Smart Home Upgrades: Are Your Electrics Ready?

With electric vehicles (EVs) becoming more popular across the UK, many homeowners are looking to install EV chargers at home for faster, more convenient charging. If you’ve recently bought an electric car or are planning to, it’s important to understand what’s involved in getting a charger installed. At Lighthouse Electrical Contractors, we regularly install EV chargers across Berkshire and the surrounding areas. Here’s what you need to know before getting started. 1. Why Install a Home EV Charger? While you can charge an EV using a standard 3-pin plug, it’s not ideal. It’s slow, inefficient, and not designed for regular high-load charging. A dedicated home EV charger is: Much faster (typically 7kW vs 2.4kW from a 3-pin plug) Safer for regular use More energy efficient Often controllable via an app to schedule charging during off-peak times Installing a proper charger makes charging your vehicle as simple as plugging in overnight. 2. Is My Home Suitable? Most homes with off-street parking (like a driveway or garage) are suitable for an EV charger. You'll need: A suitable wall or post to mount the charger Access to your consumer unit Adequate electrical capacity Before any installation, we carry out a site survey to check your existing electrical system can support a charger safely. If your consumer unit is outdated, we may recommend an upgrade before installation. 3. Choosing the Right Charger There are a range of EV chargers available in the UK, from simple plug-and-go units to smart chargers that work with solar panels, track your energy use and allow you to control charging from your phone. We’ll help you choose a charger that suits your vehicle, budget and lifestyle – and we install chargers compatible with all major EV brands. 4. What Does Installation Involve? Installation usually takes half a day. We: Assess and test your electrical system Install the charger neatly and safely Fully test the unit Provide certification and user guidance All our installations are fully compliant with the latest wiring regulations and come with certification for your peace of mind. Ready to Go Electric? If you’re ready to make the switch to electric, make sure your home is ready too. At Lighthouse Electrical Contractors, we offer professional EV charger installations across Berkshire, with expert advice and reliable service. Contact us today to book a free survey or to discuss your EV charging options.

At Lighthouse Electrical Contractors, we’re often asked about consumer units and why they matter so much in a home’s electrical system. As trusted electricians based in Berkshire with over a decade of experience, we believe every homeowner should have a basic understanding of their consumer unit – what it does, how it protects you, and when it might need updating. What Is a Consumer Unit ? A consumer unit, sometimes called a fuse box or distribution board, is the heart of your home’s electrical system. It distributes electricity from the main supply to different circuits around your property – including lighting, sockets, kitchen appliances and more. You’ll usually find it near your electricity meter, often under the stairs or in a hallway or utility room. Modern consumer units are equipped with safety devices that protect you and your home from electrical faults. These include circuit breakers, RCDs (residual current devices) and sometimes AFDDs (arc fault detection devices), which are designed to prevent electric shocks, fires and damage to appliances. Key Components of a Consumer Unit Main Switch This allows you to turn off all power in your home quickly. It’s vital in an emergency or when electrical work is being carried out. Circuit Breakers (MCBs) These automatically cut the power to a circuit if too much current flows through it, helping to prevent overheating and electrical fires. Residual Current Devices (RCDs) RCDs are essential safety features. They detect when electricity is flowing down an unintended path – such as through a person – and shut off power instantly to reduce the risk of electric shock. RCBOs These combine the features of an MCB and an RCD and offer protection for individual circuits. They are becoming more common in modern consumer unit setups. AFDDs Although not yet mandatory in every property, AFDDs detect potentially dangerous electrical arcs and shut the circuit off before a fire can start. These are especially useful in high-risk areas or vulnerable properties. Why Consumer Units Matter A modern consumer unit plays a crucial role in: Protecting your home and family With safety mechanisms in place, consumer units help prevent electrical fires and protect against electrocution. Meeting UK regulations Consumer units need to comply with the latest wiring regulations, known as BS 7671. Upgrading an old unit can bring your system in line with current safety standards. Supporting new appliances and upgrades If you're installing a new kitchen, electric shower or car charger, your consumer unit may need additional capacity or better protection. When Should You Upgrade? At Lighthouse Electrical Contractors, we recommend looking at an upgrade if: Your existing fuse box still uses traditional wire fuses There’s no RCD protection in place The electrical system is more than 25 years old You’re renovating, extending or adding new circuits You’ve had an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) that highlights concerns Only a qualified and registered electrician should replace a consumer unit. All our work complies with Part P of the Building Regulations, and we handle notification to building control on your behalf. Trust Lighthouse Electrical Contractors With over a decade of experience and five-star reviews across Berkshire and the surrounding areas, Lighthouse Electrical Contractors are your local experts in consumer unit upgrades, inspections and installations. Whether you're unsure about the state of your existing fuse box or you're planning a home renovation, we’re here to offer honest advice and high-quality workmanship. Contact us today to book a free assessment or to find out more about upgrading your consumer unit.

If your lights keep tripping, it can be frustrating and disruptive. At Lighthouse Electrical Contractors, we’ve been serving Wokingham and Berkshire for years with expert electrical maintenance and repairs. Here are some common reasons your lights may be tripping and why you should consult a qualified Berkshire electrician.

As the days grow longer and warmer, your garden becomes an extension of your home—a space for relaxation, entertainment, and family gatherings. One of the best ways to enhance the beauty and usability of your outdoor space is through strategic lighting. In this blog, we’ll explore how to transform your garden using lighting, creating a magical ambience and extending the enjoyment of your outdoor area well into the evening. Define Your Goals Before diving into the world of garden lighting, it’s essential to define what you want to achieve. Are you looking to create a cosy atmosphere for nighttime gatherings, highlight specific features of your garden, or improve safety along pathways? Knowing your goals will help guide your lighting choices. Choose the Right Type of Lighting There are several types of outdoor lighting to consider: Pathway Lights : These lights illuminate walkways and driveways, making them safer while adding charm to your garden. Solar-powered options are eco-friendly and easy to install. Spotlights : Use spotlights to highlight specific features like trees, sculptures, or architectural elements. This creates visual interest and draws attention to focal points. String Lights : Perfect for creating a cosy atmosphere, string lights can be draped over patios, trees, or fences. They provide soft lighting and a festive feel, ideal for outdoor parties. Wall Lights : Installing wall-mounted fixtures on your home or garden walls can provide general lighting and enhance the architectural features of your property. Deck and Step Lights : These are essential for safety, providing illumination on stairs and deck edges. They can also add a stylish touch to your outdoor living spaces. Consider Dimming Options Incorporating dimmable lights allows you to adjust the brightness according to the occasion. Whether you want bright lighting for a barbecue or softer lighting for a romantic dinner, dimmable options provide versatility. Use Layers of Light Just like in interior design, layering your lighting creates depth and interest. Combine ambient lighting (general illumination), task lighting (focused light for specific areas), and accent lighting (highlighting features) to achieve a well-balanced effect. Incorporate Smart Lighting Smart lighting systems offer convenience and control. With features like programmable schedules, remote access, and smartphone integration, you can adjust your garden lights from anywhere. You can also set timers to ensure your lights turn on at dusk and off at dawn automatically. Choose Energy-Efficient Options Consider using LED lights for your garden. They are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and come in a variety of styles and colours. Additionally, solar-powered lights are a great eco-friendly option, harnessing the sun’s energy to illuminate your garden. Plan Your Layout Take time to plan where you want to position your lights. Walk around your garden during the day and envision how you want it to look at night. Mark key features you want to highlight and determine the best locations for your lights. A well-thought-out layout will ensure a cohesive look and effective lighting. Professional Installation While some outdoor lighting options can be installed as a DIY project, hiring a qualified electrician from Lighthouse Electrical Contractors ensures your system is safely and correctly installed. Our experienced team can help with complex wiring, positioning lights for maximum effect, and integrating smart technology into your setup. Conclusion Transforming your garden with lighting not only enhances its beauty but also extends its usability, allowing you to enjoy your outdoor space throughout the evening. Whether you want to create a cosy atmosphere for family gatherings or highlight the stunning features of your garden, the right lighting can make all the difference. If you need help with your garden lighting project, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Lighthouse Electrical Contractors.

An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is needed to assess the safety of your property's electrical wiring and installations, identifying potential hazards like faulty wiring, damaged sockets, or overloaded circuits, which could lead to electric shocks or fires, thus protecting occupants and ensuring compliance with safety regulations, especially if you are a landlord renting out a property; essentially, it's a way to proactively check if your electrical system is safe to use. Key reasons to get an EICR: Safety: To identify and address potential electrical risks before they cause harm. Legal Compliance: In many regions, landlords are legally required to provide an EICR to tenants, facing penalties if they don't. Peace of Mind: Knowing your electrical system is up to standard provides reassurance for both homeowners and tenants. Property Sale: When selling a house, an EICR can be beneficial to demonstrate the property's electrical safety to potential buyers. Insurance Requirements: Some insurance companies may request an EICR, especially for older properties. What does an EICR check? Consumer units, Wiring condition, Sockets and switches, Protective bonding, and Lighting circuits. If you are in need of an EICR on your home, please get in touch with us today on 07436 003 624.

Rewiring a house can be a significant expense due to the safety risks posed by damaged or deteriorating wiring. But how do you know when rewiring is necessary? There are no strict rules—having old wiring doesn’t automatically mean it’s unsafe. Wear and tear vary depending on the materials used and the property’s electrical history.