Changing the position or having new lighting installed in your build should be a carefully considered process.
Image: Ligne Roset
Make sure your fittings are properly installed by following this advice from Darren Staniforth, technical expert at the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting.
Hire a professional
Hire a qualified electrician, such as those registered with NICEIC. It’s the best way of ensuring a quality job that will be carried out safely. Contractors registered with NICEIC are assessed on a regular basis to ensure that they are competent and capable of meeting the relevant technical and safety standards. They are also authorised to selfcertify their work to the local building control body on your behalf, saving you both time and money.
Image: Davey Lighting
Planning a project
Any electrical work should be considered at the beginning of the project. If the wiring is more than 25 years old, then rewiring is advisable. This could cause a large amount of disruption as it is likely that all switches, fittings, sockets and the fuse box will be replaced as well as the wiring.
IP ratings
Wet areas such as kitchens or bathrooms are high-risk areas for lighting. It’s important to understand IP ratings, which indicate how wellprotected equipment is against water ingress. The IP rating required depends on where fittings will be installed. Some work may need to comply with Part P of the building regulations.
Image: Fritz Fryer
Gather quotes
There is no typical cost for this work, as each job and property is different. Get at least three quotes and remember, the lowest quote does not always mean the best job, so look at testimonials.
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