes and public places where users may need to charge their vehicles more quickly.

Rapid Charging

Rapid EV charge points are the fastest type of chargers available, typically using 50 kW to 200 kW DC outlets. Rapid EV charge points can take just one hour to fully charge an electric vehicle. These chargers are usually employed in commercial or industrial settings where quick charging is essential.

Will I have to wait in all day for an electrician to attend?

We always strive to inconvenience you as little as possible. We aim to book a pre-arranged date and time with you; however, there are times when we may need to offer you a morning or afternoon slot. If your job is urgent, we may be able to give you a call at short notice if we receive a cancellation.

How does an EV charging station work?

Charging stations come in many different shapes and sizes, from wall-mounted options to those that are mounted on pedestals or installed in the ground. First, you need to plug your vehicle into the charging station, which sends electricity to the battery. This charging process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 24 hours, depending on the make and model of your vehicle. Once your car’s battery is fully charged, the charging station will typically stop supplying power automatically.

How much does an EV charging station cost?

If you are looking for a brand-new EV charging station, you should consider the cost first. Prices can start from around £800 for a brand-new electric vehicle charging station; however, you should aim to get the best option for your property. There are some OZEV grants available to subsidize the cost of a charging station. Visit the gov.uk website for more information about the latest grant schemes.

For Home Owners

Who do you work for?

We carry out work for both domestic and commercial customers, including homeowners, landlords, retail premises, restaurants, main contractors, and other commercial entities

What areas do you cover?

We primarily work in Bath and the surrounding areas, including Somerset.

What are your hours?

Our standard working hours are from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, Monday to Friday

Will I have to wait in all day for an electrician to attend?

Are you insured?

Yes, we have employers’ liability insurance and public liability insurance.

What’s involved in rewiring my house?

We are experienced in making the rewire as hassle- and mess-free as possible. However, rewiring is disruptive and invasive work. For a full rewire, every room will need to have the following carried out:

– Furniture moved out
– Floor coverings are taken up
– Floorboards lifted
– Walls chased out for switches/sockets where necessary
– Dust and mess during the period of work (although we always clean up at the end of the day)

To rewire lighting upstairs, we will likely need the loft to be cleared to gain access to the lighting points and to each switch drop.

What is an RCD and what are the benefits?

An RCD, or Residual Current Device, is designed to protect against electrocution and electrical fires by cutting off the power supply when it detects a leakage of electrical current from a circuit. An RCD monitors electric currents in circuits or individual items and will automatically switch off the electricity if there is a problem. For example, if you cut through a cable with a power tool, the power switches off, eliminating the risk of injury from electrocution.

Additionally, RCDs protect against electrical fires.

Do I need to use RCD protection on any of my circuits?

Under the BS 7671 IEE Wiring Regulations, all circuits are recommended to be protected by an RCD in most domestic situations.

Please contact us if you require any further information.

For Landlords and HMO Owners

How many smoke alarms do I need in a rental property?

Landlords are required to install a smoke detector on every storey and in every principal habitable room (e.g., kitchen and living room) of a rental property. A carbon dioxide detector is required in any room where there is a working fireplace or solid fuel appliance.

How do I know if my property is compliant?

As a landlord, you must comply with health and safety regulations and ensure that any wiring or power devices within your properties meet current regulations. You should have the wiring, distribution boards, and power systems in your property checked regularly to reduce the risk of overloading devices or causing a fire.

How many sockets should be in each bedroom of an HMO?

A standard bedroom should have a minimum of three sockets, although we always suggest that these sockets be fitted as twin outlets, providing the user with more flexibility and reducing the likelihood of using dangerous extension cords. In other parts of the house, the number of sockets can vary depending on room size and function.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us.

For Owners and Managers of Commercial Properties

What are the Legal Requirements for businesses?

The law requires that all business owners, their directors, managers, and employees comply with ‘The Electricity at Work Regulations.’ It mandates that all electrical systems be maintained to ensure safety at all times and that no system or part of it may pose a danger during either normal operation or under fault conditions.

Test reports, along with other preventative maintenance documentation, will form the basis of proof that you have met these requirements and will provide your best defence against prosecution should the need arise. Business duty holders are responsible for establishing adequate maintenance programs and must assess the needs and frequency requirements for testing, maintaining, and monitoring electrical systems and equipment.

Why do I need to have my wiring tested?

Electricity will always find the easiest path to earth. Any faults or weaknesses within your electrical installation or portable appliances can go undetected. In the event of another fault developing, this could lead to a serious risk of fire, electrocution, or death.

For example, a 13-amp ring main without earth continuity could render all metal parts of appliances plugged into it ‘LIVE’ if one item on the ring developed a fault to earth. Fixed wiring testing will accurately identify faults, their locations, and usually the recommended solutions.

Will testing cause a lot of disruption to the power?

A short power outage can be expected on each circuit within the system; however, because most of the testing is carried out while the system is still live, these outages can be planned around your daily activities.

Our Team

What training do your staff have?

Our team is fully qualified in their respective fields, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our operations. Each staff member participates in regular training courses, which are designed to enhance their skills and keep them updated on the latest industry standards and practices.

Furthermore, we place a strong emphasis on health and safety; our protocols are continually assessed to ensure that we are providing a safe and compliant working environment for everyone involved.

Are you recruiting?

We are always eager to hear from fully qualified engineers who would like to join our team. If you are interested, please send your CV and a cover letter to david@peakselectrical.co.uk.

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EV CHARGER INSTALLATION

Experience the future of driving today with a home EV charge point installation. Peaks Electrical is a certified EV charge point installer in Bath, Somerset. with over 15 years of experience in electrical installations and is a qualified electrician.

Charging your electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle at home with a dedicated EV charge point provides a quick and convenient charging experience. Plus, it’s the most cost-effective way to charge your electric car.

For more information or to schedule an EV charge point installation, contact David at Peaks Electrical today.

Discover how you can enjoy the convenience and cost savings of home EV charging—get in touch to learn more!

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