Q&As
Need an electrician in Waltham Forest? Get in touch with ZJ Electrical Services today! We’re your local experts, ready to assist with all your electrical needs. On this page, you can find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
Get in Touch with Your Waltham Forest Electricians
Reach out to your trusted Waltham Forest electrician with ease. Fill out our simple form below with your name, phone number, email, and a brief message about your electrical needs. Whether you’re after a quote for solar panel installation or need an electrician in Waltham Forest for a quick fix, we’ll get back to you promptly. We know how important it is to have a responsive team for electrical services in Waltham Forest, so we make communication a priority. Prefer to chat?
Our Location
Ways to reach out
- Phone: 02036627573
- Email: info@zjelectricalservices.co.uk
Business Hours
We’re available Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 6 PM, and Saturday, 9 AM to 3 PM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need a consumer unit upgrade?
You may need a consumer unit upgrade if your current unit is outdated, lacks RCD protection, has insufficient capacity for your electrical needs, shows signs of damage, or doesn’t comply with current regulations. Modern consumer units offer better safety features and are required to meet current electrical standards.
How many smoke alarms do I need?
At minimum, you need one smoke alarm on each floor of your home. For optimal safety, install smoke alarms in hallways and landings on each floor, and in rooms with high fire risk like kitchens and living rooms. All smoke alarms should be interconnected so when one detects smoke, all alarms sound.
Does it cost more to book electrician to come over a weekend
Yes, we do charge a premium rate for weekend appointments to accommodate our technicians’ work-life balance. Our standard weekend surcharge is applied to Saturday bookings. Please note that our team is not available for appointments on Sundays, as this is reserved as a day off for our staff. We’d be happy to schedule you for a weekday appointment or Saturday if your needs are urgent.
Can I upgrade my switch to a dimmer switch
Yes, if you have a dimmable lighting (led strip, bulbs)
What is EIC?
An EIC (Electrical Installation Certificate) is documentation provided after new electrical installations or major rewiring work. It confirms that the new installation complies with BS7671 wiring regulations and has passed the required tests for safety and functionality.
Whats is a 5amp socket
It’s a socket used for lights only.
What is EICR?
An EICr (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is a detailed assessment of the condition of an existing electrical installation. It identifies any damage, deterioration, defects, or dangerous conditions in your electrical system. This inspection is conducted by a qualified electrician.
When do I need an EICR done?
You should have an EICR done:
- For rental properties: Every 5 years or when tenants change
- For homeowners: Every 10 years or when purchasing a property
- For commercial properties: Every 5 years or as required by insurance
- After major electrical work or renovations
- If you notice any electrical issues or have concerns about your system
What is RCD?
An RCD (Residual Current Device) is a safety device that quickly disconnects the electricity supply when it detects an imbalance in the electrical current, which could indicate a fault or current leakage. RCDs provide protection against electric shock and are designed to prevent fatal electric shocks.
What is RCBO?
An RCBO (Residual Current Breaker with Overcurrent Protection) combines the functions of an RCD and a circuit breaker. It protects against both residual current faults (electric shock) and overcurrent conditions (overloads and short circuits) in a single device, offering enhanced protection for individual circuits.
Do I need a metal consumer unit?
Current regulations (Amendment 3 of the 18th Edition of BS7671) require consumer units installed in domestic properties to be made of non-combustible material (typically metal) if they’re located in an escape route or main circulation area. This requirement aims to reduce fire risks.
How can I reduce my electricity bill?
To reduce your electricity bill:
- Switch to LED lighting
- Use energy-efficient appliances
- Unplug devices when not in use
- Install a smart meter to monitor usage
- Add insulation to reduce heating/cooling needs
- Use timers or smart controls for heating systems
- Maintain your electrical systems for optimal efficiency
- Consider renewable energy options like solar panels
Can I have underfloor heating installed?
Yes, underfloor heating can be installed in most homes. There are two main types: electric (easier to install, especially in existing homes) and water-based (more efficient for larger areas). Installation is possible during new construction or renovation, though retrofitting may require raising floor levels or removing existing flooring.
Can I have a car charger installed?
Yes, home EV chargers can be installed for most properties with off-street parking. Installation requires a dedicated circuit from your consumer unit and sufficient electrical capacity. A qualified electrician will assess your property’s suitability and may recommend upgrades to your electrical supply if needed.
Which car charger should I get installed - Zappi or Hypervolt? Which app and customer service is better?
Both Zappi and Hypervolt offer quality home EV charging solutions:
Zappi offers excellent integration with solar panels and home energy systems, allowing you to charge your vehicle using excess solar energy. Their app provides comprehensive energy monitoring and their customer service is known for being knowledgeable about renewable energy integration.
Hypervolt offers a sleek design and user-friendly experience with competitive pricing. Their app is intuitive and provides detailed charging analytics, while their customer service typically offers quick response times.
The best choice depends on your specific needs—Zappi is ideal if you have or plan to install solar panels, while Hypervolt may be better if you prioritize a streamlined user experience and design.
Whats is SPD?
SPD stands for Surge Protective Device. An SPD is a component designed to protect electrical systems and equipment against voltage spikes, also known as transient overvoltages or surges.
Key features and functions of SPDs include:
Diverting excess voltage: SPDs detect voltage surges and divert the excess current to ground, protecting downstream equipment.
Response time: They respond extremely quickly (within nanoseconds) to voltage spikes.
Classification: SPDs are typically categorized into different types or classes (Type 1, 2, and 3) based on their installation location and protection level.
Protection against: Lightning strikes, switching operations in the power grid, and other causes of transient overvoltages.
Common applications: Used in electrical distribution panels, power supplies, communication systems, and to protect sensitive electronic equipment.
SPDs are essential components in comprehensive electrical protection systems, particularly in areas prone to lightning or in facilities with sensitive electronic equipment.