Signs that a rewire is needed

Cables run through our walls and fuse boxes and are hidden away in cupboards, making it all too easy to forget that the electrical wiring does need checking periodically.  Cables, sockets and switches all deteriorate with use over time, and require regular checking.  All houses should have their electrical wiring checked at least every ten years.
• Cables coated in black rubber, which was phased out in the 1960s.  Cables coated in lead or fabric are even older! Modern cables use PVC installation.
• A fuse box with a wooden back, cast iron switches and/or a haphazard mixture of circuit boxes.
• Older round-pin sockets and round light switches, braided flex hanging from ceiling roses to light fittings, black switches, and/or sockets mounted on or in skirting boards.
• Wall mounted light switches in bathrooms.

Part P imposes the requirement that "fixed electrical installations in dwellings shall be suitably designed, installed, inspected and tested so as to provide reasonable protection against their being the source of a fire or cause of injury to persons".  This means that electrical work in dwellings will need to be installed in accordance with BS 7671:2001 (The 'Wiring Regulations'), including new circuits, extensions to existing circuits and all works in high risk areas such as kitchens and bathrooms.

There are two routes that the homeowner can take to ensure that the installation or maintenance work complies with Part P:
Inform the Local Authority Building Control of proposals to carry out electrical installation work before it begins.  On completion of work, Building Control will carry out an inspection of the work for a fee.  Engage the services of an electrical contractor approved as a 'Competent Person'.

(Information supplied by NICEIC)

Arkle Bros. (London) Ltd carry out Periodic Inspection Reports to all types of Domestic, Commercial and Industrial premises. This report will inform you of the condition of your electrical installation and any areas that do not meet current standards. You are also issued a full report on any remedial works that maybe required to bring the installation to a ‘Satisfactory’ standard.

Although electrical installations are designed and constructed to a very high standard, once an installation is in operation problems can occur due to the following causes:-

• Change of ownership of the premises
• Change of use of the premises
• After alterations or additions to the original installation
• Because of any significant change in the electrical loading of the installation
• Where there is reason to believe that damage may have been caused to the installation

Periodic testing provides evidence of compliance with NICEIC Regulations.

Our test Engineers can provide Testing and Inspection of electrical installations as an essential part of ensuring compliance with the requirements of The Electricity At Work Regulations 1989 (BS7671).

Most electrical installations suffer damage and deterioration or alteration throughout their operational life.  Therefore, planned recorded electrical inspection and testing will be essential to confirm the continuing safe operation of installed installations.


The Electricity At Work Regulations 1989 places legal responsibility on the owner of an electrical installation to prevent electrical accidents.  These regulations call for all electrical systems and apparatus which are, or may be, attached to the electrical installation, to be maintained in a safe condition so that individual users may be protected from electrical shock or fire hazards.

It is essential to decide when maintenance is necessary to prevent danger.  This means that all electrical systems should be certified at least every 5 years.  The majority of clients request 100% visual examination and a 20% test of their installation every year.

Read below in our section on Part P regulations recently introduced by the government how these regulations effect every householder in the country.



Operating in our catchment area - rogue electricians

Oh! and a word of warning - BEWARE - We have recently been made aware of rogue electricians purporting to have NICEIC approval who are issuing bogus certificates.  We recommend you check out electricians credentials carefully first on the NICEIC website before using their services.

We will help you check if you are in doubt, just contact us



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An Electrical Report is similar to a Test & Inspect, in that we carry out a visual inspection of the incoming system, fuse boards and cabling. A percentage of electrical accessories are opened up and visually checked. We then prepare an Electrical Report for you, based on the visual inspection, listing any items found that do not meet current regulations, and what works are required to bring the installation up to current standards.

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From the 1st January 2005 the law changed.  The Government has amended the Building Regulations with a new Part ‘P’ requiring all domestic electrical work to be carried out by a registered electrical contractor or Tested, on completion, by a registered contractor.  All domestic electrical work in England and Wales will be enforced through local building control.

This has wide ranging implications when it comes to selling or renting out your property even to taking out building insurance.  The homeowner will be required to provide evidence, in the form of certified paperwork, that all electrical work has been carried out to BS 7671.

Arkle Bros. (London) ltd, carry out NICEIC testing and the issuance of the relevant NICEIC certification in accordance with the regulations.

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We offer a full service for all electrical installations for outside areas, bathrooms and showers which need legal certification and should not be attempted by non-approved electricians.

Any electrical work associated with 'wet rooms' i.e. where taps, sinks, baths and showers must carry an approved installation certificate.  All electrical works, carried out by Arkle Bros are provided with NICEIC Certification.



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NICEIC Approved Contractor - Industrial   Commercial   Domestic - London / Essex