Smart Home Upgrades: Are Your Electrics Ready?
Smart home technology is becoming a standard feature in modern UK homes. From voice-controlled lighting to app-based heating systems and video doorbells, smart upgrades can increase convenience, boost security and help manage energy use. But before diving into the world of smart devices, it’s essential to ask: are your home electrics ready?
At Lighthouse Electrical Contractors, we regularly help homeowners across Berkshire get their properties smart-home ready. Here’s what you need to consider before installing the latest tech.
1. Check the Condition of Your Consumer Unit
Before installing any smart technology, your consumer unit (or fuse box) must be up to date. Older units without RCD protection may not support newer smart systems safely. If your consumer unit still has rewireable fuses or you haven’t had an inspection in the last 10 years, now is the time to upgrade.
A modern consumer unit ensures your home’s circuits can handle the extra demands smart devices may bring, and more importantly, it offers better protection from electrical faults.
2. Do You Have Enough Circuits and Power?
Smart homes often rely on several new systems such as Wi-Fi-connected lighting, smart thermostats, CCTV, or EV chargers. These may need dedicated circuits or additional sockets to operate safely and efficiently. If your existing setup is already running close to capacity, an electrical upgrade might be necessary.
A qualified electrician can assess whether your current system has room for expansion and can install additional circuits where needed.
3. Consider Network Infrastructure
While not strictly an electrical issue, the backbone of any smart home is a strong and reliable internet connection. If you’re planning to install multiple smart devices, it’s worth thinking about where your routers and extenders will be placed and whether they need power in lofts, garages or outbuildings. We can install sockets or network wiring in hard-to-reach areas to support this.
4. Plan Ahead for Future Tech
Even if you’re starting with a couple of smart plugs and a video doorbell, it pays to futureproof your home. Ask us about flexible solutions that will make it easier to add to your system later, like integrated USB sockets, additional data points, or smart-ready lighting circuits.
Ready to Upgrade?
Whether you're taking your first steps into smart tech or planning a full home automation system, Lighthouse Electrical Contractors can help ensure your electrics are safe, up to standard and ready for the future. We serve homes across Berkshire with trusted advice, high-quality installations and a focus on safety.
Get in touch today for a free quote or to arrange a home electrical assessment.
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